CHAPTER 29
GRIFFIN
While getting dressed,I kept thinking about what Mom meant. She’d probably ask us to dinner at her place. I wouldn’t mind—not at all.
Ten minutes later, we were on the way to Phoebe’s house.
During the drive, I shared our location with my brothers. To our astonishment, Chase arrived before us. He was leaning against his car, flashing me a shit-eating grin.
“Good morning, you two. Phoebe, nice to see you again.”
“Hey, Chase. Thanks so much for volunteering to come over,” she said.
“Always happy to help out.”
She smiled at me. “Generosity really does run in the family. Your brother didn’t even hesitate asking me to stay with him until I find something else.”
“It was indeed a surprise to everyone,” Chase said.
I decided to lay out all my cards. “Did you talk to Mom?” I asked him as we went to the front door.
“No. Why?”
“No reason.” Mom would let me know what she was up to soon enough.
Phoebe cleared her throat as soon as we stepped inside. “So,I’ve actually packed a lot already, but I still need to gather some things together. All these boxes are ready, obviously.” She pointed to the corner stacked with boxes and two huge suitcases. “These are bursting at the seams, so I won’t open them again. I’ll pack the rest of the things in a small carry-on.”
“That’s okay,” Chase said. “Take your time. Meanwhile, the two of us will load as much as possible in our cars. When the rest join us, we’ll split the boxes among ourselves.”
“Thanks so much. I’ll hurry, I promise.”
Once Phoebe went into the bedroom, I expected Chase to start asking questions, but he just got to work. Finn and Knox arrived almost immediately after.
“The other two are on their way,” Finn said the second he stepped inside the house.
“Where’s Phoebe?” Knox asked.
“I’m here,” she announced, coming out of the bedroom at the same time that Duncan and Wyatt came into the house.
“Oh, you’re all here,” she exclaimed. “Do you want anything to drink? Jeez, I didn’t even think about offering before.”
Wyatt chuckled. “Relax. We’re your packmules today. Just put us to work, and we can celebrate afterward.”
“Celebrate?” Phoebe asked.
Wyatt flinched, and Chase grunted.
I stared at Chase. “Man, I thought you were hiding something, but I figured I was just being paranoid.”
“All I’m saying is, keep an open mind,” he said, looking at Phoebe apologetically.
“Don’t overwhelm her, Chase,” I warned.
Phoebe frowned. “You lost me.”
“Great job, dude,” Knox said.
“I told her I was suspicious that you all replied at the same time. It almost seemed like you’ve been talking to each other.”
