“You have the perfect situation, Libs. A best friend who gets you and a man who loves and adores you. Besides, you’d miss the sex.”
“Lesbians do have sex, Al.” Libby’s tone was the same one she’d used back when they were sixteen and she’d decided it was time Alice learned about sex whether she wanted to or not. “According to the research, they have more satisfying sex, because they don’t have to teach their partner where their clitoris is.” She handed Alice a glass of wine. “You did a fine arts major. You were surrounded by gays. Surely you had the right-of-passage one-night lesbian stand at university?”
“No!” Alice sputtered as realization dawned and reinforced yet again how little she knew about her adult twin. “But I’m gathering you did.”
“Don’t tell Nick, but Jess and I tried it once or twice when we were filthy drunk.” Libby laughed. “Close your mouth. I can’t believe you’re still so easily shocked.”
“What can I do?” Nick walked into the kitchen and slid an arm around Libby’s waist before scooping some dip onto a celery stick.
“Help Lucy set the table.”
“Alice, you’re staying for dinner?”
“I—”
“Just say yes and save us all from Nick badgering you until you finally give in.”
“I don’t badger.” Nick threw them a mock-injured look. “Besides, Alice needs feeding up and my lasagna’s perfect for that.”
“Alice has a date on Friday night.”
Nick’s face broke into a smile and Alice warmed under its genuine delight. “That’s fantastic. Who’s the lucky guy? It is a guy, right?”
“That’s what I said.” Libby high-fived Nick.
“Oh, my God! Not you too.” Alice glanced down at her clothes. “Am I putting out a vibe that’s going to scare Tim off?”
“I only asked because my backpackers have taught me it’s not PC to assume,” Nick said. “Believe me, you’re not going to scare him off.”
After dinner, Alice left Nick and Libby tidying the kitchen while she put the girls to bed. She loved this routine and always took the opportunity when it arose. Cuddled up in the bottom bunk with a girl on each side, she told them the fairy and unicorn stories she’d written years ago when she was a dreamy kid.
“Sleep tight, munchkins.”
“Love you, Lis,” they chorused.
“Love you more.”
Alice closed the bedroom door and walked into the living room. Libby and Nick were sitting on the couch—Nick’s arm slung over Libby’s shoulder, her hand on his thigh—looking like they were in the early weeks of dating instead of married for years. Rather than envy, Alice experienced relief that they’d found a way out from the crushing despair Dom’s stillbirth had brought down upon them. Thankfully, they’d come through their grief stronger than ever, and this strength was helping them deal with their disappointment that Libby wasn’t pregnant again with the child they both desperately wanted.
“Thanks for a yummy dinner, but I better get going. I promised Dad I’d watch that new detective series with him and I need a good night’s sleep for my big date.”
Libby eyed her over her mug of tea, zeroing in like only a twin could. “Tim knows you’re living at home, right?”
“I haven’t actually mentioned that.”
“Alice! What’s your plan? Introducing him to Mom and Dad as you cross the living room to the stairs? Or are you asking him to shimmy up the wisteria?”
“We might take things slowly.”
Libby laughed. “Yeah, right. You glow just mentioning his name. You’ll be lucky to make it to dessert.”
“Calypso’s in dock, if that helps,” Nick offered. “And if things go well, why not take her out over the weekend? Just make sure she’s clean and ready to go first thing Monday morning.”
Alice couldn’t help herself—she squealed and twirled around in delight. “You’re my best brother-in-law.”
“I’m your only brother-in-law.”
“If I had others, I’m sure they wouldn’t come close to being as awesome as you.”
Nick suddenly looked uncomfortable and she realized she’d embarrassed him. “You’re family,” he said in a deep and heavily accented voice. “Of course I’m gonna help.”
Libby laughed. “He thinks he’s gangster but really he’s a hopeless romantic.”
“I’m right here,” Nick said.
Libby kissed him on the mouth.
“That’s way too much PDA and my cue to leave. You two have a fun night.”
“Call me,” Libby instructed. “I want a full report.”
On Friday evening, buzzing with exhilaration, Alice walked into Pelican House’s kitchen and twirled, letting the full skirt rise and fall. “Will I do?”
Her mother clapped. “You look beautiful, darling.”
Her father whistled. “You’ll knock his socks off, love.”
I plan to knock more than his socks off. She kissed them both. “Thanks.”
“Have a lovely time,” Karen and Peter said simultaneously.
Alice would have appreciated the sentiment more if her parents hadn’t exchanged a familiar anxious look—one that said Alice was expecting too much. Sometimes it felt like she couldn’t win. If she sat at home, she was accused of letting life pass her by. Now she was being proactive, they worried she was putting her heart on the line to be hurt.
Tim’s phone call came in just as she was at the marina putting the keys to Calypso in her handbag.
“Alice, I’m so sorry! I can’t make dinner.” His stress slammed down the line, knocking into her. “Half our pickers have come down with stomach flu so it’s all hands on deck to get the broccolini picked.”
“Oh, that’s awful! The stomach flu, I mean,” she quickly amended, hoping to cover her disappointment. She knew they picked vegetables at night because of the cooler temperatures and the crisper
