Even if I did grumble about the country clubs, it wasn't that bad. I could handle it.
"I don't disagree with you," I said.
"The heart of this plan is giving you more time to do the things you're really, really good at and giving me access to your skills," she said. "That we get to reduce our costs and—most likely—increase our profits is a very nice added bonus." She reached over, squeezed my forearm. "I think it would be really cool to work with you. Even though I've had a staff, it's always felt like it's just me. It wouldn't feel like that with you."
"I'm not saying no," I said. "I just need time to think it over. That's all."
"Okay," Magnolia said, her hands on either side of her belly. "I need to stand up because I can't take a deep breath in this position and I'm also ready for food. Why don't we give Linden some time with the documents. It's not like I'm in any rush with this."
I helped her to her feet while Ash shuffled the papers back in the file. "It would be nice to get this resolved before year-end," he said.
"That doesn't mean it's going to happen," Magnolia said. "Come on. We need to get back out there before Mom plans anything else."
16
Jasper
I didn't knowif I was allowed to, but I loved Diana.
She was hysterical. Really, truly hysterical. She was all out of fucks but also a fireball, and I liked that combination. Hell, I wanted tobethat combination.
"Hot plates, hot plates," she said as she carried two dishes to the dining room table.
I'd offered to help, obviously, but she banished me to the table with Zelda after we transferred some roasted vegetables to a serving plate and tucked the napkins through beaded rings. She'd made those herself, Diana informed us, offering a detailed origin story of the beads and how she crafted the rings. She could make us some, if we liked.
"We're not waiting on your father," Diana sang as she settled the dishes on trivets. "If he's late to supper, he'll eat leftovers."
"Isn't it almost dark out?" Magnolia asked. "How is he still golfing?"
"It doesn't have to make sense, dear," Diana replied.
"How about a drink?" Linden asked from the doorway, several bottles of wine and beer cradled in his arm.
"Yes, please," Rob said, holding up his glass. "Whatever you're pouring, give it to me."
"You make it seem like your life is dreadful and requires drowning in any available liquor," Magnolia said.
"That is not it at all, my love," he said. "More like I just spent half an hour talkingsomeoneout of hosting a gender reveal party."
"But everyone knows we're having boys," Magnolia said.
"I know." Rob nodded aggressively. "I know. She wants to do it anyway. At the very minimum, there will be a baby brunch."
"Whatthe hellis a baby brunch?" Magnolia asked.
Rob stared at her. "Does it even matter?"
"Oh mygod," Magnolia groaned. She elbowed Ash. "Can't you just get married and distract her?"
Ash shook his head at her belly. "You got yourself into this. Get yourself out."
Linden pulled the cork on a bottle of red wine and filled Rob's glass. "To your health, my friend."
"What do you have for beer?" Zelda asked.
"I grabbed that white ale you liked last time," Linden said, showing her the label on a growler. "Does that work for you?"
"Oh yeah." She held up the wineglass beside her plate. "Should I get a different kind of glass?"
