The close bond between the siblings both warmed and tightened Ro’s chest. She loved the closeness Megan and Brody shared. After losing their parents in a freak accident—a chunk of bridge broke loose at the exact moment their car was passing underneath—the brother and sister duo were the only family the two had left.
At least they have each other.
True. Things could be worse for her friends. They could have no family left.
Like me.
“See ya, Ro.”
Brody’s mumbled farewell pulled her from the depressing thoughts.
“You need help with that?” She motioned toward the two trays of drinks. “I can walk with you to the office. It’s the least I could do after you were kind enough to take care of me last night. Plus…” Her blue gaze slid down to the straws and back up to his. “I wouldn’t want you to spill them.”
That last bit had been a purposeful jab, poking fun of his sudden—and very un-Brody-like— issue with coordination.
Brody’s lips didn’t so much as twitch. “I’m good, but thanks.”
It was all she got before he spun on his heels and walked out of the shop. Through the window, Ro followed his seemingly hastened movements until he was no longer visible from where she stood.
“Is it just me, or was your brother acting really strangely?” She turned back to her friend.
Facing away, Meg spoke while re-stocking the stack of cups near the espresso machine. “Strange how?”
“I don’t know.” Ro shook her head and picked up her nearly forgotten coffee. “He just seemed…distracted. Or something.” Bringing it to her lips, she tested the liquid’s temperature before taking a careful swig of the dark and steaming nectar of the gods. “Of course, what do I know? I don’t even remember him driving me home or being in my house.”
Apparently there was a lot she didn’t remember. Which was so strange because thatneverhappened to her. Not ever.
“If you’re not feeling up to going to the movies later, we can reschedule,” Meg offered. “I’m sure you’re as exhausted as Brody.”
Shit. She’d forgotten they’d made plans to see the newest release in their favorite scary movie franchise.
“Nope, I’m good.” Or at least, she would be by the time this evening came. “What time did you say the show starts?”
“Seven.”
“So…meet at the theater at, what…six forty-five?”
“I was thinking the same.” Meg nodded. “Since all we’ll have to do is scan the tickets on my phone and pick up the pre-ordered food and drinks. You still just want popcorn and a water?”
“Better change the water to soda. Don’t want to fall asleep mid-movie.”
“You’d better not! We’ve waited three years for this one to come out.”
She released a soft chuckle. “I’m kidding. But do switch my drink, please. Theater popcorn always goes better with bubbles.”
“And this is why we’re best friends.”
Ro’s smile grew wide when she caught sight of her friend’s toothy grin. “That and many, many other reasons. Ugh…I’d better go.” Reaching over the counter, she gave Megan a hug before pulling back and grabbing her coffee once again. “I have to run to the post office, get groceries for the week, and I wanted to stop by that new dress shop in Block Thirty-Seven.” An entire block dedicated to food, movies, and fashion in the heart of Chicago’s downtown Loop.
“I wish I’d known. We could’ve gotten tickets for a showing at the theater there instead of the one we’re going to.”
“It’s okay.” Ro blew off the other woman’s concern. “We’re familiar with the other one, so it’s all good.”
“Next time,” her friend promised.
“Next time. But for now…” A quick look at her watch. “I really do need to get scootin’ if I want to have time to look for a dress.”
“What’s that for again?”