They started at 7:50 this morning, and I was at Caleb's door at 7:56 in my pajamas. He opens it, unsmiling but dressed and ready for his day and I barge right in, complaining that we have noise bylaws and sleeping boys and neighbors with infants and why the fuck can't they take a week off from jackhammering the whole fucking property and then I see the purse on the counter.
Oh, you're busy.
Bridget, it's just-
Then she walks out into the living room, trying to latch her earring. Oh God. Not her.
Bridget. Still unhappy with the entire universe, are you?
Long time no see, Sophie. Too bad we don't have more time to talk but you have to leave.
Caleb and I-
Yeah, safe trip home. Get out.
You don't get to tell me what to do in his house.
Sure I do. I look at Caleb, waiting for him to pick a side. He doesn't make me wait long.
I'll have Mike take you to the airport, Sophie.
But I thought we were going to-
I forgot I have an engagement this morning. Sorry.
She scowls at me and I shoot her my winningest smile. Caleb is trying not to laugh at me at this point. I have bedhead, I know. Great.
I see. Still stringing everyone along. Quite the little piece of work you are, as always.
Bye, Sophie. My smile drops as I turn and leave. A little warning would have been nice. As I grab the railing to go down the wet stairs I hear their voices rise. A fight. Oh darn.
***
Caleb walks into the kitchen an hour later, just as I slide the first of the birthday cupcakes into the stove to bake.
Bridget, that wasn't nice.
Was it nice of you to bring her here?
She was in town for a couple days. I didn't think I had to clear it with you.
You picked my side.
Of course I did.
I'm surprised by that.
Don't be. It's the burning building question. Who would I save? Well, she may be easier, but you are more fun.
Why is that?
I think the sight of you, with your messy curls, in your Hello Kitty pajamas ready to claw the makeup right off of her face was so adorable what else could I do?
Maybe you could entertain her downtown?
At Batman's hotel? Maybe we can fill each other's ice buckets. Your post yesterday was quite genius. Throw Batman to the wolves and then they won't notice Lochlan has finally regained his Alpha status.
That's not what I did.
Then you're deluding yourself. And for the record? I slept on the couch in the living room last night. So she wasn't very happy this morning to begin with.
I actually don't want the gory details.
Well, I'm going to give them to you anyway. I'm too old for one-night stands.
Even with Sophie?
Sophie is a social climber and a parasite and unlike you she is never silly and definitely never cute. So in case you wondered where my loyalties were, they are with you, always. The only reason I didn't let you know was because it was late and I know Henry isn't feeling well. Since there won't be a next time, I don't actually have to promise to do it differently, do I?
No, you don't.
How are the cupcakes coming? They smell delicious. I could have gone to the bakery though. You only have one birthday a year, Bridget.
My birthday isn't until tomorrow. These are just because it's Friday and...I like pre-weekends.
Yeah, me too. He stands there looking like an idiot, smiling huge. It's contagious. I cock my head and calculate.
Come back in an hour or so and you can taste-test them.
I will do that.
Today also marks the very first time I offered to feed Caleb without wondering briefly how to poison it so as to kill him without detection. It's a whole fucking day of firsts! Amazing!
