When Trey and I decided not to move in together, we both thought it was best. What probably sold it for Trey was the fact that Javier is a doctor, and if anything happened, medical assistance was within reach. What neither of us really thought of was just how busy over lives would be and the effort it would take just to have five minutes. It took less effort to avoid your worst enemy.

Trey and I had barely seen each other since work started picking up two weeks ago. Because of the client increase, everyone had more work-including me. Thankfully I have Teagan to assist me, leaving me more time to deal with clients-something else that Trey had agreed to as long as I took it easy. Since I've been working with clients more directly, I've used my home office privileges more. It wasn't ideal for my goal to improve my relationship with my colleagues. But it was a start to show them I wasn't just hired because of my relationship with Trey. I was just as good as they were at this, whether they knew my name or not.

After two weeks of communicating primarily through phone and text, Trey invited me to his place to catch up on work and personally. He even asked me to bring Melody with me when I agreed. I don't know why it surprised me, but it did. There was no way I could say no when I recovered from the shock.

"You want the cookie?" Trey quickly pulled the cookie away when Melody reached out.

Melody launched into a giggle fit that was music to my ears. Melody loved the game, and Trey knew it. Seeing him with her gave me such a warm feeling that coursed through my entire body.

They had really come a long way from when Trey first met Melody, and she wouldn't even let Trey hold her. When they first met, they were like enemies; now, they are more like friends. Melody would even ask about him if she hadn't seen him in a while.

Recently she started asking about her dad more and, sometimes, even called Trey daddy. It's terrific to see Melody's relationship with Trey heading in such a positive direction, but I wonder if things will be the same when the new baby arrives. Would Trey love Melody as much as he loved our baby? Would Melody feel different than her new sibling?

My hand subconsciously went to my stomach. A kick from the baby broke through my thoughts and caused me to jerk in surprise. It was like the baby was telling me it'll be OK. Trey immediately turned around with fear and concern plastered on his face.

"You OK?" His voice was shaking.

Melody grunted and grumbled in frustration, attempting to get up from the high chair. "Up," She grunted, trying to stand.

I set the file in my hand down and went to help Melody. "I'm fine," I assured Trey as I picked Melody up.

Melody made a beeline for the toys she knew were for her the second I set her down. Knowing she would be OK with her toys, I cleared the snack mess. I couldn't get too far before Trey stopped me.

Trey had a soft smile, but I could tell there were still real concerns behind that smile. My thoughts were proven correct when Trey spoke, "I'm truly impressed with everything and how everything is like a well-oiled machine, but it also sounds like a lot of work. You promised if I let you work more with clients, you'd take it easy."

I took Melody's cup from him and headed for the sink to rinse it out, "I'm fine," I repeated, drying out my hands, "I'm not going anywhere."

"What if working with clients is too stressful?" He pointed out, "What if….."

I stopped him before he could work himself into an absolute frenzy, "I'm not stressed. Everything's fine."

He frowned, letting out a sigh, "What if it isn't?" He whispered, "What if….."

I stopped him again as I slipped my hand into his. It was great that he was opening up. I get to know more about him instead of second-guessing, and we get to communicate like an actual couple. It was a step in the right direction for our relationship.

He pulled me closer, and we remained tightly in each other's arms for a moment, silently staring at Melody playing in the living room. He sighed and whispered, "My dad was fine one minute, playing with us; the next, we watched him get hauled away in an ambulance because he couldn't breath."

I shut my eyes as feelings of sadness and gratitude that my family was healthy struck me. "I can't imagine what that had to be like."

"I knew my dad was sick, but he was doing better. He was breathing on his own, eating, and his color was coming back. The doctors said he was improving."

"Sounds like he was," I noted.

"Until he wasn't," Trey continued in a whisper, dropping his head, "What if the same thing happens?"

I pulled away from him, "I worry too," I told him honestly.

"How do you know it'll all be OK?" He wondered, picking his head back up.

