Friends ForNever

by Melissa Baldwin

  "I totally get that," he says firmly. "Harry is always whining about me being our parents' favorite." He turns and winks at me.

  "Hey, I'm not whining." I punch him in the arm with my free hand. My other hand is comfortably in his.

  Before I know it, we pull up at The Jacuzzi Winery. Aiden tells me to wait, and then quickly runs around the car to open my door. He reaches in and takes my hand and pulls me gently out of the car. When I step out, our faces are again a few inches apart. My heart speeds up, and neither of us says a word. I must be distracted by him, because my heel gets caught on the edge of the curb, and I start to fall forward. Thankfully Aiden comes to my rescue by grabbing my elbow.

  "Sorry," I say through my embarrassment. "I'm a little clumsy sometimes."

  "Don't apologize." He grips my hand firmly as he leads me toward the entrance.

  Our dinner is perfect, and the scenery is amazing. Aiden is so warm and attentive. We don't even have a second of awkwardness. I'm sure being friends first has helped us to be more comfortable with one another.

  "So, what do you think about this international project?" I ask after the server clears our dinner plates. The food was fantastic, and I hope I didn't look like a pig because I ate every bit of it. I'm not really the salad and glass of water type of date.

  "I think it's a great opportunity," he exclaims. "It's going to be tough competition. I have no doubt that everyone wants to go. I'm not looking forward to the interview process."

  Interview process? What's he talking about? Is he applying for it?

  "What do you mean? What are you not looking forward to?" I ask nervously. "Are you applying for one of the positions?"

  He shakes his head.

  "No, I'm on the interview panel," he explains. "They wanted a diverse group of people making the final decision. I just happened to be the lucky one to be asked from the finance department. Believe me, I don't want to…it's a lot of pressure."

  No! Ugh, this could get complicated. Why does he have to be on the panel?

  He must sense my distress. "You're planning to interview, aren't you?" he asks.

  "Of course I am," I reply. "Like you said, everyone wants to go."

  He nods in agreement.

  "Have you thought about not going?" he asks curiously. Why on earth would he ask me a question like that? Is he crazy?

  "No way," I exclaim. I rub my arms to warm up a little as I can feel the temperature dropping. And just then, Aiden magically produces a warm blanket from under the table and wraps it around me. Seriously, this man has thought of every detail.

  "I don't know," he says nonchalantly. "It seems like everyone is so quick to jump on board that they aren't considering the opportunity that will still be here. You know what I mean? Like in the long term."

  Hmm…I never thought about that. The truth is that the project is only a few weeks. Staying here might put more focus on me and get me into my fancy office sooner, but then again, so could an opportunity abroad.

  "Bre is applying for it also," I tell him. He nearly chokes on his wine.

  "What?" he laughs. "Why would she do that?"

  I give him a look that basically says, Why do you think?

  "Well, that's one interview that should be entertaining," he says.

  I tell him how Bre says she has her article done, and she's ready. He rolls his eyes.

  "Personally, I don't know how that girl keeps her job," he says. "But now I'm very curious to see what she brings to the interview."

  It's funny that he should say that about Bre keeping her job. There have been many times I've wondered the same thing. I think everyone in our department has wondered that.

  "When Bre applies herself, she's a really good journalist," I tell him.

  He shrugs his shoulders. "I guess," he says doubtfully.

  The server brings our dessert, and I take a small bite of my cheesecake. Aiden looks at me and gives me a smirk.

  "What?"

  He reaches over and brushes a tiny bit of whipped cream off my lip with his finger. Neither of us says anything, and without any hesitation, he slides over toward me, leans in, and kisses me. Finally! Our kiss lasts just a few seconds but feels like so much longer. He pulls away and smiles.

  "ET, I have a confession to make," he whispers. I'm so mesmerized that I don't even get mad at him for calling me ET.

  "What's your confession?"

  He takes a deep breath. "I've been wanting to kiss you for a very long time."

  I feel the biggest smile come across my face.

