Wendi’s brows lifted at Teller and Mae. Her gaze skipped over Ruby, swinging back to Teller. The breeze fluttered the skirt of her pink summer dress.
She slid her hand over Logan’s narrow shoulders. “Teller. Mae. What a surprise.”
Damien nodded to Teller. What had my ex heard about his girlfriend’s ex?
Teller ignored them and gave me anAre you okay?look.
I didn’t know, but I flashed the smallest of smiles. I wasn’t bothered by Damien and Wendi, but I was a stranger to my nephew. He was my only remaining family.
“We were just about to start,” I said to them. “Come have a seat.”
I wouldn’t be like Mom. Not today.
The corner of Wendi’s mouth curled up, but she nudged Logan. Damien went around the car to fall into step with her. She came to his chin with her tall wedge heels. He eventually outpaced them to be the one to sit by Teller.
For once, he’d done something that gave me comfort. On a good day, I wasn’t secure enough to have Wendi and her long, tanned legs right next to Teller. Today was not a good day.
The service was quick. I’d told Stanley I wouldn’t tolerate any slander about Mom. This wasn’t the day to be passive-aggressive. Whether he’d listened to me or hadn’t wanted to upset the Baileys, I’d never be sure, but he was polite enough, saying the most neutral things about Mom and concentrating more on the family moving on after death.
I was the only family. And my nephew. I tried to peek at him, but he was sitting the farthest away.
Once it wrapped up, Stanley left as soon as possible.
Mae pulled me in for one of her warm, gentle hugs. “Are you sure you still want us at Flatlanders?”
“Absolutely.” I’d be grateful not to sit in an empty bar all night pondering a future of running it.
Ruby crowded in after Mae. “I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you. Thanks for coming.”
“Okay. We’ll see you at Flatlanders. Tenor’s picking up some munchies, but Scarlett made a batch of lemonade.” Her gaze strayed to the side. I didn’t have to look to know Damien and Wendi were there.
Teller’s heat seeped into me. “Cruz and Lane are bringing some sandwiches, and the others will fill in the rest.”
It’d be a proper reception. The family Mom had hated most were the only ones who’d put in an effort for her.
Ruby gave me one last squeeze and I closed my eyes, soaking up the support, fortifying myself for making nice with my ex-sister-in-law.
Ruby and Mae walked toward the road. Teller slipped an arm around me.
“The reception’s at Flatlanders?” Wendi asked, her tone brimming with impatience.
“Yes. You’re all welcome.” I twisted my hands together but leaned more into Teller’s hard side. “No need to bring anything. The Baileys have it covered.” I couldn’t help myself.
The tic under Wendi’s cheek made it worth it. So did the grinding of Damien’s jaw.
I tried to catch my nephew’s eye, but he was frowning at his shoes. “Wait’ll you try Scarlett’s cherry lemonade, Logan.”
He ignored me and looked at his mom.
Was this the kid I used to give piggyback rides to?
I searched his face for my brother, but his eyes were light like his mom’s, and his default expression was petulant like hers too. Damien put his hand on Logan’s shoulder.
“I have a stop to make first,” Wendi said with a sniff. “Riley’s showing us a property she wants to rent. Then we’ll be there.”
“See you soon.” I wound my arm around Teller’s waist, and together, we walked toward his pickup.
