“No, you are acting like a child.”
“You can’t face your emotions.”
I roll my eyes like a Valley girl in Cali holding a surfboard. “Of course I can’t, that’s why I have you.”
“You don’t have me.”
“Yes, I do.” I smile, and I don’t think it’s pleasant.
“Move,” he repeats.
“No. I won’t move until you admit you are being a child.”
“What is all of this about?” Saffron comes barreling out of the kitchen and down the hallway with Autumn and Willow in her wake. Lark peeks over the banister with Cooper at her feet.
Darn it, I don’t want the little guy to get out, but I also won’t back down.
“Your son” —I earn myself a death glare from Arlo— “is being a stubborn ass!”
Everyone gasps.
“I said what I said.” I jut my chin out.
“Oh no.” Lark backs away, knowing Mom does not curse unless I’m irritated, and Arlo knows just what buttons to push.
“What did you do?” Saffron scolds her son.
“Nothing. I just told her I’d back away so she and Christian can make it work between them.” He almost sounds sheepish as he speaks.
“Oh, I’m out.” Autumn backs away, grumbling under her breath about idiot brothers.
Willow leans against the doorjamb, my brother peering over her shoulder, but then he rightfully scurries away.
“You fool.” Saffron shakes her head.
“I’m not a fool, I just think that?—”
“What is he doing?” Saffron cuts Arlo off to point at the floor.
Cooper is doing his danger paws, trying to make himself look scary. “Oh, he’s just putting out a warning.” I frown.
He wouldn’t.
“Out of the house!” Saffron yells.
Her shout only startles Cooper more.
His tail goes up.
“Out.” Arlo pushes me out the door, tossing the lights and trying to catch me all in one suave, fell swoop.
Somehow, he succeeds.
Cooper danger paws at the door, and Saffron swats him out of the house and slams the door in our faces.
“Cooper,” I scold. “Bad skunk.” His little tail still goes up, vibrating with anger.
“He won’t. You promised me he wouldn’t.” Arlo hides behind me.
