Faking Ms. Right (Dirty Martini Running Club #1) - Claire Kingsley Page 0,9
but always seemed to have her life together in ways I didn’t. She was very goal-oriented and driven. She’d graduated both high school and college early. Passed her CPA exam with flying colors. She was brilliant, successful, beautiful. Married to Miranda, the coolest woman ever. They were remodeling their second house together, because both of them were freaking overachievers.
It wasn’t that I was jealous. Jealousy was so negative. But I did tend to feel a bit inferior next to my baby sister. I still lived in an apartment I rented. My job was great, but executive assistant didn’t sound nearly as impressive as CPA. Not even if I was an assistant to one of the most prominent businessmen in Seattle.
“Hey, sis.” Annie stood and hugged me. She looked a lot like me, except her hair was a little darker and cut in a sleek bob. As usual, she looked stylish in a blouse and slacks.
Miranda stood for a hug. She wore glasses and never fewer than four colors at a time. She was breezy and artistic, and it showed in her wavy hair and eclectic style. Although she and my sister seemed so different, they were great together.
“Hey, you two,” I said as we all took our seats. “How’s everything?”
“Good,” Annie said. “How about you? I feel like it’s been ages since we’ve seen you.”
“Yeah, I guess so,” I said. “I’m good. Work is busy, of course.”
“Isn’t it always?” Annie asked. “What about your personal life? Anyone special you need to tell us about?”
I shook my head. Annie was great, but she’d never been the person I confided in. I didn’t really want to tell her about my latest adventures in dating. “No, I’m not seeing anyone.”
“Why not?” she asked. “Honestly, Everly, I can’t believe you’re still single.”
Miranda nudged her. “Annie.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I just know how great you are, that’s all.”
“Thanks. And it’s okay. I’m taking a break from dating for a while.”
“That’s wonderful,” Miranda said. “I think it’s smart to focus on you. I did that a few years ago and it was the best decision I ever made.”
“You hardly took a dating break,” Annie said. “You met me a few weeks in, didn’t you?”
“Exactly,” Miranda said. “I’m a firm believer that the right person comes into your life only when you stop looking for them.”
“Hmm,” Annie said. “She might have a point.”
“Yeah, maybe,” I said. “I’m in a good place with everything. Work is fine, and being single isn’t so bad.”
“Of course not,” Annie said.
“So what about you guys?” I asked. “What’s new?”
“Well,” Annie said, glancing at Miranda, “we actually have news.”
“Yeah?” I asked. “Oh god, please don’t tell me you’re moving out of state or something.”
“No, we’re not moving,” Annie said. “Actually, we’re going to try for a baby.”
“Aw,” I said, squashing the nasty little flare of envy that tried to take root in my tummy. So what if I was older than her and single? And so what if Annie was happily married, and about to make our mother’s dreams come true by giving her a grandchild? That didn’t matter, and I wasn’t going to rain on Annie’s parade. “That’s amazing. I’m so happy for you both.”
“Thanks,” Annie said. “We’ve always known we want kids, and the timing just feels right.”
Miranda took her hand and squeezed it. “Exactly. It’s a big decision, but we’re ready.”
“You two will be the best parents,” I said. “How are you going to go about it? Will you adopt?”
“Well, we will if we decide we want more than one,” Miranda said. “But Annie really wants to experience pregnancy.”
Annie nodded. “I do. I know it’s probably going to give me stretch marks and ruin my boobs, but I don’t care. I want to do it anyway.”
“It’s not going to ruin your boobs,” Miranda said. “And I’m going to love your body even if you get stretch marks.”
Annie beamed at her.
“I think this is great,” I said.
“You do?” Annie asked.
“Yeah. Why, did you think I wouldn’t be happy for you?”
“No, we knew you’d be happy,” Annie said. “Aren’t you always?”
I shrugged. “Not literally always. But of course I’m happy about this. I get to be an auntie. What’s not to love?”
Annie took a deep breath and exchanged another look with Miranda. “We were really hoping you’d be supportive.”
I narrowed my eyes and tilted my head. “Yeah, of course I am.”