Stepping into the house, I heard their laughter immediately. Bethy’s stood out among the others. She was enjoying their company. I almost turned around and went back outside. Seeing me might ruin the happy mood she was in. I never brought a smile to her face. But I wanted to see her.
When I entered the kitchen, Blaire’s eyes met mine, and she smiled. “Hey, Tripp.”
The other three heads turned in my direction. Although I didn’t miss that Bethy’s was the last to look my way, I smiled and tried to look casual. “You bored with the male conversation outside?” Della asked.
“Y’all look like you’re having more fun in here,” I replied.
“Oh, we are,” Della assured me.
They all were looking at me as if they wanted to know why I had come into their lair. I had to say something. Staring at Bethy was too obvious. “I was just checking to see what sides you have to go with the steak. London doesn’t eat red meat.”
As soon as it was out of my mouth, I wanted to pull it back in. Why had I brought up London, dammit? Bethy turned to study her margarita, and Harlow reached for some fruit. Blaire actually glared at me.
I’d pissed off the women. Great.
“Uh, sure. We have strawberry salad, baked potatoes, asparagus, and butter rolls. If I’d known she didn’t eat red meat, I could have gotten her some salmon.”
Bethy was drinking her margarita like it was water. Her laughter was gone, and it was all my fault. Just because I wanted to see her.
“That’s fine. She knew it was a barbecue. She should have spoken up before now. She can eat the sides. Sure she eats some of that.”
“She can eat the spinach leaves out of the strawberry salad. I’m sure that’s what she normally eats,” Bethy said, and tipped her margarita glass back again.
Harlow’s eyes went wide, and Blaire ducked her head to snicker.
No one else said anything.
Was Bethy taking a jab at London? Or was I reading this wrong?
“I’m sure you’re right,” I finally replied, and Bethy turned her head to look up at me. I was afraid I would see something there that would upset me, but instead, she looked ready to laugh. Her lips pressed together as if she was holding in her amusement. She was making fun of London. My chest tightened. She was jealous. Bethy wasn’t exactly moving on after all.
“You should probably get back outside. You left London out there with the men. I’m sure she’s bored,” Blaire said.
I glanced over at her and nodded. They were kicking me out. I got that.
Right when I opened the door to walk outside, I heard the first laugh. Then the entire kitchen broke into laughter. Smiling, I closed the door behind me.
Woods turned around with an amused look. “What’d you say to make them laugh like that?”
I shrugged. “I’m a funny guy.”
“Who lied to you?” Grant asked.
I ignored him and looked at London. “You eat raw spinach?” I asked.
“Yes,” she replied.
Bethy
Dinner had been interesting. Thad got there just in time to eat—he’d been caught up in a meeting with his dad. I was relieved to see him. Being the odd one out was awkward, but Thad being there without a date made it OK.
After downing the margarita to deal with Tripp being in the kitchen, worrying about London, I switched to water. I was done numbing myself with the stuff.
Blaire sat across from me, and Della was on the other side of Thad. Tripp and London were at the other end of the table near Grant and Harlow. It made it easier not to look at them.
“I’m glad everyone was able to come tonight. You are our closest friends, and you’ve become my family,” Della said, smiling as she looked over at Woods.
Conversation ceased, and all eyes had moved to Della.