The Right Kind of Wrong: A Brother's Best Friend Romance by Fabiola Francisco (open ebook .TXT) 📗

“Anyway, I know you can’t drink alcohol, so I made a mocktail.” She walks over and places a tray with a pitcher full of a bubbly, light pink liquid. “And…” she lifts a bottle of vodka. “I’ve got this to spike ours,” Noel winks at Berkeley.

“I very much approve of this plan. I could use a drink or five.” Berkeley fills her glass with the mocktail and then adds a hefty shot of vodka to it, stirring it with her finger. No shame in her cocktail game.

“What’s going on?” I turn to look at Berkeley.

“Tough week at work,” she shrugs. “We have an older woman staying at the hotel, and she’s difficult. I’m just glad I’m off today, so I could see you.” Berkeley takes a drink of her cocktail.

She’s a receptionist in a hotel here in Richmond, but she’s always wanted more out of her career. Although she studied hospitality, she’s been stuck in the same position for years.

When I told her about Averly’s bed and breakfast in Everton, her eyes lit up. I know Berkeley dreams of having her small hotel one day, and I hope she makes that happen soon. If not, this job is going to suck her passion dry.

“So, tell us what’s going on. How are things with Camden?” Berkeley smiles.

“They’re good, great actually. We’re together, together, and honestly, he’s been amazing. I never thought he’d be the kind of boyfriend that he is, but he’s blown my expectations way out of the water.”

I tell them how caring and thoughtful he’s been and how attentive he is with the pregnancy. Noel and Berkeley sigh and smile.

“I’m so glad things are going well. Are you guys going to get married before the baby’s born?”

I choke on my drink when I hear Noel’s question. “Married?” I squeak. “We’re together, and yes, we’re having a baby, but I don’t want to rush into something just because we’re having a baby together before we’re sure if things will work out. It isn’t the right reason to marry someone.”

As much as I want to have a family with Camden, I don’t want to make a decision based on what society rules as right or wrong. If we get married, I want it to be because we’re both ready for that step, whether our son is one or eighteen. Well, I hope I wouldn’t have to wait eighteen years if we’re still together.

“I think that’s smart,” Berkeley comments.

“I bet we’ll be hearing wedding bells sooner than you think.” Noel tips her half-empty glass in my direction. “Which brings me to my next thing.” She stands and grabs a gift bag. Berkeley snorts next to me as she tries to hold back her laughter.

“What’s going on?” I move my gaze between them. “We said no gifts.”

“I know, I know, but we saw this thing that was so perfect. We had to get it.”

“But—” I begin to argue, but Berkeley lifts her hand to stop me.

“Open it before you say anything else.” She laughs again, and Noel glares at her.

I take the gift bag and pluck the tissue paper from it before grabbing the present wrapped in more tissue. As I peel back the tissue paper, I burst out laughing.

“Oh. My. God. This is…” I gasp for air. “I can’t even.” I lift the boxer briefs in front of me, staring at a red pair of boxers with the phrase, This cock belongs to Allyson, on the crotch, except that instead of the word cock, there’s a rooster.

“It goes perfectly with the rooster from your apartment building. Now you really got yourself some cock,” Berkeley says on a chuckle.

“How did you get a picture of me?” Next to the crotch is a picture with my face and someone else’s body hugging the crotch.

“Instagram, duh,” Noel playfully shakes her head in exasperation.

“This is… I don’t even know what to say,” I shake my head.

“Just thank us and record Camden when he first sees it, Noel adds.

“He’s going to love this,” I say, placing the boxer briefs on my lap. I can’t help but laugh again as I stare at it.

“Own it, girl. That cock is yours.” Noel laughs. “I wish we would’ve recorded your face when you saw it.” She leans back on the other side of the sofa, next to me.

“This is the best gift I’ve received in a long time.” I place it in the bag, giggling.

We spend the rest of the evening catching up, laughing, and eating pizza. I miss having my friends nearby, but I’m lucky that I get to hop over to this side of the Atlantic and see them. I somber realizing it might not be as easy to do once the baby is born.

“I know you have a boy in your life now and all that, but let’s not lose our daily chats.” Noel hugs me.

“You ladies should come visit me soon. I miss you more than you know.” I give them both a hug when Camden arrives to pick me up.

“We will.” Noel nods.

“Yes, as soon as I get some vacation time, we’ll make plans to see you. Don’t forget to show Camden the gift,” Berkeley giggles.

I stare at my best friends for a few minutes before walking away, holding back tears. Living far from the people I love is hard, but the experience of living and working abroad is an amazing opportunity.

By the time I get to Camden’s car, he’s standing by the passenger door. His hands land on my hips as he leans in for a kiss.

“Did you have fun?”

“Yes, I miss them so much.” I smile as I get into the car when he opens the door.

“I’m glad you had fun,” Camden adds once he’s seated in the driver’s side.

“How about you?” I shift to look at him as he pulls onto the road.

“It was good to see Luke, although it hadn’t been that long since I’d seen him like it’s been for you with the girls.” He reaches for my hand as