I like a stiff drink at the end of a long day and today is not the exception.
Kiwi hums and moves with the music, her bony hips rolling with each stride, as if she’s not in her eighties. No one knows for sure. She refuses to reveal her age and will most likely take the number to her grave.
“Where’s our birthday girl?” Her voice is a husky rasp, courtesy of the cigarettes she’s always puffing on.
She rocks biker-chic like it’s her second nature. Leather jacket scuffed with years of stories, cherry red hair woven into a messy bun tucked under a perfectly tied bandana. Plus, a hole in the arm of the jacket where she always displays her heart tattoo.
Finally, the girls release me from their deadly grasp, clearing the way for Kiwi to step into our circle with the drinks.
“First round of birthday martinis is on the house.” Kiwi shifts the weight of the tray, balancing it on one hand like a seasoned pro.
Until a slight tremor passes through her, making the glasses clink together.
We all hold our breath, but none of us dares point it out or reach to steady the tray. No one would if they knew what was best for them. Kiwi’s got a temper that’d knock a person sideways.
“Ain’t every day I let anyone get near my bottles, but today’s an exception. Celi’s mixed up something special for the birthday girl.”
Each martini glass rimmed with a rainbow of sprinkles.
“If she’s not dancing on the table in twenty minutes, you’ve failed the assignment.” Josie tugs at the sleeve of Celi’s band tee, sliding the wide neckline off one shoulder.
Our cousin has this habit of butchering her t-shirts, but somehow, they always suit her.
“You’ll be lucky to be standing in twenty minutes,” she shoots back at Josie. “You’re a lightweight.”
“I’m not a lightweight.”
“You’re a lightweight,” all my sisters say at the same time, then burst into laughter.
“Aw, a synchronized teasing session. How cute.” Josie snatches a second glass, this time teetering the tray.
Kiwi catches the wooden edge, pulling it into alignment as her glare burns through Josie.
“What? They started it.”
“A virgin birthday cake margarita for the mama-to-be.” Kiwi hands Hope the glass with a pineapple wedge on the side.
“Thanks, Kiwi.” There’s a luminous glow to Hope’s cheeks, like her pregnancy is lighting her from the inside out.
I’d never admit it to her Wilde husband, but it looks good on her.
Josie raises her glass. “We all know Jade is hating every minute of this, while secretly loving it.”
“I’m not secretly loving it.” But a smile lifts the corner of my mouth.
“She is. Just a little.” Josie pinches her fingers close together.
My sister Natalie wraps her arm around my shoulder and squeezes.
“For real though.” A ripple of intent washes over Josie’s face. “We’ve been lucky to have you as our oldest sister. You are the perfect combination of awesome and annoying.”
It’s a rare moment when our youngest sister is this serious and sincere. I don’t take it lightly.
“You’ve always been the sister who knew what I was thinking, even before I knew myself. Whether it was staying up late to help with school projects, or holding hands through heartbreak.”
Hannah tilts her head. “Do you know heartbreak, Josie?”
“Shut up. I was referring to your heartbreak.”
