Free On the Rocks by Alyssa Rose Ivy Page B

let’s face it, neither would I. But Carly was different. She was wearing a short sundress that showed off just enough of her legs to mess with me. Why did I have to feel so comfortable and at ease with her? That comfort would get me in trouble if I wasn’t careful.
    “You’re pretty confident, aren’t you?” She watched me carefully.
    I continued down the one main road that cut across the island. “Usually.” She’d have to get to know me really well to see any other side.
    She laughed this kind of high pitched laugh. Normally I’d have thought it was fake, but I sensed it wasn’t. We rode the rest of the way in silence.
    I pulled into the driveway.
    She unbuckled her seatbelt. “I have to pack up a few things, so don’t worry about waiting.”
    “You sure?” I’d planned to help her.
    “I might need your help on the other side though.”
    “Just give me a call when you park.”
    “Awesome.” She reached to open her door. “Thanks for the ride.”
    “Anytime.” I smiled. “I’m glad you’re moving in.”
    “Me too.” She hopped out and closed the door.
    I waved before pulling out of Colin’s driveway.
    Before I’d made it halfway home Ralph called. “Hey, what’s up?” I answered. He only called for two reasons, to ask me to cover him at work or to tell me about a party. I was banking on it being the latter.
    “There’s a party at Sean’s tonight. You in?”
    “Sure.” I needed to get out. “I’ll see you there.” I hung up. Maybe I’d invite Carly to come with me.

Chapter Eleven
    Carly
     
    “Hey, Maddy!” I called up the stairwell when I walked in. Her car was parked in the driveway so I assumed she was home.
    She didn’t answer, so I decided to finish packing. I’d just finished putting away the last of my clothes when I got a text from Colin.
    Sorry I didn’t reply earlier . Crazy day. Went well. I have a plan. I’ll fill you in later.
    Awesome! It was fun being in on Colin’s secret. It was the first hint at what our grown-up relationship would be. My brother was the only rock in my life, and I really hoped he wouldn’t push me away too.
    He texted me again. In case I need to spell it out, don’t tell her. I really want her to be surprised.
    I’m not dumb.
    That’s questionable, but good. Talk soon.
    Sure, but I’m moving today
    Today?
    Yeah…
    Ok, if you need help let me know.
    K. Thanks.
    I pocketed my phone and walked out to the kitchen. “Maddy?” I called again. I needed my keys if I was going anywhere. Still no answer. I decided to check outside. Sure enough she was sitting out on the deck.
    “Hey.”
    “Hey.” Her voice was so soft I barely heard her.
    I slumped down in the chair next to hers. “How’re you doing?”
    “I’m not sure.”
    “That doesn’t sound particularly good.” I looked her over. She looked a little pale again. “What’s going on?”
    “Life never works out the way you plan.”
    “Ok… so what’s going on?” She was moving in with Colin. This was supposed to be a really good day.
    “Have you ever found out something good but realized someone else would think it’s really bad?”
    “Uh… maybe.” I hadn’t experienced the exact concern, but I was pretty much an expert on worrying about what someone would think. I wasn’t sure where she was going with this conversation though.
    “That’s how I feel right now.”
    “Care to elaborate?” I leaned back into the slightly uncomfortable chair.
    “Yes, but no.”
    “You have to be the most confusing person ever today. Just tell me what’s up.” I didn’t want to be pushy, but I had the distinct impression that the person who would find the news bad was my brother.
    She turned to me. “If I told you something, would you swear to keep it between us?”
    “In other words, I can’t tell Colin?”
    “Yes.”
    I thought about it. I wouldn’t want to hide something from Colin, but if I wanted to help him, I needed to know what was going on.
    “I promise. Whatever