I shrugged, "I don't, but Mimi always says there are infinite what-ifs. We can focus all we want on them, but nothing will ever change. We'll still be living our lives missing out on what is. Whether we're focused or not, life keeps going on, so why not trust that life knows what it's doing while enjoying what is?"

We laughed, seeing how happy and carefree Melody was. Trey placed a hand over my belly, "All I want is for Melody and our little one to be healthy; I never want them to see the worst of it."

"I don't either, but there is no guaranty," I pulled out a recent sonogram that Trey had yet to see, "I have hope, though, and I'm reminded all the time by my loved ones that at the moment I am fine."

Trey had a confused expression when he took the sonogram. He smiled, seeing the sonogram picture of our baby. "It looks like it's waving at us."

"It just might be," I agreed as the baby gave us its opinion. "And it's agreeing with you."

Trey laughs a deep belly laugh. It was a laugh I've rarely seen from him. He was happy, and the talking was working. But is this what I want? Did I want things to work with Trey? Is he my soulmate?

Trey's voice pulled me back to reality. "Sorry, what did you say?"

Trey nodded toward Melody, "want to see what our beloved Chef Melody is cooking?"

"How can I say no?" We joined Melody in her game, happy to be reminded that we were all OK in the present.

Later that night, I was putting Melody down for the night while Trey worked in the kitchen. Melody giggled with delight as I chased her into the nursery after her bath. After playing with her for ten minutes, Trey came in with a bottle of warm milk and Melody's pacifier.

"Tway!" Melody squealed, throwing her hands up. "Horsy!"

I traded the bottle and pacifier for Melody. Melody's smile couldn't have stretched any wider as Trey piggybacked her around the room. It was their nightly routine if Trey was there.

He would pretend to be a horse, give her a piggyback ride twice around the room, and stop at her bed. Then she would pretend to give him a magical carrot that would change Trey into a person. Melody loves it and asks for it every night. It's so sweet that they have a special ritual that Melody looks forward to.

"You want me to do the story tonight?" Trey asked, noticing I was spaced.

I shook my head, "I got it," I assured him with a smile and kiss.

We finally pulled apart for air after a moment. Trey gave Melody a final hug and kiss before tucking her in for the night.

"Nie Nie." Melody waved and blew Trey a kiss.

I picked a book off the shelf and sat on Melody's bed as Trey closed the door behind him. Melody listened intently for the first few pages as she drank her milk. But that didn't last when we got to the part about a dad.

Melody suddenly tried grabbing the book from me and started whacking it. "Nah, book. Nah."

"OK, Melody," I stopped her from beating the book, "what's the matter?"

She handed the book back to me, "Where, daddy?"

I opened and shut my mouth several times, trying to find the right words. "Baby remember how we talked about how all mommies and daddies have different jobs? And how daddy has to travel because of his job?"

"Like Unky Migwel?" She asked.

If only she knew how right she was, I thought as I nodded, "yeah, exactly, Uncle Miguel."

I kissed her head and tried to get back to the story. The second I opened the book, Melody slapped it again before slamming it shut. I had a feeling we weren't entirely done talking. "Unky Migwel home, where daddy."

I sighed. I'm proud of Melody's brilliance, but sometimes the intelligence she presents at her age frightens me. I couldn't fathom that most two years would compare their parents like Melody was. But Melody was. She was comparing herself to her cousins.

I racked my brain, trying to come up with something. Her brows narrowed when she scrunched her nose, tired of waiting, "where daddy?" She asked again with more determination in her voice.

"Daddy doesn't live with us," I answered, "he lives with his mommy and daddy?"

There was only the sound of Melody sucking on her bottle as I waited to see if she had other questions. The seconds ticked off slowly. Finally, she removed the bottle from her mouth and broke the silence. "Why?"

I loved that Melody was asking questions about her dad, but it wasn't as easy as I thought to answer them. I just didn't even have an answer for some of the questions. And all of this might have been avoided if Troy knew.

I let out a tired sigh. "It's just the way things worked out," I replied.

