I chuckle although I’m aware that some very pretty brown eyes are on me.
“My new man,” she teases. “I’m going to run off with, baby brother, and I won’t even have to change my last name.”
“Just say the word, Vi. We’ll run off together.”
“You two would have to do more than run. And you’re right, you won’t have to change your last name baby because you’d need an entirely new identity if you think you’re leaving me.”
“Ewwwah, Timmy. You’re so aggressive.”
I can tell by Vi’s voice that she’s loving every minute of my brother’s jealousy.
“It’s too early to play with me, Vi. Get to the point with my brother before the kids wake up.”
I forgot that California is two hours behind. Violet definitely has a one track mind.”
“And you’re calling me from bed? You must really want it.”
“Your donation to the Plucking Ladies Foundation? Absolutely. You told me to remind your ADHD and that’s what I’m doing.”
It cracks me up that she talks about my diagnosis like it’s another entity. It makes me feel like Bruce Banner.
“Isn’t your husband rich? He can fund the entire benefit.”
“Mind your business, Cole.” Timothy grouses in the background.
“Of course, I’ll help my favorite.”
“I’m going to tell Leilani,” Vi teases, bringing up my other sister-in-law.
“Well, when I’m on the phone with her, she’s my favorite.”
I place my phone on speaker before Jessamine’s eyes grow out of her head.
“Cole! I can’t believe you’re cheating on me with your other sister-in-law.”
“To be fair, she was my first…” I leave the pregnant pause to scandalize Vi. “Sister-in-law.”
She’s giggling hard now. “I can’t conference her in since it’s early and she has a million children but expect me to havemy messy boots on later, baby brother. Make sure you send the donationTuh-day.”
“Oh course, Vi. I’m texting Kacy as we speak. The Plucking Ladies will live to pluck another day.”
“Speaking of which, I’ve gotten a lot of interest from Texas, please tell me you’ll start the Dallas chapter.”
“I like to pluck ladies but I’m not a plucking lady, Vi.”
“It’s a gardening club for people with plant names.”
“Women with plant names. Don’t allow my pushy brother to dilute your vision.”
“We’re fighting on sight, Cole,” Tim grumbles already half-way asleep.
“I need a resident of Dallas with a plant name to bring the ladies together. I can provide meeting places and everything. Oh, I even found an abandoned community garden that they can revitalize.”
I’m shaking my head but Jessamine perks up. “I’m a Dallas resident with a plant name.”
“Oh, Cole. You have a lady caller.”
Jessamine and I chuckle. “Vi, you sound like an 80 year old.”
