It took me by surprise I must say

 "Oh, you really shouldn't have gone to so much trouble," J said as he could smell the savory chicken pot pie coming from Carrie's kitchen. He'd expected a stirfry from Tobes. Even then, he knew it would be spicy. This was just comfort food. 

"Just what is she setting us up for," he whispered to Stevie while she was putting their coats away. It was a bitter cold wind out, and he and Stevie kept their hoodies on. 

"She likes to entertain, or have you forgotten?" Stevie looked back at him as if he just needed to enjoy whatever was on his plate.

Of course, Tobes had the place settings nicely mix-matched and a tumbler of iced Long Island Tea waiting.

J winced. Naturally, he was the designated driver. He would have to stick with milk. Stevie asked for some milk, as well.

Carrie looked at Tobes as if he was at fault.

"There's only just a touch of vodka in these," Tobes promised he was keeping the liquor cabinet in check. "I'm making the liquor last longer." 

He said everything was so expensive these days. He didn't make drinks like these often. Next thing J knew everyone was having a glass of the spiked tea.

Soon enough Carrie filled their plates with the pie and a nice tossed salad on the side. 

"I guess I'll have to do the cooking next time," Stevie smirked as he dove in first to the steaming chicken topped with flakey crust and dotted with peas and carrots.

"No, you won't," J gave him a serious look. They both knew who did the cooking at home. It was Stevie's mother. "I'm sure she'll be happy to see you two."

After all, they'd spent Easter together. Stevie's Mom did a traditional ham dinner and there was lemon cake too. Really, he was glad she was there even if she did live in the basement. It truly felt like home. 

"So what's up?" Stevie looked at Carrie who had a mouthful of pot pie in her mouth.

"She didn't want to bring it up when we were at your place," Tobes told them.

J could see Carrie didn't even want to tell them now. She sipped the spiked tea as if to give her courage. Then she coughed as if it might have been too much vodka. 

"It's..it's about Holly," Carrie finally managed.

"Holly?" Stevie wrinkled a scowl. "That brat hasn't called me in ages. It's like she's too superior for the likes of us."

"Well," Carrie said they met up at the Oldie's Cafe. "She is still in the wheelchair."

"Are you kidding me," Stevie winced as if he might let the pie go cold, but he shoveled in another warm mouthful and then another.

Carrie nodded.

J went on with his meal. It was addictive. He only wanted more of the pie, but he went after the salad as if he would be good. Finally, he got around to the drink. He finished it off in two gulps. Damn, if Tobes should have been a bartender.

Just as they were finishing up, Carrie said, "Holly's hiding something from us."

"Oh, yeah, some big shot prince I guess," Stevie sighed. "She has a new boyfriend."

"She's pregnant." Carrie looked uneasy about it.

"Pregnant?" Stevie looked shocked.

Carrie nursed her bottom lip. J didn't know what to think. He was certain it couldn't be that last guy she was seeing because he was pretty sure that guy had the hots for Tobes.

"What if," Tobes started. Honestly, he had a bit of a sleepy look. Maybe it was the Long Island Tea. 

"What?" Stevie nudged J with his shoulder, but he didn't budge. He wanted to know Tobes thoughts.

"What if she got impregnated during her time at that place where we found her?" His question hung in the air for some time.

J looked at Stevie who looked at Carrie.

"NO WAY," Stevie shook his head no, but J could tell who Carrie was thinking of. Her brother who was still in a coma.