People got moody. Hell, he got moody sometimes, all up in his head with thoughts and worries. He knew how that went. But that day when they’d been out on the water, there’d been something else going on besides just a mood. And at some point they’d have to hash that out. Until they cleared the air, it would never be resolved. And you couldn’t move forward in a relationship with issues that were left unsettled.
After they left the store, they drove over to Esther and Brock’s house, a nice-looking white ranch-style with a big yard, a good-sized driveway and lots of space between neighbors. There were already several cars in the driveway, so Finn parked behind one of them and they got out. He grabbed the bag with the gift, then took Brenna’s hand as they walked up to the front door. He glanced over at her. She looked amazing tonight in a yellow dress with a coral sweater over it, her hair loose and flowing over her shoulders.
“Did I mention how beautiful you look tonight?”
Her cheeks brightened and her lips curved. “Thank you.”
Brock opened the door and leaned against it, looking relaxed with a beer in his hand.
“Hey, you two. Glad you made it. Come on in.”
The inside of the house was open and spacious, with a vaulted ceiling in the living room that led to a good-sized kitchen where Esther was pouring wine for Allison, Hilary and Sabra, along with Brock’s mom, Greta, as well as several other people Finn didn’t know.
Esther looked up as they entered. “Oh, hey, you’re here. I’m so glad you could make it.”
Brenna went over to hug Esther. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
“I thought you’d be busy doing your . . . whatever it is you do,” Allison said, her nose pointed so high in the air Finn thought she might get it stuck to the ceiling.
Brenna didn’t take the bait. Instead, she listened as Esther introduced her to a few people they didn’t know.
“Your house is fabulous, Esther,” Brenna said.
“Thank you. We loved it on first sight. The owners had only lived in it for two years before they had to move due to a job transfer. It’s perfect for us. Four bedrooms. Plenty of space for any kids that come along, plus an office for Brock and me to share. Would you like a tour?”
“I’d love one.”
Greta took over wine duties and snack prep while Esther led them on a tour.
The bedrooms were all good-sized, there was a bath in the hall and the main bedroom was killer huge with an attached bath that anyone would like. Finn watched Brenna’s eyes light up as she wandered the bathroom, her fingers lingering over the soaker tub.
“It’s amazing,” Brenna said as they made their way back toward the kitchen. “You must be so happy.”
“Incredibly. We saved for two years to get this house, living with Brock’s parents, who were so sweet to let us stay with them.”
Greta gave Esther a smile. “We loved having you with us.”
“At least they had a good reason to be living with their parents.” Allison shot Brenna a smirk.
Finn knew better than to get in the middle of Brenna’s ongoing feud with her former friend, but it took everything in him not to say something.
And again, Brenna didn’t take the bait. He admired her restraint.
She picked up the bag they’d brought in and handed it to Esther. “We brought you and Brock a gift. Again, congratulations on your new home.”
“Oh, thank you.” Esther hugged her. “You didn’t have to do that. Brock, could you come here for a second?”
Brock walked over and Esther pulled the bowl out of the bag, her eyes widening. “Oh, I love this bowl. I wanted it so much.”
Brock smiled. “I remember you eyeing that at the store. I believe you squealed.”
Esther laughed. “I did squeal. Thank you both so much.” She hugged Finn, then Brenna. “I’m going to put it on the table right now.”
Finn didn’t get the appeal of a bowl, but he was happy Esther liked it. And Allison seemed to be irritated over how much everyone exclaimed over the bowl, so that part was good.
He got a beer and sat with some of his friends to catch up with them but still kept one eye on Brenna, who sat in the kitchen with the women. Mitchell seemed quiet tonight, not engaging much in conversation. Then again, that was pretty much Mitch’s personality—aloof and above everyone else.
Fortunately he had other people to talk to besides clammed-up Mitch, so tonight should be fun.
* * *
• • • • • •
BRENNA HAD BEEN reluctant to come tonight, which was ridiculous because she loved Esther and Brock, and she’d be damned if Allison and Mitchell would keep her from seeing them. Besides, with all the delays in organizing this, it had been a while since she’d seen her friends.
She was so glad she had, because she was having a great time. And it seemed as if Allison was having a not-so-great night, which put Brenna in an even better mood. As she was sitting in the group of women and catching up on their lives, she’d noticed Allison being silent, while also shooting glares at Mitchell. Something must be off with the two of them tonight.
Maybe they’d had an argument. Brenna knew all about what it was like to have a fight with Mitchell. It could be exasperating.
When Allison went into the kitchen, Brenna followed. She didn’t know why because getting in the middle of Allison and Mitchell was just asking for it.
“Allison, is everything all right?”
She swiveled and pasted on a fake smile. “Everything’s fine. Why would you ask?”
“You’re quiet tonight. Not your normal vivacious self. You only threw two insults at me when I first walked in, and then you went dead silent.”
“Oh. Well. Uh . . . no, everything’s perfect. Thank you for asking, though.” She took a swallow of her iced tea. “And I didn’t insult you.”
Brenna laughed. “Of course you did. You always do. You have ever since high school.”
“I have, haven’t I?” She sighed and swiped a finger across her brow. “I’m sorry. I’m such a bitch.”
Allison apologizing? Okay, this was new. It took a minute for Brenna to gather her bearings before she replied. “You need to let it go, Allison. It was a long time ago. And I never meant to hurt you. I’m sorry, too.”
Allison leaned against the kitchen counter, tears welling in her eyes.
Was Brenna living in some alternate universe? Allison showing actual emotion?
“Can we talk for a minute?” Allison asked. “Outside, maybe?”