Chapter 10 Walker
WALKER
“Everything okay?” I ask as Lacey walks back into the kitchen and heads straight for the bottle of gin I keep on the counter. I could be more civilized, I guess, but I left all my sophistication in Chicago.
And the counter works just fine.
“Sometimes I feel like I’ve never met that man in my life,” she grumbles, taking a swig from the bottle before pulling a glass down from the cabinet.
Wow.
She glares when I take the bottle from her and cap it, crossing my arms as I wait for her to spill. She’s only had a donut since she got here, and there’s no way downing a bottle of alcohol is going to end well.
“Lace.”
“I don’t know, okay?” She throws her arms out wide as we face off. “It was weird and—” My phone buzzes on the counter as she growls and runs her fingers through her blonde hair. “Aren’t you going to get that?”
“No.”
“I know it’s my brother—just check it.”
“Why?”
“Because maybe you’ll be as freaked out as I am.”
Confused, I grab my phone and swipe to open the screen.
MURPHY: Wear a condom
“What the fuck…”
“Exactly,” she huffs, but I can’t look at her because suddenly things are weird.
WALKER: Dude you’re talking about me having sex with your sister. WTF is wrong with you?
MURPHY: No…I’m saying that you guys have wasted enough time pretending there isn’t something between you
MURPHY: So go and be happy together
MURPHY: I’ve known you both my whole life—you guys are the only two that can’t see it
WALKER: Dude
MURPHY: YOU ARE SNOWED IN TOGETHER
MURPHY: That’s some cheesy movie shit right there
WALKER: I might actually be speechless
MURPHY: Because you know I’m right
WALKER: And you don’t think this is overstepping even a little?
MURPHY: Oh, it totally is but you guys needed it
MURPHY: So wear a condom
MURPHY: Or don’t, I don’t care
MURPHY: I’d love a niece or nephew
Throwing my phone onto the counter, I can’t help but gape at it. Was that supposed to be some kind of reverse psychology? Like my best friend is so on board with me being with his sister that it makes the idea less appealing?
Because honestly, I think it’s working.
“Told you,” Lacey says smugly.
Sliding the bottle back to her, I nod toward the cabinet. “Pour me one and I’ll find us something to eat.”
“Deal.”
An hour later, Lacey and I are a mess, giggling like teenage girls over a half-eaten pizza and a suspiciously empty bottle of gin.
It was good gin.
The kind that’s infused with flowers or fruit.
Murphy would make fun of me if he saw it, but Sawyer wouldn’t comment because he wouldn’t care.
Because he’s awesome.
And currently my number one best friend.
I wonder how Murphy is gonna react…
“Why are you smiling?” Lacey says on a hiccup that’s high-pitched and adorable, her cheeks flushed and her eyes a little glassy.
“Thinking about telling your brother he’s my second best friend right now.”
Sucking in a breath, she shakes her head. “He’ll be devastated,” she says with mock sympathy.
“I know,” I gloat. “He deserves it.”
Yawning, Lacey stretches in her seat and I glance at the clock on the microwave. I have to squint, because apparently I drank more than I thought, but finally realize it’s after midnight.
Thank God we put the cookie dough in the fridge.
Lacey definitely needs to rest, but tonight has been one of the best nights I’ve had in a long time, and honestly, I don’t want it to end.
“You’re falling asleep.”
“I am not.” Her protest is accompanied by another yawn, and I snort as I push back from the table, taking a second to steady myself before offering her my hand.
“Let’s go.”
“You trying to get me into bed, Walker?” She grins and I chuff out a laugh.
“Yes, but we’re going to sleep.” With a pointed look, I add, “Tonight.”
Tomorrow is a whole new ballgame.