I make a gagging sound, “Jesus, Em.”
Ty laughs in the background, “You know, you are overdue for a spanking.”
“I have to go. My ears are actually bleeding.”
“No way!” Emma squeals, “Not without spilling the tea.”
“You are fishing for information that doesn’t exist, sis.”
She rolls her eyes, “No. I want information that you can’t admit exists. There’s a difference. Stop worrying about everyone else and focus on yourself and what makes you happy.”
“I don’t want to hurt anyone.”
“Stop that right now,” She demands, “You deserve to be happy, just like everyone else. Hanna knows that too. She’ll understand.”
“It’s more complicated than that.”
“For you or for Karly?” She asks.
“For Karly, I guess.”
“Ha!” She yells, “I knew it. You walked right into that one!”
I give her a hateful stare.
“Okay, okay. I’ll stop. Just tell me what I can do to help?”
I laugh and shake my head, “literally nothing. I’m in a tough spot, and I’m just going to let everything fall into place.”
“So you haven’t told Hanna you wanna date her bestie?”
“No. I haven’t even spoken to Hanna since the wedding. I don’t know what Karly and I are.”
Emma cringes, “I love you, big brother, but this is really stupid. Things aren’t going to fall into place. They are going to crash. Hard.”
I change the subject quickly because I don’t want to think about how this perfect bubble is about to pop.
CHAPTER 11
KARLY
“Mom, that is such a long drive. I have so much going on this week with final edits for the app.”
She huffs, “Come on, dear. Your father’s birthday only rolls around once a year.”
“I know, Ma. You’re right. I guess I could make the trip, but don’t be disappointed if I spend a few hours a day working from my laptop.”
“Oh, that’s so great, Karly Jo. Your father will be so surprised. So long as you don’t bring that boyfriend of yours. You know how your father feels about that.”
I sigh, remembering a couple years ago when I thought it was smart to introduce Ashton to my family.
“Ashton and I broke up for good a while ago, Mama. I’m actually seeing someone else.”
It’s like I can visualize the interest on her face when she speaks, “Oh darling, I had no idea. You must bring him.”
I backpedaled at the thought of subjecting Eric to the craziness of my parents, “Oh no. We are new, Mom. I don’t need Daddy scaring him away.”
“Don’t be so dramatic, Karly. Your father just wants you to find someone worthy of your attention. If he has to run a few off, then so be it.”