Lost in Time (Forever and Always #20) by E. L. Todd Read Free Book Online Page B

talk
about it.”
    There was more going on in this conversation
than just the operating system but I didn’t question. “I’ll get the
next round.”
    “No,” Mike said. “It’s your engagement party.
Sean will pay for it.”
    “What?” Sean said. “You volunteer to have me
pay?”
    He shrugged. “I have a son on the way.”
    “You found out the sex of the baby?” Ryan
asked.
    ‘No,” Mike said sadly. “Cassandra doesn’t
want to know. But it’s a boy.”
    “You know this how?” I asked.
    “I just do,” Mike said.
    Ryan laughed. “Boy, are you going to feel
dumb when that isn’t true.”
    “For the sake of Cassandra and the baby, I
hope it isn’t girl. Believe me, they’re both going to hate me,”
Mike said.
    “They are still going to hate you even if
it’s a boy.” He drank another glass then set it on the counter.
    How many was that? I hadn’t seen him
drink like this in years.
    The girls finally broke apart after gawking
at the ring I bought her and sat down. Food and drinks were passed
around as we enjoyed each other’s company. I couldn’t deny the
happiness on Monnique’s face. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if this day
would ever come. Too much had happened between us. But I was glad I
was wrong.
    Ryan was quiet. He seemed happy for me, but
he was fighting his own demons at the same time. The fact Janice
didn’t question him made me realize something wasn’t right.
    I leaned closer to him. “Everything alright,
man?” I kept my voice low.
    “I’m fine,” he barked.
    I eyed all the empty glasses in front of him.
“I doubt that. I haven’t seen you drink this much since before
Janice was in the picture.”
    He sighed. “I can’t tell you, alright?”
    “What? I’m your best friend.”
    “Even so, I can’t tell you about this
one.”
    “Why?” I asked.
    He eyed everyone at the table, who were
absorbed in their conversation. “Because it’s about my sister and I
know how loyal you are to her. I don’t want her to know.”
    “I am loyal to Scarlet, but I’m also loyal to
you. You can tell me and I won’t say a word. When have I ever
betrayed your secrets?”
    He shook his head slightly. “Not now.”
    I dropped it then sipped my beer.
    An hour later, Cassandra looked exhausted.
She leaned her head on Mike’s shoulder and closed her eyes.
    “I hate to ruin the party, but my wife needs
to get home,” Mike said.
    “You didn’t ruin it,” I said.
    “Please,” he said with a laugh. “Without me,
there is no party.” He brushed his fingers through her hair then
helped her get up.
    I rolled my eyes.
    Cassandra rested her hand on her stomach.
“I’m sorry, you guys.”
    “It’s okay,” I said. “You don’t exactly look
comfortable.”
    Mike placed his jacket over her shoulders
then guided her outside.
    Sean turned to his wife. “I need to get mine
home too. I don’t want her out too late.”
    “Don’t talk about me like I’m not right next
to you,” Scarlet said.
    Sean rolled his eyes then patted my shoulder.
“Congratulations. Really.”
    “Thanks,” I said.
    Sean helped Scarlet up then took her by the
hand, pulling her outside.
    Flynn rubbed the back of Hazel’s neck. “You
ready to go, baby?”
    “I guess. I’m in the mood for pancakes.”
    He smiled then pulled her to a stand. “We’ll
see you guys later.” They walked out and left us alone.
    I turned to Ryan, desperate to know what was
on his mind. “Now tell me.”
    He eyed Janice and Monnique, who seemed to be
deep in conversation and not listening to us. “You know that I’m
not close with my family and my mom isn’t exactly my favorite
person. There’s more to the story, but there are details I’d rather
not say. It’s safe to say I hate the woman.”
    That wasn’t news to me. I knew Ryan and
Scarlet didn’t have the best childhood. I wasn’t exactly sure what
happened but it seemed pretty bad.
    “Anyway, she came to me and demanded
money—twice. The first time was over the