She frowned as her brows narrowed again, "cause me?"

"Oh no, daddy, not being here isn't your fault," I picked her up and sat her on my lap, "Daddy and I love you very much. But sometimes mommies and daddy's just don't live together."

More silence between us.

I couldn't tell if she still wanted to ask about Troy from the blanket look in her eyes. I settled for hugging her and giving her time to process everything. Several minutes later, she finished her bottle and started nodding off. Taking her bottle, I gave her the pacifier Trey had brought in earlier.

"All snug," I reported tucking her back in before giving her a kiss. "Goodnight, princess."

Melody pulled her pacifier from her mouth, "Mommy, Trey, new daddy?" Melody asked.

I looked towards the door, lost for words. I knew if Trey and I were together long enough, she would eventually ask-especially now that we'd engaged and we'd vaguely started mentioning how we're a family. But it didn't make the question any easier or confusing to answer.

If I did tell her that Trey is her dad, would she believe that Troy isn't her dad? Was that what I wanted?

I wasn't sure I wanted Melody to think of Trey as her dad if it meant believing that Troy wasn't. I wanted Melody to know who Troy was, even if we weren't together. But if I said Trey wasn't her dad, what would that do to their relationship? It wouldn't be fair to Trey, either.

I turned back to Melody and so much of Troy in her. What was the correct answer?

I let out a tired sigh, feeling a headache coming on. "Baby, you have two dads. One who doesn't live with us, and Trey, who we get to see a lot more. And the fun thing about that is you get twice the daddy love because you have two daddies who love you."

"And a mommy," She added, giving me a tight squeeze. "Wuv you."

Melody never fails to surprise me.

"Right back at you, princess," I whispered, squeezing her back.

I tucked her back in for a third time and kissed her goodbye. Melody stopped me as I got up, requesting that I sing her favorite song.

Start of Something New.

Giving in, I sang the song to her once as she slowly drifted off. She was sound asleep by the time I sang the last note. Staring at her for a moment, I turned the monitor on, grabbed her empty bottle, and shut the lights behind me.

"Hey, babe, that took longer than usual," Trey noted, his attention still on what he was working on on the computer. "Everything OK?"

I nodded, rinsing out the bottle. "Melody just turned storytime into a game of twenty questions about her dad and you," I added the last part as an afterthought, hoping it would soften the blow.

Trey looked up from the computer, "What did she ask?"

I deposited the rinsed bottle on the drying rack and turned around to give him the clip-note version. "Basically, where her dad was and why he isn't here. And if you're her dad."

Trey asked, "what did you tell her?"

I shrugged, "basically that he stays with his parents, and she has two dads who love her. I hope that you're OK with that."

He stood up, closed his laptop, and wrapped his arms around me, "that you told Melody the truth, why wouldn't I be?"

I studied him for a moment and scrunched my brows together into a straight line, "you don't mind me talking to Melody about her bio dad?"

He shook his head, "he was a big part of your life, and he gave you the best present you ever got before things ended between you two. Melody. Unless you're telling me he knocked down the nearest liquor store or something crazy like that, there's no reason Melody shouldn't know about him and make her own judgments about him."

I chuckled at his joke and pecked him on the lips, "thank you for understanding. I promise I won't tell Melody about him if he turns to a life of crime."

His smile brightened, and he joked, "I'll hold you to that. In the meantime, you have a text and a missed call."

I gave him another peck on the cheek before checking my phone on the counter. It was Zeke. He left me a message when I didn't pick up his call.

Zeke: OK talk face/face

Me: Trouble w/Sharpay's party

Zeke: Jason/Kelsi

I recalled Zeke coming over wanting to talk about something several days ago. But we got so busy catching up that we both forgot. He had wanted to meet and talk again about Jason and Kelsie the following Monday, but I canceled after I agreed to meet. We've barely spoken since. I had a pretty good idea of Zeke's request; I just hope I was wrong.

