Page 4 of Rejected Plus-Size Mate

I shoved that thought down. She was April's best friend. Nothing could happen.

"You can come in," I said, waving a hand. "April has already made herself comfortable."

Riley gave me another weak smile before finally entering my apartment. Riley did a quick survey of all the space, not showing as much on her face as April did, so I couldn't tell if she was impressed.

I ran a hand through my hair, taking them both in. April had grown a couple of inches. I'd gotten photos and videos of her, but seeing her in person told me just how much she had actually changed. She used to wear bright colors but isnow wearing darker clothes. I was pretty sure she had several piercings on her left ear. It seemed that she had a more edgy taste.

Riley looked….well…like Riley. She still had her simple brown hair pulled back into a small bun. She had a softness to her, the opposite of April. She obviously still liked wearing brighter colors, but she looked more proper, almost like a housewife.

"So, a vacation?" I asked, waiting for a better explanation. "That's it? You decided to come down and see me for a vacation? After eight years of not seeing me?"

"We needed a little time away from the pack," April said, smiling at me. "It's been a while since we've got out."

I knew there was more to the story. April wasn't telling me the entire truth, but I wasn't going to push the issues. Our relationship was rocky, and I was just grateful she was here. I could get it out of her later after she settled in.

"Well, this town has plenty of things you can do. I can show you guys around if you want."

"That would be great," April said, glancing at Riley. "Riley, are you going to sit down and stand like a statue the entire time."

Riley glared at April. "One, it's rude just to throw yourself onto someone's couch, and two…" Riley glanced at me. "I'm just…stunned. It's been a long time since I've seen your brother."

I gave Riley a smile. "You look well. You both do. Glad to see the pack hasn't drained you of life yet."

April's eyes narrowed at the comment, and I suddenly wished I could take the words back. I knew better than to sayanything, considering they were both still there. But I guess I still wasn't over the entire issue. Maybe I never would be.

"So, do either of you want coffee? I was just about to have some."

"I would love a cup," April said, pulling herself up.

"Riley?" I glanced at her. She shook her head. "No thanks."

I turned to the kitchen and started to coffee. I watched as April walked towards my balcony. "Nice view."

"Thanks."

April continued to walk and headed down the hallway.

"Still nosey as ever, I see," I sighed, glancing at Riley. She smirked, slowly nodding her head. "Are you sure you don't want a coffee?"

She shook her head. "No, I had a cup when I woke up while she slept an extra hour."

I grabbed another mug and poured two as April walked back into the room.

"You have a pretty nice place. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Not too big and not too small."

"Thanks. Did you check my drawers as well while you were in there?"

April rolled her eyes. "Don't be dramatic. I'm not invading your privacy. I'm just checking out my brother's digs."

I slid her a mug and leaned onto the counter. "So, this vacation….how long will you guys be here?"

I could see Riley tense up beside me, but April had a better poker face. She simply shrugged, taking a sip of her mug.She then scrunched up her nose in disgust. "You didn't add anything to this."

"I drink my black," I said, raising an eyebrow. "Like an adult."

"Jesus," she turned, walking to my fridge. "You have milk and sugar?"

I blew out a breath and sighed. "April, forget about the coffee and tell me what's going on. Is there something I should be worried about?"

---