As I pondered it, my belly started doing flip-flops of excitement at the underlying news that Seth had just shared with me. I hadn’t told Seth about Sam and me, and I was certain that Courtney wouldn’t feel it was her place to tell him, which meant that Sam had told him! The thought of Sam talking about our relationship thrilled me. It meant that he felt we were important enough to mention. I hoped that it also meant that he believed we would be together for a while. I wanted to pump Seth for detailed information to see exactly what was said and what he thought it meant, but that didn’t seem at all appropriate.

My rumination was interrupted when Joe slammed three Ball jar glasses of water on our table, making us all jump. Courtney turned to him, looking perturbed. “Um, Abby’s the only one who is pregnant. I want my usual margarita on the rocks, extra lime, no salt.” She looked at Joe like he was crazy for forgetting her normal order after all this time, then she gingerly picked up her water glass and moved it away from her, as if it were a bug.

“Yeah, well place your order with his asshole brother.” Joe pointed a finger at Seth before stalking off to the storeroom.

The three of us stayed frozen in our booth, completely stunned. I had never seen Joe curse or raise his voice or even seem the slightest bit annoyed. He was the most easygoing person I had ever met.

Court was the first one to regain her senses enough to speak. “What the hell?”

I left her question dangling because it pretty much summed up my thoughts as well. I hadn’t realized that Joe had even met Sam, let alone that he abhorred him so strongly. Joe liked everyone. I looked at Seth to see if he had any answers, but he looked just as perplexed as I felt.

Courtney was just sliding out of the booth, saying that she would go see what was going on, when Joe burst back out of the storeroom. “I’m sorry, Man,” he said to Seth. “I didn’t mean to take it out on you. I know you’re nothing like that S.O.B. brother of yours.” Court and I glanced at each other, both of us surprised by his strong language. He ran a hand through his shaggy blonde hair before continuing. “It’s just that you two really do look exactly alike.” He shook his head as he said, “I’m glad you don’t act at all like him.”

Seth smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Unfortunately, there have been numerous occasions when I have been scorned for things my brother has done. It’s generally heartbroken females, though.” I cringed at his last statement.