  "Me, too," I say softly. "I mean, I've wanted to kiss you also."

  "I'm glad to hear that." He's still whispering, and our faces are still only inches apart. "So, would you like to go out with me again?"

  "I'll think about it," I say sarcastically. He leans in and kisses me again.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  The sun is shining through my curtains in my room. It's Saturday morning, and I'm lying in bed, remembering every second of my date with Aiden the night before. I'm in such a good mood, which thankfully should help me get through the day. I'm kind of dreading going to my niece Kylie's birthday party later this afternoon. I have to be mentally prepared to endure my mother trying to set me up with any unattached party guests. In addition, I will get to hear all about Eric and Liza's home renovations and recent trip to London. I haven't decided if I should tell them about Paris just yet. Especially because I don't know if I will actually get the job, and I'd rather not have to face them should I not get it. I keep going back to what Aiden said about the project. There's part of me that is hoping he doesn't want me to take it because he wants me to stay here, with him. I know I'm thinking crazy, but what if? Our date was pure magic, and I honestly can't remember when I had that much fun or if I've ever been treated so well.

  I take my time getting out of bed, finally getting up to make coffee and then curling up on the couch with my laptop. I don't turn the TV on, which is a huge step for me. Instead, I get some work done. Maybe going on a date was good for me. I'm sure having a social life will help with my TV addiction. Not that one date counts as a social life, but it's a start, and he did ask me out on a second date.

  Before I know it, I completely lose track of time, and it's time to get ready for the party. That's the end of my leisurely Saturday. Let the family fun begin.

  * * *

  On my way to my brother's home, I try to remember the last time I saw him and his family. It's probably been several months and definitely before their London trip. I shouldn't complain too much because I actually really like my sister-in-law, Liza. She's your typical perfect wife and mother, not to mention really crafty and super fit. She's always been very nice to me, and she's only annoying when she's around my brother. And I absolutely adore my niece, Kylie, and nephew, Knox.

  When I pull up at their gorgeous home, I can see the party is already in full swing. There are luxury cars lined up all around the circular drive. The front porch is decorated with balloons and streamers. From the side of the house, I can see a huge princess-castle bounce house in the backyard and already hear the screaming of all the children. I admit I love a good bounce house.

  I let myself into the huge foyer. The house is quiet, and I can see everyone out on the deck. When I walk into the kitchen, I find Liza and her mother working on some platters of food. Liza is wearing a long, flowing maxi dress, and she looks as if she just stepped out of a salon.

  "Hey," I say cheerfully. Liza looks up from the platter of sandwiches she's organizing.

  "Erin!" she exclaims as she runs over to me, giving me a warm hug. "Oh, Kylie's going to be so excited, she's been asking for Aunt 'Ewin' all morning." Liza's mother washes her hands and gives me a hug.

  "Good to see you, honey," she says. "You look lovely." Liza's mom is just as sweet and perfect as she is.

  I look out through the open French doors and can see my brother and a few other men sitting in chairs out by the bounce house. My mom is in a lounge chair by the
pool talking to a few women.

  "How have you been, Erin? I feel like we haven't seen you in forever," Liza says dramatically.

  She hasn't seen me in forever. I sit down at one of her fancy leather barstools. Wow, these are nice—I might need to get some for my place.

  "I've been great—you know, just very busy at work." This is true. I may not have a man right now, but I have a good job, so at least I can brag about that.

  "Oh, I know. I loved your article in last month's issue," she says excitedly. I smile proudly because my article last month was fantastic. It was about women trying to do everything, be everything, and how it can lead to feelings of failure when we fall short. I got a great amount of positive feedback. I'm not surprised that Liza enjoyed it—even though she doesn't know it, she was some of my inspiration.

  I kind of got the idea from her because not long after Knox was born she threw this huge party for my brother's law firm. I'm still surprised she didn't have a breakdown. I think she came close but would never admit it.

