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“I didn’t mean—” Gina began.
“Linc, do you need a ride home?” I went to the door.
He looked from me to Gina, obviously torn. Finally, without any sense of urgency, Lincoln stood up. He gave Gina a kiss on the cheek and shook Porter’s hand. “Dinner was great, guys. Thanks for inviting me.”
“What if I promise to stay out of your relationship?” Gina bargained.
I hesitated. As angry as I was, Gina was one of my best friends. It seemed uncouth to air our dirty laundry, even among friends and relatives. I just didn’t want to be under a spotlight while I was exploring my feelings. My connection to Linc was exciting, but it was too new to withstand the scrutiny Gina was attempting to force on us.
“I’m sorry,” I relented. “Just forget it ever happened.”
Gina sighed, relieved. “Stay for ice cream?”
“Okay,” I agreed.
I put down my purse and we all went back to the dining room. Gina found a tub of vanilla and some chocolate syrup and passed out bowls. I was surprised all my shouting and slamming doors hadn’t woken up the baby. I was about to say something when a thin yowl split the air.
Gina stood up, licking her spoon clean. “There’s the little boss.”
“We’ll go,” I said, grabbing my bowl and placing it in the sink.
“I’m sorry again,” Gina said, kissing my cheek.
“Don’t worry,” I reassured her. “It was my fault for overreacting.”
“No, you’re right.” She hesitated, torn between attending to her crying child and repairing our friendship. “Neither of you are my responsibility. Unfortunately, that little boy is so I’ll see you guys next time.”
“Glad we cleared that up,” Linc joked.
Gina shot him a puzzled look before realizing that he was teasing her. She gave him a hug and disappeared down the hallway. Porter led us to the door, holding it open. He watched as Lincoln walked toward the driveway, holding me back.
“It’s less you and more him,” he told me.
I sighed, nodding. “I could have handled that better.”
“No judgment,” Porter said.
I opened my purse to grab my keys, following Gina’s brother to my car. I had been waiting all night to get him alone, but now it seemed like I had ruined the mood. We got in the car and I pulled out onto the street, saying nothing and stewing in my own anger.
“So,” Linc said.
“So?” I asked.
“What happened?”
“Oh.” I sighed, rolling up to a traffic light. “She insinuated that you might be looking for something other than a lasting relationship.”
He choked on a laugh. “What exactly did she say?”
“She asked what you wanted.”
“That’s it?” Linc frowned. “What do I want?”
“It was the way she said it,” I explained.
“Which was?” He still didn’t understand why I was pissed.
The light turned green and I eased over onto the highway on-ramp. “I don’t care what we’re doing,” I said, not looking at him. “I’m fine with whatever.”
