Chapter Eighteen

Maggie

Lunch is long over, and everyone has scattered. Liam’s been gone for a while, and I’ve managed to shower, snack on some junk from the vending machine, and otherwise feel really sorry for myself. Liam didn’t want me to go with him because he’s protecting me, and that makes me wonder just how bad things are with his family. I mean, obviously they must be into something since one of them is hurt. I definitely didn’t get the impression that it was caused by some kind of accident. No, Liam made it seem like whatever his family is involved with, it’s no place for me. I think about asking my dad if he knows anything but shove that aside, knowing he’d go into super-detective mode just looking for a reason to hate my new boyfriend.

I pause.

Yeah, I just thought that. My new boyfriend, Liam, except he’s not, is he? He’s just some guy I’ve been having sex with that I’m only just starting to get to know. And now he’s off to help his brothers who are in trouble, and there’s nothing I can do about it. My stomach is in knots over that.

What if he doesn’t come back?

He has no reason to. Sure, he made a promise to himself to make this weekend great for me, and it was his idea to actually do this in the first place, but why come back if things are that bad? His own family is more important than mine. Will I ever hear from him again?

My gut says yes—why, I don’t know. Maybe because he’s been true to his word so far in the last day of getting to know him. He’s gone along with whatever crazy shit my family has thrown at him, and that last time we did it, it felt so different, like something tightened in my chest and melted me all over. Like my heart stood up and started to pay attention. In the cabin, that wasn’t just sex; that was something more.

The family is getting together for a movie night barbecue on the back lawn. This one is my dad’s doing. Like a drive-in, he said, but without the cars. He took us to one once. It was the last remaining drive-in in the state, and we drove forever to get to it, but he said he wanted us to experience it before they were all gone.

What I remember from that night isn’t the movie, though—it’s getting there before sunset and running around with all the other kids at the park. It’s going with Dad to get the big containers of popcorn drizzled with buttery, finger-greasing goodness, and the slushes, hot dogs, chips, and licorice, and laughter.

Back then me, Charlotte, and Amelia, we were tight, a unit of sister togetherness that I really miss a lot. Even Mom was laid back that night. Not too concerned with how dirty we got or where we ran off to. She and Dad snuck in a cocktail and cuddled in the front seat. It was such a good time.

So I know Dad’s trying to capture that night again, and I don’t blame him. It’s the only idea he had that Mom didn’t veto. I think I remember him trying to convince her to do a masquerade-like event for the final reunion gathering tomorrow. He’s always had a thing for masked balls, which is totally weird for a cop, I know. For someone who spends all his time trying to uncover the bad guys, wanting to be in a room full of masked people seems to be the opposite of cop logic. Doesn’t matter, though, because Mom said no way. Too formal and not so practical when the majority of your guests have only met you once or twice.

But the drive-in idea stuck, and there was no way Mom could sideline him on that.

I’ve been looking forward to this event all day, my excitement now diminished somewhat because Liam won’t be here to experience it.

But maybe there will be a next time. Maybe we can go on a date, go to a real drive-in…if they even exist anymore.

I grab my phone and check for the hundredth time to see if there’s a message from Liam, but of course there isn’t. It’s six, and the sun is low on the horizon. Another hour and it’ll be show time. Even though I’m in my room, I’ve got the window open, and I’m sure I can smell the barbecues warming up.

Rather than wallowing in my room, I decide to go outside and socialize with everyone, maybe help Dad with set up.

The second I step on the path that will take me to the back lawn, I know I’ve made the right decision. The tension I’m carrying across my shoulders eases instantly. There’s something about this place, the smell of the forest, the sounds of birds and breeze rustling leaves, the forest not far in the distance, that’s truly breathtaking and calming. There’s a small crowd out back already. Uncle Bernard waves at me. He’s sitting next to Grandma, and the two of them are sharing a blanket.

I smile, the warm fuzzies rolling over me, and wave back.

“Hey, Maggie, where’s Liam?”

Charlotte sidles up next to me and stretches her arms up, breathing the fresh air in deeply before letting it out again. She’s wearing a long-sleeved baggie shirt and yoga pants. I swear she’s put on weight. Not that that’s a bad thing. Charlotte could use some meat on her. She’s too hard on herself with her diet and exercise, in my opinion, even if I’m the only one who thinks that way.

I pause. She’s put on weight. She’s eating like a fiend. She’s acting weird. My jaw drops. Oh my—

“What? Do I have ice cream on my face or something?” She starts wiping at her chin.

