“Thanks.” She smiled. “Nice to know I have so many connections.”
I laughed, determined to keep things light. “Yeah, amazing connections at jobs that pay nothing and make no use of your diploma.”
“Beggars can’t be choosers. Besides, didn’t all of you go to college?”
“Yeah, but we’ve accepted we’re wasting away our lives.” At least I was trying to accept it.
She crossed her legs. “I wouldn’t call it wasting your life, just postponing the next stage.”
“What do you mean? I can’t fry fish at the Grille forever?” Brody’s laugh carried over the sound of whatever it was he was sautéing. “By the way I’m almost done.”
Carly turned toward the kitchen. “I guess that depends on how good of a chef you are.”
Brody peeked over the half wall. “You’ll find out soon.”
“Great.” She stood up. “Can I use your restroom real quick?”
“Sure, you remember where it is, right?” She’d spent the night at our place once after a game of cards went overtime.
She gave me a look of disbelief. “It hasn’t been that long.” She walked down the hall.
Brody leaned over the wall. “Be careful, man. She’s Colin’s sister.”
“What? I was just talking to her.”
“Yeah. Right.” Brody didn’t say anything else, but he didn’t have to. I was interested in Carly, but hooking up with a girl I’d have to see all the time wasn’t a good idea. I brushed off the thought. That didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy the company.
Chapter Five
Carly
Maddy didn’t arrive alone. Colin walked in right behind her. I checked my watch twice to make sure I wasn’t imaging things. Colin was out of work on a weeknight at seven o’clock? Wonders never cease.
“What are you doing here?” I eyed Colin skeptically. “Was there a hurricane evacuation I was unaware of?”
“I could be asking you the same question. What are you doing here, Carly?”
“I came over looking for Maddy.”
“Uh huh.” He glanced at Macon and back at me. I got the distinct impression Maddy had mentioned the phone number exchange to him.
“And now I’ve found Maddy.” I tried to ease the slight tension. Did he really care if I hung out with Maddy’s roommates? I mean Maddy lived with these guys after all.
“I brought dessert.” Maddy held up a tray covered in tin foil.
“You baked again?” Macon asked doubtfully.
“Yes. This time I made chocolate peanut butter cookie bars.”
“It’s better than oatmeal raisin.” Macon took the tray from her and started toward the kitchen.
Maddy rested a hand on her hip. “Hey, those cookies were good.”
Colin put an arm around her. “Yes they were, babe. He knows that.” It was still weird seeing my brother in the boyfriend role.
I decided to ease the slight awkwardness that seemed to have followed Maddy and Colin in. “Is there anything I can do? Want me to set the table or something?”
“I’ll help with that too.” Maddy walked into the kitchen and handed me a pile of bowls. I got to work setting them out at their rectangular table while she folded napkins and set out the silverware. I had a brief flashback to college and setting the table for the “dinner parties” we liked to throw. We thought we were so cool and adult. I wondered how long I’d keep in touch with my college friends. My parents barely talked to theirs anymore. Then again, they barely talked to me.
“Macon, can you open the Bordeaux I have in the wine fridge?” Brody called over his shoulder.
“Wine fridge?” I looked around in surprise. “You guys have one?”
“Of course we do.” Macon bent down to open the door to what was sure enough a wine fridge hidden in the corner of the small kitchen. “We’re high class here.”
I laughed. “Yeah, I can see that.”
We all sat down around the table while Brody brought out his masterpiece. He served us all as he explained that he’d made a poulet basquaise. It was pretty much a French chicken, pepper, and tomato stew. I dug right in. It was delicious.
I took another bite. “Wow, you can really cook.”
“Glad you think so.” Brody leaned back in his chair. From his appearance I’d have never imagined he’d be the culinary type, but clearly looks can be deceiving.
I offered to clear the table, but Brody and Macon vetoed it. “Go relax, you’re a guest here.”
I shrugged and picked up my glass of wine. “If you say so.” I took a long sip of the red wine. Smooth and a little tangy, it seemed to perfectly compliment the stew.
I settled down in the same spot on the couch where I’d sat before. I eyed the remote but decided against turning the TV back on. Brody had just made us a gourmet meal. It seemed rude to follow that up with TV. Also, I’m pretty hopeless when it comes to figuring out remotes. I would end up turning off the TV twice just to figure out how to turn on the cable box.
Instead I closed my eyes and thought about the mess my life had become. I sighed.
“Do you want to go for a walk?” I opened my eyes to see Macon standing right in front of me. “I ate way too much and need to get some physical movement.”
I laughed. “You’re the second guy to ask me that this week.”
He cocked a smile. “And what did you tell the other guy?”
“No. I didn’t even know him.”
“But you know me… does that mean it’s a yes?” He turned his head to the side slightly.
“Sure. Why not?” I glanced around but didn’t see Colin. I’m sure he’d have an opinion on it, but it really didn’t matter. Still, I needed to at least tell him I was leaving.
I found him in Maddy’s room helping her pack up some more of her clothes. “Are you sure you don’t want to just pack up the last of it tonight? You stay at my place every night, aren’t you tired of having to come back and forth?”
I felt rude just standing there eavesdropping, so I interrupted. “I’m going out for a walk. I’ll either see you here or back at the house.”
Colin glanced up. “By yourself?”
“I’m going with Macon.”
He gave me his big brother scowl. “Be careful with him. He’s not the kind of guy you’re used to.”