Topsy Turvy Kinda Love
Macy and Zara don’t normally talk, but she stopped into the bar a couple of times in the last month. Macy never comes to Topsy Turvy, not since Trevor.As my eyes roam over everyone here, I realize that every single one of these people has become our family over the last couple of years. Eddie, the bar owner, stands to the side with Willie and Charlie.
Zara dragged Donatello with her. He’s a silver fox, so he has to be close to his late thirties. Hawt, girl. I think to myself, remembering her telling me about what he’d made her do for him at the club. I’ve seen him once or twice in the bar, but he’s more up close in this intimate setting.
Trevor stands with his arm wrapped around Macy, smiling. Trevor’s parents, Lucille and Maxwell, stand off to the side looking on. I can’t tell if it’s a legit smile or if they just have gas. You can never tell with those two. They’re a weird couple.
A couple of servers from the bar are there—Sidney and Serena. Wyatt and another girl stand to the side. This must be the infamous Kaylen. Behind everyone, gifts are lined up across the bar—everything in little boy and girl colors. Brooks must have spilled the beans about the colors we’d chosen—gifts in blues, purples, greys, and black. I sneak a quick, narrowed eye at Brooks, and he winks.
“You…”
“Me?”
He put his hands up in defense.
“How did you?”
He shakes his head and nods at his co-conspirators. He’d happily throw them under the bus, and I’m sure it was technically their idea… He looks so happy tonight. The smile on his face spreads the whole way to his eyes. It’s real, I see the love when he looks at me. The spark of life in his eyes when he talks to our babies. Hard to believe that a few months ago, I thought love was just a myth.
“Zara and Macy practically held me at gunpoint and made sure I followed their demands. Don’t blame me. Blame them for sure.”
Arms crossed in front of her, she sticks out her hip. “Uh huh.”
We clink our glasses together and take a sip of sparkling grape juice. I miss my liquor but going without is worth it. Now that I have this wonderful reason not to drink. Eddie grabs some beers for the guys from the bar, and everyone else seems to be hanging out, mingling with each other. I’m sure Brooks is thrilled about the beer. He hasn’t been drinking on my account, and I feel bad that he’s missing out because of me. Even though he told me it doesn’t bother him.
“I think this is the first time I’ve been in a bar and not had alcohol. It’s weird, Mia. Super weeeirrrrd.” Zara stretches out the word making Macy and I giggle.
“Oh hush, it’s not that bad. If I’ve had to do without for almost nine months, I think you can survive one teeny tiny night. Plus, I believe you were the ones who planned this little ordeal…”
“Brooks had a part in this too. He wanted to do something nice for you. That man is a total goner for you, Mia. There is nothing he wouldn’t do to make you smile, to make you happy forever. You found a good one, finally, AND he’s sexy as hell, girl.” My eyes drift to where my man is standing with Wyatt, Charlie, Donatello, and Willie. Our eyes lock at the same time so effortlessly. He winks, and my heart beats just a little bit faster. A tiny foot kicks my gut, and I wince. A look of concern mars his face and he mouths, you okay?
I smile back. Baby is kicking. He raises an eyebrow as if he has no idea what I’m saying, then excuses himself from the guys.
Quiet catcalls leave Zara’s mouth as she turns to watch him walk our way and the blush that crosses Brooks’ face is absolutely priceless. I’m pretty sure she still makes him uncomfortable.
He walks up to me and leans down to kiss my head. His breath sending light touches against my ear as he whispers. “Did you ask me to go fishing?”
I groan. “Good Lord, man, we’re gonna have to work on your lip reading…let’s think this through, shall we? Have I ever mentioned going fishing before? Can you picture me hooking and gutting a fish?”
He laughs. “That’s an excellent point you have.”
“The babies are kicking, Brooks. A tiny little foot… oomph. There he goes again.” He lays his hand gently on my baby bump and smiles when the one of the babies kicks again. His eyes twinkle deep brown every time it happens. It’s one of those priceless moments we won’t have again, unless we have more kids, which we haven’t even discussed yet. “How do you know who’s kicking?”
“I don’t. I’m just guessing.”
“You guys are so adorable, it’s sickening. Hold my non-alcoholic drink while I politely barf, Macy.” Zara jests smirking at my other best friend.
Donatello walks up behind Zara, slips a hand lightly into her hair, and pulls her head toward him. “Do I hear you being a bad girl over here?”
She smirks. “Uh huh. You planning to do something about it, big man?”
“I should give you something for that mouth of yours, but I’m guessing this party is a little more appropriate than that so…” He looks up, his eyes meeting Brooks. “You guys got a bathroom or stockroom around here. Apparently, my lady needs to learn some manners.”
Brooks tilts his head with a smile toward the hallway. “Bathrooms that way. Make sure you lock the door.”
One nod is all Don gives Brooks. Zara puts her hand into Don’s outstretched one, and they leave us watching them walk away.
I’m feeling all sorts of hot and bothered just thinking about the few things he’d said. I want bossy Brooks again. He hasn’t been bossy with me for a while, and I hope that I can talk