  Liza and her mother start discussing the article, and I look out into the backyard. I see Kylie and three little girls dressed up in head-to-toe princess gear. Everyone looks like they are having a great time. I know I should be embracing this fun family gathering, but I can't help but be distracted. My mind wanders back to my date last night and how perfect it was. I can't wait until our next date.

  "Are you excited?" Liza asks. I stare at her. How would she know what I was just thinking? "I'm surprised you agreed to it." What is she talking about? I was so busy daydreaming that I didn't hear what she was saying.

  "I'm sorry. What did I agree to?" I ask. I'm starting to feel uneasy as Liza and her mom glance at each other.

  "You don't know? Your mom, she invited that guy she's trying to set you up with. Is it Wilbur?" she says cautiously. "I just figured you knew."

  I let out a frustrated sigh and close my eyes. I'm really not that surprised.

  "He goes by Will, thankfully," I tell them. "I guess I better go have a chat with mommy dearest."

  I head out to the deck where Mom is busily talking. She practically jumps off her lounge chair. "There's my gorgeous girl," she announces as soon as she sees me.

  "Hi, Mom." She grabs my hand and pulls me over to introduce me to her friends.

  "Ladies, this is my Erin. She's a successful journalist at Strike a Pose." She brushes my hair to the side to move it off my face. I say hello to her friends and ask if I can talk to her for a minute. She follows me back toward the house.

  "What's the matter?" she asks worriedly.

  "Mom, did you invite Will to come here today?" I ask her firmly. She shifts around awkwardly.

  "Oh, honey, he really wants to meet you, and Sharon is a dear friend. Please be nice."

  I let out a sigh and shake my head. "Mom, I just wanted to enjoy the party. I haven't even met him yet, and it's not exactly the environment for a blind date." She looks at me as if I'm speaking Chinese.

  "It will be fine. Don't worry about it." I can tell that she hasn't heard a word I've said, or, at least, she doesn't care about a word I've said.

  "Little sis, when did you get here?" a voice says from behind me. My brother comes over and puts me in a headlock and rubs my head like a typical older brother. I elbow him in the ribs, and he lets me go.

  "A little while ago. I was just talking to Mom about the guest she invited just to meet me." I give her a dirty look.

  "Oh, that's right," he exclaims. "Our mom's using her granddaughter's birthday party to pimp you out." He laughs hysterically. Neither Mom nor I find his joke funny.

  "Eric, watch your language," she demands. Eric continues to laugh at his own joke until his attention is drawn to our father who has just arrived. We are still getting used to our parents being divorced, even though they still get along really well. It's still new to all of us. Eric and Dad give each other a man hug.

  "Hi, sweet pie," he says when he sees me.

  "Hi, Daddy." I give him a hug, and he smells like Old Spice. He's not even that old, but the man still wears Old Spice.

  "Looking good, Margie," he says to my mom as he leans in and gives her a kiss on the cheek. Man, they are weird. I still don't really know why they divorced. I don't even think they know either.

  "Thank you," Mom says sweetly. "Edward, our daughter is mad at me again," she tells him. She says it in such a way that makes it sound like it happens a lot. Okay, so maybe it does happen a lot—but today, at least, I have good reason, or at least I think it's a good reason.

  "Again?" he says sarcastically. He winks at me.

  "Yeah, Mom's using this party to pimp her out," Eric chimes in. Of course, he starts laughing again. Really, it's not that funny.

  "Eric," my mom reprimands. "I just invited a wonderful man to stop by to meet Erin. Wilbur has really been looking forward to meeting her." I cover my face with my hands because I know exactly what's coming.

  "Wilbur?" Eric yells. "You're trying to hook Erin up with a guy named Wilbur?" He and my dad look at each other and burst out laughing. They are laughing so hard that they are now hugging.

  "He goes by Will," I inform them. Of course, they don't hear me over their hysterical laughter and tears.

  My mom walks off in a huff, and I don't exactly blame her even though I'm still frustrated with her. "Okay, you guys have made your point."

