A Tribe United Again

Chapter 25

Marcy arranged her silverware to her particular specifications.

"Are you nervous?" Mal asked.

"No." She frowned. "These are all wrong."

He just watched her for a while. "What's going on, baby? You've been jumpy for a while."

"I'm not jumpy. I'm pissed. There's too much drama going on."

He sighed. "Yeah. Does Mari know Sebastian is with us?"

"He asked me not to tell her so no."

"I can't believe she was going to get pregnant on purpose without telling him again."

"Mari's a really good person that's really spoiled. I blame Mr. D and Chris."

"I thought it was her mom's idea?"

"Mrs. K is also spoiled."

He smirked briefly. "You know you don't have to sneak around and lie to me for us to have more kids, right?"

She lifted a brow. "I say when we are done having kids."

"Baby,-"

She stopped messing with the cutlery and looked up.

He pouted. "You're the boss."

She looked down and resumed her arranging.

He gulped. "Are you sure you're ready for something like this? You are so stressed out."

"I am not. These problems are theirs. My life is good."

"I know it affects you. You're a really good friend."

She looked up suddenly, very serious. "I'm a good friend?"

That look scared the hell out of him but he'd meant what he said. "You're a good friend."

"I love you."

His lips curved. "How about you show me?"

"I'm not fucking you in this crowded restaurant."

He blanched then blushed. "Baby!"

She smiled softly.

"You minx."

She was going to respond to his reprimand but she saw who they were waiting on. "She's here."

He looked back. "Wow. She's cute."

"Duh. I don't fuck with ugly people."

"Baby, stop saying that. You talk like Marc and Mike."

She burst out laughing, the tinkling tones making people look over with smiles.

He loved that he'd gotten her to laugh. He smiled deeply as he rose as the hostess showed Ellen over to their table. "Hello."

"Hello." Ellen smiled, completely nervous.

He pulled out her seat and helped her sit before regaining his own.

"Hey, Red." Marcy smiled.

"Hello, Marcy." Ellen smiled back.

A waiter walked over. "Are we ready to order?"

"Ladies first." Mal nodded.

"I'd like the chicken Caesar salad with ranch dressing and a mango iced tea." Marcy stated, having already been over the menu.

Ellen hurried to flip through but she didn't know what to get so she closed her menu. "I'll have the same."

"I would like the linguine Michael with no mushrooms and a side garden salad with ranch with an orange soda if you have it." Mal ordered.