“Uh, no.” I don’t want to blurt it out, but I’m pretty sure that my sister, Ms. Career-Before-Kids, is pregnant. Does she know? If so, why hasn’t she told us?

She’s looking at me like I’m growing a second head. I clear my throat to break the silence. “Liam had a family emergency. He had to go.”

She frowns at me, looking concerned.

“It’s okay, he’ll be back,” I say with a forced laugh. “Something came up with his brothers that he had to deal with.”

She doesn’t get a chance to comment because Doug swoops in front of her so they’re chest to chest. He gives her a big kiss, and it’s really sweet to see…and also really uncharacteristic of them. They’re usually so serious, all about the work, not a lot of touchy-feely stuff going on. Makes me wonder if I’m right. Maybe they have something to celebrate or maybe this place is having a romantic effect on everyone.

I wander off, leaving them to their intimacy. It makes me happy to see Charlotte happy. Her smile always lights up a room, and I miss seeing it.

If I’m going to be honest, the last few months I’ve been avoiding her. The last time I saw her was at a Sunday dinner, one that I tried to beg off, but my stomach had growled so loudly over the phone that Dad actually heard it and insisted I come. Even though I was starving, the roast sat like a lump in my stomach by the time I was through eating.

Mother, Amelia, and Charlotte had all gone to work on me at the same time. Why haven’t you been headhunted? What’s happening at the interviews? Maybe you should quit those jobs you’re working and spend more time in your field? Show us your portfolio. Make something of yourself, Maggie! It was like standing in front of a firing squad, and all I could do was shove one piece of meat after another into my mouth to keep myself from screaming.

My dad looked suitably mortified during the entire ordeal and took me home before dessert was served. We stopped for an ice cream on the way back, didn’t speak much, but I could tell he felt bad.

They want what’s best for you, Pumpkin.

I know, Dad.

Too bad they don’t understand what is best for me is up to me and not them.

Both my sisters work hard, and they should be proud of their accomplishments. They both always talk about their five-year plan, as if life only works in perfectly divided chunks. And for some reason, even though they’ve known me my whole life, they think I should have a detailed, step-by-step five-year plan as well. What’s your five-year plan, Maggie? You have to have goals if you’re going to accomplish anything in life.

Get a job in my field. That’s my five-year plan. Not detailed or overly complicated. One thing on my to-do list and I can’t quite seem to reach that goal. Despite my best efforts.

“Hey, wait up!” Charlotte chases after me, leaving Doug to move off and help Dad with the projector set up.

I do a bit of a double take at seeing Charlotte actually wanting to spend time with me, without the usual frown on her face.

“Mom told me that you had an interview Friday.” She’s slightly out of breath, which I would find odd if I didn’t have my suspicions, since she’s run like five million marathons in the last two years.

“Yep.” I’m bracing myself for the inevitable dig about wasting my time, the oh-so-helpful advice to write my LSATs, and the usual follow up reminding me that I can get a job in the mailroom at her firm, which undoubtedly pays more than both of my jobs.

“I’m so proud of your persistence, sis.”

We’re walking side by side, and I actually trip on my own feet when she says this. I catch myself before I hit the dirt, but I can’t help but look at her with shock. “W-w-what?”

She laughs then motions to some of the blankets that have been laid out. “It’s nice seeing you so happy this weekend.”

I stumble onto the blankets and shift myself into a cross-legged position. “Okay, what the hell, Charlotte? You drink a little too much rum punch or something?”

She leans forward and brushes my leg, still smiling. “Life is too short to worry all the time, don’t you think?”

“You’re seriously freaking me out right now.” I wave my arms up and down her body. “What’s gotten into you?” Although I’m pretty sure I know.

She shimmies closer and whispers, “I’m going to have a baby!”

I make my eyes go wide, playing it up as I look at her stomach then at her face. Her eyes are sparkling, like no shit, literally sparkling, and I think she’s going to cry. Charlotte doesn’t cry. I couldn’t be happier for her. “That wasn’t in your five-year plan, though!”

She pulls me into a hug. “You’re going to be a wonderful auntie!”

I push her back, holding her steady. “Charlotte, I’m so thrilled for you guys! Shocked, too! I mean, all you talk about is your practice. All you do is work.” I don’t mean it as a dig, but she seriously has been completely consumed by her career for as long as I can remember.

She’s laughing at me, little bubbles of laughter, and for a second, I think maybe it’s all a joke. But then I see her hand on her belly and I realize she’s laughing because she’s happy.

