Selena Kitt - Meet the Baumgartners

“But your ticket…”

“It’s transferable.” She shrugged.

“Your parents are going to have a heart attack.” Carrie tried to imagine Mrs.

Holmes-Maureen’s immaculately dressed and coiffed mother-when she discovered her daughter had eloped to Vegas. “And I won’t get to be your maid of honor…”

Maureen laughed, putting her arms around Carrie’s neck and kissing her cheek.

She smelled just of Jovan Musk now-no more tequila. “We’ll have a big wedding next 71

year. I just want to seal the deal. If I don’t do it now…” Her voice trailed off and Carrie’s thoughts completed the sentence in her head, You’ll never do it at all.

Part of her wanted to beg Maureen to reconsider, to stay in Key West, hell, to spend another night with her and Doc for that matter. It felt as if her friend was heading down a road she couldn’t travel…and vice versa.

“I promise, you will get to wear a godawful bridesmaid dress.” Maureen giggled into Carrie’s ear. She pressed her lips there, just behind Carrie’s ear, making her shiver.

“Come on, Maureen.” It was James, standing tall behind them. “I’m double parked out there.”

Maureen slipped off the bar stool, leaning in to whisper, “I love you Care-Bear…I gotta run.”

“Love you, too, Mo…” Carrie’s words never reached her friend’s ears. Maureen was already halfway to the door by the time she got them out.

Then Doc was there, putting his arms around her, holding her up. “Are you okay?”

“She’s marrying him. Tonight. They’re going to Vegas.” The words were a shock, said out loud that way.

“I heard.” So he hadn’t been far. “I’m sorry.”

Carrie swallowed, looking toward the door where Maureen had disappeared.

“She’s got to live her own life.”

“We all do,” Doc murmured against her ear.

She nodded, resting her head on his chest. “I just kind of hoped we might be going the same direction…”

“Well, maybe you’ll find someone else who’s going your way,” he whispered, his arms tightening around her.

She smiled, hugging him back. “Maybe I already have.”