I blew out a raspberry as I set my phone aside. Trey noticed how conflicted I was feeling and wrapped his arms around me. "Must be some text; anything I can do?"

I prepared myself for a story he would find really funny or messed up. I was hoping it would be the first. "My friend from high school that I'm helping plan a surprise party for his wife…."

"The one you ran back into a while back, right?" He asked, wanting to make sure he was following me.

I nodded, "right him. Well, I invited him to Javy's several nights ago, and because of certain situations, he now believes I'm married to my brother."

Trey blinked, looking at me like I'd just spoken in another language. He proceeded to talk in a surprisingly calm voice when he was over the shock, "why would he think you're married to your brother?"

I sighed, "It wasn't anything we said. My stuff was being moved in, and the kids were there. I was wearing a ring, and so was Javy. Javy and I've always had a special loving bond that Zeke immediately picked up on instantly. Anyway, Zeke wants to meet with me to talk about two of my friends from high school who are engaged to be married. But I've been trying to avoid him so I won't dig myself deeper into the hole I'm clearly already in."

Trey still had a confused look on his face, "why didn't you just set him straight?"

I shrugged, feeling stupid, "I didn't want Zeke to know that Javy is my brother because I didn't want him to realize who our dad and brother are."

"So, instead, you lie to him?"

I shook my head, "He never asked me if Javy is my brother, only if I love him. So technically, I didn't lie."

He raised his brow with an amused look on his face, "yet, you're avoiding him like the plague, so you don't sink deeper into the sinkhole you dug for yourself."

"I know you think it's messed up,"

He chuckled, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear, "I think there's an interesting story to tell our children and nieces and nephew someday. Why don't I meet with your friend and see if I can help him? That way, you don't have to worry."

It was a good thought, and I actually considered it. My gaze went back to Zeke's message. I decided avoiding him may cause more trouble. "Thanks for the offer, but just talking about it was probably what I needed. I'll have even more to explain if I send anybody in my place."

"If you're sure. Return the text and come to bed early."

I could see that there wasn't just sleep on his mind, "We'll see." I teased.

He kissed me before disappearing into the bedroom. I turned back to my text as soon as he was gone.

Me: When

Zeke: Tmrw afternoon

I have plans with Blakely and Teagan for tomorrow afternoon.

Me: Hv plans

My fingers hovered over the send button, debating if I should turn him down or invite him to come with us. I deleted the text and typed out a new one.

Me: Meeting friends at the mall welcome join

Zeke: That works 12:30, OK

Me: Yup c u then

I texted Blakely and Teagan to let them know about the change in plans. I knew they'd be okay with it. They'll have plenty of questions, though. Tomorrow was going to be a long day, so I decided to turn in early.

The mall was pretty packed when I arrived in the afternoon the following day. Blakely and Teagan texted me earlier when they arrived. They had most likely done some significant damage to their credit cards at this point. I found Blakely and Teagan in a baby store, looking through the clothes. Teagan waved me over as she placed an outfit back on the rack.

Blakely had something in her hands, "Gabby, you're the expert; which is better?" She showed me the bottle options in her hand. "Plastic or angled?"

I raised my brow, "you're not planning to breastfeed?"

Blakely shrugged, "not sure yet; probably I'm doing both. So, I'm stocking up on a couple just in case, but there are way too many choices."

My gaze went from the bottles in Blakely's hand to the ones on the shelves and racks. I walked away from the bottles, and the girls followed me. "Melody was a preemie, so I used the preemie baby bottles for a good while. I doubt you'll need it, so ummm, try this one. It has everything you'll need. My sister and sister-in-laws used it and said it's excellent."

I grabbed a breast pump set complete with bottles and nipples off the shelf. "Thanks," Blakely placed it in the cart, "so have you started shopping yet?"

I shook my head, "no need. Between everyone in my family and Trey's sister, Luna, I'm in hand-me-down heaven whether I'm having a boy or girl. I'm set."

Teagan picked an animal variety toy off the shelf. "You think Casey would like this?"

