Elisabeth blushed. "Not going there… it's better."
The group, including Elisabeth, broke into shrill giggles again.
When they reached Elisabeth's room, they sat on the bed chatting. Apparently, Thomas and Isobel had become an item while she was gone, a detail he had left out when catching her up.
Ylva seemed unusually quiet so Elisabeth touched her arm. "Are you okay?"
She bit her lip as tears collected on her lashes. "I'm afraid they're going to ostracize you and we'll never see you again."
"Oh, no." Elisabeth hugged her. "Don't worry. Whatever happens, I'll find a way to keep in touch."
"Promise?"
She held up her hand with her fifth finger outstretched. "Pinky swear."
Ylva brushed away her tears and locked pinkies with her.
They left her to unpack, and after plugging in her MP3 player, she found Thomas' room. She brushed through the doorway, poking him in the stomach on her way. "You and Isobel?"
"Um… yeah, I guess."
"You guess? She is not one of your bimbos."
"I know, I know. Chill, wouldja."
Elisabeth sat on the bed. "You realize she's looking for a life-long mate, not a party animal?"
"Duh. I'm not an idiot."
"That's questionable. Plenty of women are willing to play your fast and easy game, why her?"
He wouldn't make eye contact. "She's…"
"Oh, my God. You care about her, don't you?" His answer came in a sheepish grin. She hugged him. "I'm so happy for you."
"Did she say anything about me?"
"Ha! Look at you. Flummoxed by a girl. I love it."
"You're not going to tell me, are you?"
She shook her head and waggled her eyebrows.
"Fine. Have your fun while you can." Regret washed over his face the instant he realized the impact of his words. "Um, I didn't…"
Elisabeth held her hand up to silence him and sat back down. "It's all right."
He sat next to her, squeezing her arm. "It's going to work out, you'll see."
"Can I get that in writing?"
Thomas leaned back on his elbows. "You know, when we found out I'm infertile, I was kinda relieved."
"How so?"
"I guess I'm bummed I'll never have a little one… more for mom than anything, but getting the pack off my back was a relief."
"I can see that."
He turned toward her, leaning his head on a hand. "Although, I do miss the bevy of beauties waiting in line for their chance to spawn the next invincible one."
Elisabeth smacked him with a pillow. "Pig."
"Ah, the good ole days." He tucked the pillow under his head. "So, what are you going to do?"