“I haven’t told Mom or Amelia yet. Doug and I just found out last week, and we were waiting on some test results to come back. He brought them with him yesterday. All clear. The baby is healthy. What a relief, huh?” She laughs. “And yes, I know it wasn’t part of the plan, but you know what? I’m totally okay with that.”

“You’re totally okay with having a baby?”

“I am. I wasn’t at first. Hell no, I was really upset and in a deep state of disbelief. We always used protection, didn’t take any chances. But after the fourth pregnancy test came back positive, there was no denying it. I went to my doctor, and she did a proper blood and urine test and make sure everything was fine, except something came back a little wonky. The idea of losing this baby so soon after discovering he or she existed did something to me, like a switch was flipped, and suddenly that’s all I want—a baby. But like I said, Doug came up with great news. Everything is fine.”

She shrugs. “And sure, it’ll be an adjustment, but Doug is going to take some time off of work once I’m up and about so he can take care of him or her, and I’ll pick up my practice wherever I leave it. It’s really no big deal.”

“Doug is going to leave his thriving surgical career to stay home with the baby?”

“Yep.” She’s beaming.

“And you’re going to alter the crazy work schedule? Possibly limit your career? Definitely obliterate your five-year plan?”

“Guess so.” She shrugs again. “There’s time for all that. Can’t live for work.”

I let my mouth hang open.

She laughs again.

“It’s good to have plans.” She touches my knee, and her smile wavers a bit. “But sometimes plans derail for the most wonderful reasons. Doug is so happy. I’m so happy.” Tears spring to her eyes. “I didn’t realize how much I wanted this until it happened.”

She’s crying so now I’m crying, and we’re hugging, and I’m so damn happy about everything right now. It doesn’t feel real—not the pregnancy part, that is totally weird but strangely something I can accept—but it’s the reality that in this moment I have a different version of Charlotte, one that isn’t obsessed with work and success and my future, and that feels really great.

“I am so going to spoil this kid!”

“Damn right! That’s what aunts are for!” She pulls back and grabs my shirtsleeve then wipes her tears and snot up with it.

“Eww, Char! Stop!”

But we’re both laughing too hard to really care about snot or tears or anything.

“So, seriously, I want to hear about your interview. How’d it go?”

I lean back on my elbows and think back on the interview Friday. “I’m pretty sure I’ll get a call back. But…” My smile fades somewhat. “There’s a possibility that they won’t offer the paid position. They’ll probably detail a very extensive intern program and expect me to be excited about it.”

“I’ve got a proposition for you.” She raises her hand when I start to protest. “It’s not the usual proposition.”

“What do you mean?”

She leans back, too. “I got a new client the other day who is looking for someone to run his marketing department. He can’t afford to pay much, but he’s an old-fashioned kind of guy who believes in paying a fair wage for work done. I showed him some of your projects, the ones you shared with me when you were in school.”

I cringe. “Char, those were awful!”

“No, they really weren’t. You’re too hard on yourself. They show potential. Any idiot can see that.” She smiles. “Anyway, he wants you to come in for a working interview. See if you can run a small campaign for him.”

“Paid?”

“Yep. Like I said, it won’t be much, but he’s willing to do a trial run and see if things work out.”

I let that sit for a minute. Is this charity? Am I accomplishing something on my own here or is my sister bailing me out?

“I know what you’re thinking, but this is what’s called networking. It’s not me pulling strings. He’s starting something here that I think is going to be big. You could help him build from the ground up, and he’s the kind of guy who will stick with you, you know, loyalty even if he gets big.” She puts her hand on my hand and squeezes. “Think about it, ’kay?”

I let it roll around in my head for a few seconds then nod. “Okay, I’ll think about it.”

She drapes her arm over my shoulder and pulls me closer. “I like Liam. He’s a good one. I can tell. He’s also pretty freakin’ hot!”

“Charlotte!”

She laughs. “You know what I saw about an hour ago?” She leans in conspiratorially.

“No, what?”

“I saw Amelia sneaking into the woods with Teddy, probably trying to get a little forest action out there. You know she couldn’t stop talking about you and Liam doing it in the woods.”

I gasp and cover my mouth. “No way!”

“Yep, she might be all stuck up around us, but I bet she’s a beast in bed.”

I shudder. “I can’t believe you just put that image in my head.”

“Total Dom if you ask me.”

“Stop!” I cover my ears. “You’re going to make me barf.”

“I bet she whips him—”

I jump up and run toward the mini bar. “Time for booze!”

“That’s the best thing I’ve heard all evening!” Uncle Bernard shouts back, waving his glass of wine in my direction.