RexHe points an accusing finger at me. "You're going to tell me that you've spent the last however long fucking this chick and you didn't know she was my sister. The same sister who refused to get to know me? She couldn't possibly just be using you to get to me? What are you doing with him, now? Huh?""Whoa, man, you need to take a step back. First of all, don't speak to her that way. Not cool and you know it. Apologize." My voice and stance holds no room for argument. He might be my best friend and well within his right to question what's happening, but he overstepped when he talked about her like she was any other girl I've been with. Not to mention the fact that he accused her of using me.He watches me, eyes narrowing on me as he tries to decipher just how genuine I'm being. Never in our friendship have we argued or fought. This is the closest to it we've ever come to it aside when he was teared up over losing Liv last year and I had to get real with him in order for him

Chloe"What would you like?"The little girl sitting in the chair in front of me waiting to get her face painted looks so nervous she could vomit all over my shoes. I know the feeling, kiddo."I don't know.""Well, what kinds of things do you like?""I like, um, swimming and turquoise."Good. A color is something I can work with. Albeit a very specific color. "Turquoise, huh?""Mm hmm." She nods her head quickly and her eyes, the same color that she just told me she loves, twinkle at me."Okay then. I think I have an idea. What's your name?""Hillary.""Hillary, I'm Chloe.""I know." I can't remember introducing myself at the beginning so I'm not sure how she knows my name, unless she overheard someone else mention it.She bites her lip and never takes her eye off me in the mirror. "I like your costume."That gets her attention back on me. And a beaming smile. "Fanks. My mommy made it."Wow. That's impressive. She's wearing a princess costume that looks l

ChloeIt's been a few weeks since that first coffee date Ethan and I shared. We've met up three other times, once with Rex and Olivia for dinner at Balance, and each time, I've felt more and more comfortable around him. But the turning point was just two days ago. I was at a sandwich shop with Ari and he came in. I hesitated in how to introduce him and he noticed. Luckily, he took over for me and simply said, "Hi, I'm Ethan. The brother." Thankfully, I'd already told Ari the whole story so she wasn't completely in the dark, but it was still a little awkward. Having him take control of the situation, but also claim me, warmed my heart.Today, though, I know he's nervous because Olivia has another check-up. She's due in about six weeks and she's having an ultrasound. So I texted him this morning to let him know I was thinking of them and to let me know how it goes.My phone chimes and I anxiously grab for it. Suddenly feeling every bit of the excited aunt, I rush to the back roo

Chloe"Would it make you feel better if you just took it instead of waiting until after Christmas? Maybe we can do it on New Year's Eve. Wouldn't that be a fun way to ring it in?""No.""Liar." The knowing smirk he shoots my way is adorable and annoying."Rex, I can't do this today.""Sure you can. Here, I'll show you."He unwraps the stick from the foil package and places it on the counter in the bathroom at my place. Malcom is hovering by his feet, like he does all the time when Rex is here. Rex shoos him out the door and shuts it behind him."I love him but man he's overwhelming at times.""Yeah, yeah, yeah. He loves you, too.""Alright, sit.""I am not peeing in front of you, good sir!""Good sir?""Don't make fun of me. I'm a little nervous and there's really no way I'll be able to pee in front of you without having stage fright.""Is that really all there is? Or is it that you don't think I can handle it? If that test says you're pregnant then I'm goi

Rex"You should really lock the door, Chloe, but I see how it is. You were too busy to let your guests come inside from the cold while you were getting mauled by my best friend."Ethan's grumpy voice cuts through the kitchen and I reluctantly release my hold on Chloe."Hi everyone," she says shyly. Her face turns as red as the brightly colored gift bags Olivia's holding."Way to go, Ethan. You embarrassed my girl here," I tease and I know my girl could die of embarrassment. For that, I feel a little guilty but not because I can't keep my hands off her. That, I won't apologize for."You're the one who was about to have sex with her in front of the prime rib!""I was going to do no such thing. I slaved over that thing all day.""You? You're the one who made the prime rib? Since when do you know how to cook?""There are things you don't know about me," I grin then wink at Chloe."Eww. Well, this has been fun." Ethan makes a disgusted noise and his dad grips him by the