Blakely turned away from the rack of clothes she was going through, "isn't your guy's nephew into trains?"

"Not lately; animals are in, and motors are a close second," I answered, picking an elephant toy with balls and rings off the bottom shelf. "This might be better for his age."

Teagan placed the toy in her hands back and took the toy in my hand. She studied it and smiled, "yeah, this looks like it's right up his alley. What would we do without your expertise?"

"We'd be knee-deep in confusion and frustration," Blakely simply supplied, "Gabby, I know you're set and all, but maybe it wouldn't hurt to pick up a few new stuff."

A cute little onesie caught my eye as we were passing a rack. I picked it off the rack and showed them.

"It's adorable," Teagan stated, "you should get it."

I tossed it into the cart and proceeded to pick out a couple of other items. My phone goes off with a text as I toss some pacifiers into the cart. It was Zeke.

Zeke: R U OK meet Wildcat Bar

Kelsie sick Jason left I incharge

I pocketed my phone before grabbing Teagan and Blakely's attention. "Are you guys OK with meeting my friend at his bar?"

Teagan and Blakely exchanged glances like they were silently willing the other to talk. Blakely gave in and asked, "what's wrong with the food court?"

"Nothing," I showed them my phone, "my friend's partner had an emergency, and he's left in charge for the rest of the day."

Teagan knew where I was going, "and that means he can't leave."

I nodded, "yeah, but if you guys have a problem with it, I'll reschedule with him. It's no big deal."

Blakely and Teagan had another silent conversation. "We don't have a problem. Text him back and let him know we'd be there."

I texted Zeke back while we waited in the checkout line.

Me: K half hour

We pulled up to Wildcat Bar thirty minutes later. There was a closed sign out front. Blakely stopped, "I thought this place was supposed to be open; why is it closed?"

"Back door," I replied, pointing around the corner. "It's closed for like an hour in the afternoon to give the employees a break. Zeke needs to use the time to prepare for the night crowd, though."

My friends followed behind me without missing a beat. Just like predicted, Zeke left the back door unlocked. We piled into an empty kitchen, shutting the door behind us.

The expensive state-of-the-art kitchen with up-to-date stainless steel appliances and stainless countertops was jaw-droppingly small but impressive. We were all left speechless. Teagan was the first to find her voice, "impressive, but we're still alone. Are you sure we should be back here?"

"Any friend of Grabby's is a friend of mine, and my friends are always welcome here." Zeke's voice rang through the kitchen.

We simultaneously spun around toward where we heard the voice. Looking up, we noticed double doors still swinging as Zeke descended the stairs. Teagan and Blakely remained rooted where they were. I took a couple of steps forwards, greeting Zeke at the bottom of the steps with a hug.

We pulled apart and introduced Zeke to my friends, "So, Zeke, this is Teagan and Blakely. They're two of my closest friends in the entire world."

"Nice to meet you both," Zeke reached his hand out for a shake. "I believe Teagan was here the first night we ran back into each other. Blakely, I've never met you before, but Gabby has mentioned you plenty."

Teagan praised him when she shook his head, "good memory."

"Gabby's mention you. You're her friend that loves basketball, has a passion for cooking, and is married to your high school sweetheart." Blakely summed up, shaking Zeke's hand.

Zeke fumbled for his words for a moment, "that's definitely me in a nutshell. Let's continue talking out front."

I followed Zeke without a second thought, but my friends were more hesitant. Neither of them moved when Zeke offered them a chair. The silent look on their face said nothing to Zeke than nerves, but it spoke volumes to me. They weren't just nervous about meeting a new friend. They were worried about how much they could say to my friend and saying something they shouldn't.

They only sat when I nodded an OK to them. Zeke placed drinks before us and disappeared back into the kitchen to grab our lunch from the oven.

The girls leaned in when he was out of hearing range. "OK, are you sure this is a good idea? What if we say something that your friend has no idea about?"