  They manage to stop laughing and Eric wipes his eyes. "Aw, sis, we're just playing around. I'm sure he's a good guy." He puts his arm around my shoulders.

  I push his arm off and walk off in a huff toward where the kids are playing. I'd much rather hang with the kids since the adults are getting on my nerves.

  I'm having a blast playing with Kylie and her friends. She has dragged me back and forth between the bounce house and her playhouse, but anything is better than Eric's relentless teasing. My parents are sitting together, and Mom's holding little Knox who woke from his nap in a great mood. Eric is giving some other guests a tour of the house. So far there has not been any sign of Will, and relief begins to wash over me. It's not that I'm opposed to meeting him, it's just that this isn't the place I would want to do it in. I'd rather not have everyone watching me through every second of the awkwardness.

  Of course, the party is a huge success. Liza once again proves that she's superwoman. She's thought of every little perfect detail. I'm playing tea party with Kylie in her playhouse when someone comes to the little window.

  "Can I join the party?"

  I glance over to see a cute guy peeking through the window. I'm so caught off guard that I don't know what to say.

  "Um, sure. Do you like tea?" I ask. He smiles and nods his head. I crawl out of the little playhouse to introduce myself.

  "You must be Will," I say, getting a better look at Will. He's cute in a best friend kind of way. He has a friendly smile and messy hair.

  "Yes. It's really nice to meet you. And I'm sorry about this," he says as he moves his arm around. "My mom and Margie have been harassing me nonstop to meet you. I didn't think today was the right time, but my mom begged me to accompany her, so here I am."

  Poor guy. So he's a victim just like me, and he seems just as frustrated with these women as I am. I glance back toward the house, and sure enough, my mother is standing with another woman, and they have their heads together as they watch our encounter.

  "Well, since you're here, do you want to join the tea party?" I ask.

  He smiles. "I do love a good tea party." Little Kylie cheers loudly.

  * * *

  After Liza brings out a cake that's bigger than Kylie, Will and I have a chance to chat alone.

  "At least the awkwardness of a blind date is over," Will says with a big grin.

  I laugh. "Yes, the worst is over except for the fact they we're being watched very closely." I throw a glance to where our mothers are smiling and whispering.

  "I'll ignore them if you do," he says playfully.

  "Deal."

  Sho
rtly after the big cake presentation, Will and his mom leave. He's actually a really cool guy. I'm not attracted to him like I am to Aiden, but I can definitely see us being friends. They aren't out the door two seconds when my mom pulls me aside to find out what I think of Will.

  "Mom, there's nothing to tell," I say. I can feel my blood pressure rise as she continues to ask me.

  "Honey, he's very nice and handsome. Give him a chance."

  "Mom, he's a nice guy, but there's just no attraction." That's definitely not the answer she wanted to hear.

  "Erin, you can't be serious. It looked like there was plenty of attraction from where I was standing."

  Of course she's going to say that, and I don't have the energy to argue with her.

  "Did you at least make plans to see each other again?" she continues. She's not going to give up.

  "Not exactly. We said we would talk soon, but that's it. I'm sorry, Mom."

  She looks practically devastated.

  "Mom, we're at a child's birthday party. This is not exactly the ideal place to be making any future plans. I still can't believe you did this."

  She shakes her head in frustration. "Oh, don't be so dramatic," she says. "Just promise me you will at least meet up with him again."

  I agree in order to appease her…for now.

  Mom and I are the last to leave the party but not before my brother takes us on a tour of his new soon-to-be man cave.

  "Isn't this great," Eric says proudly.

  "Very cool," I say, pretending to act impressed, but I couldn't care less.

  I'm mentally exhausted, and I really just want to go home and lie on the couch.

  "So, sis, Wilbur seems like a decent guy," Eric says with a wicked smile. I want to punch him, but I've never been able to beat him in a fight. My mom is overjoyed at his comment. Figures—he's such a kiss up.

  "Mind your own business," I snap. Brothers can be so annoying. "Since when are you so concerned with my love life?"