Page 157 of The Friend Situation

Weston’s perfect teeth graze over his bottom lip. “Yes. I was very inspired. Anyway, we brought pancakes, sausage, and eggs. Do you need anything else before we head out?”

Easton pulls Weston aside, their voices low as they share a quiet conversation. Though I can catch fragments of their words, I don’t have enough details to piece it together. Neither of them sounds happy.

Meanwhile, Lexi and I chat in the kitchen as she slices into her sausage links. “What if I held a surprise costume party here? I could order amazing food and adorable little cupcakes. And before anyone can bite into their cupcakes, we’ll reveal it’s really a pregnancy announcement, and the color of the cake will be the expected gender.”

“I think that’s a very cute idea! The inside of the cupcake is such a nice touch. Get everyone involved,” I respond enthusiastically.

“Even Easton and I have no idea. We’ll learn with everyone else,” Lexi says, her excitement growing. She gently places her hand on her belly. “I’m so happy, but I’m scared to death.”

I smile wide. “I’m so happy for you. You’re going to be an incredible mom. Plus, you have the best doctors on the planet. Everything is going to be perfect with no complications. And I’ll babysit as much as you need. I love babies. Did I cover all your fears?”

“Yes.” She snorts. “Thank you.” She barely gets the words out before she bursts into crocodile tears.

“Oh my God,” I say, immediately hugging her. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s hormones.” She shakes her head, sniffling. “On top of all of that, I just want you to get your happily ever after too. And I’ve been way too pushy. I’m sorry. I can tell you’re stressed, and I don’t want to add to it.”

“Hey, it’s fine. Please don’t apologize. I find it endearing thatyou’re not great at playing matchmaker. It’s just part of your personality to try to set me up with your husband’s identical twin brother,” I tell her, trying to understand. “If you keep crying, I’ll start too, and we don’t need that. I’m a very ugly crier. My brothers made fun of me for it! Plus, you’re not supposed to be under any stress at all. Cross my name off your list.”

She sniffles, sucking in a deep breath. “I just remember how we dated that same jerk in college and how we have the same taste in men,” she says with a laugh, even as tears stream down her face. “I read a few of your journal entries. It made me so sad, Carlee. I’m really sorry. I feel like I abandoned you after everything you did for me.”

“No, no. You did not, Lex. Seriously. Those entries weren’t for anyone to read. They were just for me to get my thoughts out of my head. I don’t even fully remember what I wrote,” I say truthfully. “No pity parties, okay? Weston and I aregreatfriends. And when things seem too good to be true for me, they usually are, so I’m being careful. Even though Iwantto lose myself with him, I don’t know if I can. I’m trying to give this a chance,” I confess, and she listens to every hushed word.

“A chance is all Weston needs.” Lexi wipes away her tears.

“Uh, everything okay?” Easton asks, moving toward us, concern etched in his brows. “Darling?”

“She’s fine,” I say, smiling, loving how much Easton cares.

“Just overwhelmed with joy! I think we planned the surprise baby reveal party,” Lexi says, recovering quickly, sniffling as she squeezes my hand.

“Great,” Weston says, walking toward me. “Anyway, please enjoy your breakfast. Millie wants you to visit her.”

“Maybe. Have fun.” Easton gives us a wave as Weston walks past me, grabbing my hand and pulling me away.

“I’ll text you some food ideas,” Lexi says, waving with a smile.

We take the elevator to the penthouse, and he seems lost in thought.

“Easton just forced me to take leave from work,” he mumbles.

“Why?” I ask.

“Because he pulled rank like an asshole,” he says, shaking his head. “He said I needed to spend time with you.”

“He’d also said he wasn’t getting involved.” I shake my head, somewhat annoyed.

“Yeah, well, he changed his mind and wiped my schedule for the next two weeks.”

We step off the elevator and walk inside.

“If you could visit anywhere in the entire world, where would you go?”

A smile touches my lips. “Home.”

“Anywhere, and you choose Texas?”

“There is a caveat.” I laugh. “You have to come with me. My grandma said she’d remove me from her will if I didn’t visit.”

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