I took a sip of my drink, "it'll be fine as long as you remember that he knows nothing about my family. Just think of me as your married friend with twins, who's an only child. Anything else should be pretty fair game."

I could see the confusion on their faces. Before they could ask, Zeke returned with pizza, "hope you enjoy it," Zeke commented as he dished out the slices, "it's a new recipe; let me know what you think."

Blakely wasted no time digging in, "so good. Gabby wasn't exaggerating your cooking talents."

"Thanks," Zeke replied as he dug into his slice, "so, is Javy with the kids?"

"No, Javy is working." I nodded, "I actually left them with a close family friend since it was so close to their nap time."

Teagan and Blakely shared a look that went unnoticed by Zeke. I shook my head gently, just enough for Teagan and Blakely to notice, but not Zeke.

"Sorry for dragging you out," Zeke apologized, "I wish there were some way I could've worked around your schedule."

I shook my head, "no big deal. I was already out with my friends. Coming here beats eating at the food court at the mall, and I get to hang out with another friend. All pluses in my book."

Zeke's expression brightens as he chuckles, "wow, you really know how to make someone feel better."

"And that's why she's always been one of my besties." Teagan piped up, "there's never a sad moment with this one."

I gave Teagan a weirded-out look, "you make me sound like a happy pill, and it's not like you're johnny rain cloud with your outgoing personality."

"Maybe not, but even with my outgoing personality, I still have moments of sadness and doubts." Teagan pointed out, "And you always have a way to improve it."

"True," Blakely agreed, "you've always been able to make even the worst situations better."

Zeke happily sat there, watching our interaction with a smile. I knew what he was thinking. "Let me guess; my friends remind you of you with your friends Jason, Chad, and Troy."

Zeke nodded, "it's rare to have friendships like yours. Aside from my own, which I'm really grateful for, I only know of Troy's parents and Chad's dad."

Blakely gulped down the sip of her and shook her head, "then you don't know enough of Gabby's friend. Many of Gabby's friends are friends she's had her entire life. Since the day she was born."

Teagan nodded her agreement. Before I could stop, her words started coming out of Teagan's mouth, and I didn't realize how bad it was until it was too late. "yup, take Javy and her, for example. They're best friends, joined at the hip since birth. We've got nothing compared to them."

Zeke titled his head, intrigued by what Teagan said. "So you've known Javy your entire life and have always been close to him. I guess that explains why you and your husband love each so much." I attempted to stop him from finishing his thoughts but failed. I dropped my head into my hand as the last words of what Zeke was saying came out. I could already picture my friends' reactions. "Must be great being married to your best friend."

Teagan and Blakely did a spit-take with their drinks. Zeke immediately sprung up, and I shut my eyes, wishing I could disappear.

Zeke and I handed both of them some napkins. "You girls, OK?"

Blakely nodded between her coughs. "We're good," she coughed out, giving him a thumbs up. "Just went down the wrong pipe."

Zeke's contorted with confusion. "Both of you at the same time?"

Teagan nodded, "yup," she grabbed me with one arm and Blakely with the other, "excuse us,"

She hauled us off to the bathroom. Shutting the door behind us, Teagan and Blakely gave me a look that told me they were listening.

"Explain," they simultaneously stated.

I told them what happened the last time I saw Zeke from beginning to end. Then mentioned how I'd been avoiding him, and by the time I was done, I wanted someone to shoot me. I couldn't tell if they found it funny or crazy. What I did know was that I'd dragged two of my best friends into my sinkhole with me.

"Maybe we should just leave," I suggested.

Teagan sighed, "no, Zeke's your friend. If he needs your help, you should at least hear him out."

Blakely nodded in agreement, "we'll see what he wants, then we'll leave."

I thanked them before we headed out of the bathroom. Silence lingered between us. Zeke's eyes darted between us as we sat back down. Zeke finally spoke, "So you ladies sure you're OK?"

"We're OK." I assured him before changing the subject, "so, uuuummmm, why did you want to talk to me about Jason and Kelsie?"

