“I’m thinking a parade,” Kenzie adds, punching her phone with intent.
Even Autumn gets in on it. “I’ll take care of the cake. Sandwiches are on me and Mom, and Arlo is going to work on the float tomorrow.”
“I don’t have that much to offer, but…” What is there for me to offer? I trace lines on the table, wanting to help in any way possible. “I have story time on Wednesday, and Robin was going to dress up as a turkey.”
Paris outright laughs. “Yeah?”
“And I can do anything else that’s needed. Lark doesn’t have school this week, so both of us are at your service.” My heart throbs at the fact that I can help this woman and her son heal in some way. We each mourn differently, taking a path that works for us.
I went one way, and Paris shut down.
“I think it’s time I start living.” Paris inhales deeply before looking at each of us. “Matt would want that.”
Kenzie gasps, and Autumn chuckles.
“I’m so proud of you.” Bloom beams, and I can only guess that Paris hasn’t uttered his name in those five years.
“I want to finish school,” Paris adds, “and finally open the clinic.”
“Oh, I’m so pleased by this.” Kenzie sighs. “Call me selfish, but driving Milo an hour away for a vet is tedious.”
“It’s okay to feel selfish, it gives me the motivation I need to succeed.” Paris nods before pulling the nachos over to herself. “As long as Robin stands in a corner shirtless, then I’ll be capable of anything.”
“There she is.” Autumn sighs in relief, drumming her knuckles on the table.
I look over at Robin, who’s sitting beside me with his arms over one another on the chair, his head cocked to the side as he watches each of us in silence. Ever so slowly, he drops his head, his green eyes flicking over to mine before he shakes himself out of it and looks at Paris.
“Anything you need, baby girl. I’ll be here all week.” Robin lays on the Southern charm as thick as possible, surprising not just me, but all of us.
The only sound is the slurping of Paris’ straw.
Bloom leans back, fanning herself, and I’m pretty sure I’m inThe Twilight Zone. “Well. My oh my.”
“Dibs,” Paris growls at her. “My muse.” She flicks her straw at Bloom, flinging tequila all over us.
“Seraphina already called dibs.” Autumn pouts. “He’s my new bestie though.”
Robin chuckles, his freckled face turning scarlet.
I shove my fingers in my ears, singing some rendition of “Twinkle, Twinkle.” “Can’t hear you.” I can, in fact, hear them, and no amount of pretending I can’t hear them is going to work in this situation.
Robin tugs my hands free. “Relax, Wren.”
“Ugh, they are all fawning over you like you’re a Chippendale.”
“Tried it once.” Mirth dances in his eyes.
I stand far too fast, knocking my chair down as I march over to the bar and swipe the extra bottle of tequila.
“Now you know what it’s like for me watching you and Arlo make googly eyes at each other.” Autumn puts a finger in her mouth, mocking a gag reflex.
To spite her, I don’t use a shot glass and eye her while taking a swig from the bottle.
“Oh no! Why?” Autumn hops up, runs over to me, and swipes the bottle from my hands, spilling tequila everywhere. “That’s the good bottle.”
“You are trying to torture me,” I point out, while I shudder as the tequila makes a slow path to my stomach. I need a lime.
“Of course I am.” She pushes me back to the table, where I slouch in my chair and give my brother the evil eye.
