“Thanks for that, Captain Obvious.”
Indy smirked, and I laughed.
She shook her head. “So, what you’re saying is tomorrow is guaranteed to be a shitshow, and you’re promising me a front row seat?”
“Pretty much. But like you said, Aunt Wendy is a damn fine cook, so you’re also guaranteed a tasty meal with a side of awkward family drama.”
“Eh, I’m not a stranger to family drama. The stories I could tell you…” She trailed off and her eyes went unfocused for a second, then she shook her head. “Anyhow, sounds like fun. Sign me up.”
I heaved a sigh and headed for the kitchen, but the spotless sink had me drawing up short. I’d wanted something to do to get out of the awkward conversation and to keep my hands and mind busy. Only Indy had beaten me to the punch. The sink had been full when I’d left for Austin’s house. Now it was empty, and the countertops had been wiped.
I almost didn’t recognize my kitchen. It was nice. And clean.
Maybe having a roomie would mean some benefits on my end as well.
Huh.
Chapter 8
Still Dylan
The knot in my stomach hadn’t eased a whole day later.
Indy tossed me an uneasy smile as I walked around my truck and met up with her on the sidewalk.
“I promise it won’t be that bad.” I told her before finishing under my breath, “for you.”
“You say that like I don’t have an alliance or an affiliation or whatever with you. I don’t want you to have a bad time tonight. You are literally the only person I know here.”
I sighed. “My family’s great, really. And any shit they send my way is a hundred percent deserved. Believe me. It’s past time for me to own my shit.”
“Not sure how that’s supposed to make me feel any better.” She shook her head. “Sounds like it’s going to be the most awkward family dinner ever.”
“Nah, I bet by the end of the night you’ll have four new best friends and a surrogate mother.”
“Not that you’re overselling it or anything.” She laughed incredulously.
I shrugged. “My brothers’ girlfriends are awesome, and so is Sabrina. You’ve already met Maddie, remember? And she’s great. You—unlike me—have nothing to worry about.”
“I still feel like I’m leading someone to the gallows.” She hummed the ‘Imperial March’ under her breath.
So I was laughing when we reached the front step, and Aunt Wendy opened the door before I could reach for the knob.
My laughter fell away.
She crossed her arms over her chest and gave me the same appraising look Austin had yesterday. The knot in my stomach rose into my throat while guilt hammered away in my chest. “Hey, Aunt Wendy.”
“So you are alive.” Her eyebrows rose and her eyes flicked to Indy standing slightly behind me. “And who’s this?”
“Uh…” It didn’t occur to me that Austin hadn’t told Aunt Wendy about our extra guest tonight. I didn’t even have to look to know that Indy was trying to hide behind me. “This is my friend, Indy. She’s going to be working with us as our receptionist, starting tomorrow.”
“Indy?” Aunt Wendy leaned to the side and gave Indy a wide smile. “Indy, your eyes are just gorgeous. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone with eyes so vibrantly blue. And with all that glorious hair! Makes me wish I hadn’t cut most of mine off.” She pushed a hand through her short blonde hair, and her dangly earrings jangled with the motion.
“It’s easy to grow it out when you can’t afford haircuts,” Indy whispered behind me.
I closed my eyes. Something about her whispering it hit me viscerally. Like she was ashamed of herself.
Fuck. That.