Zeke proceeds to tell me about Jason and Kelsie's wedding dilemma. The more I heard, the more I had an uneasy feeling. By the end of the story, I was up to my neck in my dilemma. If it were the old days, I would help them, hands down. Now I was at a crossroads.

I could barely handle seeing Zeke; sometimes, I avoided him to make it easier on myself. I was nowhere near ready to see my other friends again. But if I agreed to help Jason and Kelsie, I would have to see them-probably even more than how often I see Zeke now. The thought of it shook me to my core.

Teagan must have picked up on my fear, causing her to speak up, "I can help."

That was a solution.

Zeke's confusion was evident on his face, and I figured if he knew how good Teagan was at her job, maybe we could settle on a win-win situation for everyone.

"That's not a bad idea, Zeke. Teagan has fantastic organizing skills. She studied law but worked as million air CEO Quinton Webster's assistant until recently, when she quit. Now she's my assistant planner at Fantasy Event Planning. She's more than capable of helping Kelsie and Jason with their wedding." I rushed it all out in one breath.

Blakely chimed in, adding her positive notes to the idea, "My husband and I were recently married. My wedding planner was awful. Teagan and Gabby saved my wedding. They are the dream team for any bride and groom."

I finally stopped long enough to notice Zeke wasn't just confused now; he was overwhelmed. None of what we said meant anything to him. It shouldn't have been surprising thought. Planning isn't his forte, so he wouldn't know what went into planning a wedding or what made a good planner. What he trusted was our friendship.

I decided to keep it simple, "I'll help them. But Teagan will help me and basically be the go-between between Jason, Kelsie, and me. Teagan is the planner, and I'm the silent assistant if you will."

Zeke instantly smiled, wrapping me in a hug, "thank you," he whispered in my ear. "You have no idea how much this means to them."

We pulled apart, and I giggled, "I take it they know as much about planning as you."

He blew a raspberry, "Pretty much, and they haven't been able to find a new planner. You were their last hope before they completely lose their sanity in the sea of wedding stuff."

Teagan, Blakely, and I giggled, "glad we can help." Teagan commented at the same time Zeke's phone buzzed with a text.

"Oh, I almost forgot, you texted saying Kelsie is sick again; how is she?"

Zeke reached for his phone behind the bar, "in Jason's words, much better after puking her guts out for the zillionth time. They called the doc, who said it's the stomach bug going around."

Zeke's color changed before our eyes when he picked up his phone. He was pale with bugged eyes when he warned us showing us his text, "Sharpay gathered everyone, and they're on their way here."

I immediately started gathering my stuff with Zeke's help. "Who's Sharpay, and why did she gather everyone to ransack your place?" Blakely asked as she gathered her bag.

"She's my wife who thinks I'm cheating on her because of my secret text and meeting with Gabby." He rushed out between packing up the food.

Zeke's statement caught my attention. I froze in guilt. I knew I caused Zeke trouble by asking him to keep our meetings a secret, but I didn't realize it was this much trouble.

Teagan tugged at my arm, reminding me I was still on the run, "Gabby, come on, shake a leg, or we'll get to witness War at its best."

I fumbled as I shoved stuff into my bag again, "Zeke, I'm sorry; maybe there's something I can do to help."

"It's OK, I can handle Sharpay," he assured me, "it's my choice to help you. Now you should leave unless you want to run into everyone."

I gave Zeke one last quick up, "I'll text you; thanks for helping me."

My friends quickly dashed off just before Sharpay and Ryan raced out from the back. I caught a glimpse of them as we were leaving. My feet dragged to a slow stop in an overwhelming feeling of sadness. The entire gang was there, ganging up on Zeke-Jason and Kelsie included. Clearly, Kelsie was doing better.

"Do you guys think I made the right choice," I whispered with my eyes still glued to my friends.

Blakely winced, "no one has the right answer to that; every one will give a different answer. We can only tell you you may be losing people who you thought were your friends. Or not."

Turning back one last time, we left.