The best man

Chapter 1

"I'm going to Chicago," Conor says, pulling on his shirt. "I've got... some things to deal with there."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" I asked, my voice sharper than I intended. "You usually tell me everything."

He steps closer and gently places his hands on my shoulders, looking into my eyes.

"I know, and I'm sorry, Lily," he says softly. "We do tell each other everything, you're right. I just... forgot. And honestly, I didn't think it was that big of a deal."

I frowned, unconvinced. "What you're saying doesn't really make any sense, but... okay then," I replied, still feeling uneasy.

His explanation left me confused, but as long as he was okay, I decided to let it go. For now.

We headed out shortly after to meet our friends for brunch before his trip. Shelly and James were already at the café, waving at us the moment we walked in. Shelly's smile was brighter than usual, her belly visibly swollen with her first child. No wine or alcohol for her today.

"How are you guys?!" Shelly beamed, hugging us both like we hadn't seen each other just yesterday.

We literally see each other all the time...

"Super good!" I said, forcing a smile. "And Conor's off to Chicago tonight."

To my surprise, no one looked shocked. A strange silence settled over the table. It seemed like I was the last to know.

"Wait... you all knew?" I asked, glancing around.

"Well, we thought you did too," James said, sipping his coffee casually.

"You guys bicker like siblings," Shelly teased, rubbing her belly. "It's not a big deal that he didn't tell you everything. I don't tell James everything."

"You don't?" James chimed in, raising an eyebrow.

Shelly laughed, brushing it off. "Anyway, Lily, it's really not a big deal. He didn't tell us why he was going either. Just said he had some business in Chicago. But hey, you'll have time for yourself now-and maybe you can help me with some baby shopping!"