I escaped to the laundry room right as her phone started ringing and started a load with all our things together. I climbed atop the washing machine and leaned forward, twirling a lock of hair while I gazed down the hall. Ari’s phone call is over and she’ll be here any second now.
“Move my colors away from all your black.” Her annoyed voice preceded her.
“Perfect timing!” I beamed as she entered the room.“Was that your dad?”
“Yeah. He can’t come home today.” Her feistiness faded and was replaced by disappointment. “Something came up at work and he has to stay for a couple more days.”
“Did he say why?” I stopped twirling my hair. She’s so sad.
She shook her head, then jumped at the sound of footsteps. I was already off the washing machine and ready to attack—‘tis my job to protect my favorite cousin if something happens. But before I could enter the garage Sean walked out of it.
“Hey,” he greeted us as he entered the house.
“Sean, why would do that? You almost gave me a heart attack!” Ari picked up an object and threw it at his head.
“At least Emy’s reflexes are getting better?” He laughed and dodged when she threw something else.
“Why’re you here and why’d you come through the garage?” I hopped back onto the washing machine as a third object flewpast.
“Yeah. What’s wrong with you? Why’re you creeping in through garages like a weirdo?” Ari crossed her arms, waiting for his response.
“I came to see what’s wrong. You’re sad.” He looked at Ari, whose glare softened at his genuine concern.“I was nearby when I felt it, so I figured I’d make sure you’re okay. Did something happen?”
“Not really. It’s just my dad can’t come home today after all and I miss him. He’s never gone for this long.” She was trying to hide her disappointment, but it didn’t work. I rubbed her back, gently stroking my nails to sooth her.
“If you guys are lonely or something, you can always come back to our place.”
Ari and I glanced at each other, having a silent conversation. She seems okay with it and it’s fun for me to have entertainment while she’s off doing nerd shit.
“You wouldn’tmind?” she finally asked.
“Not at all. You can stay as long as you want. You’re both easy to live with. It’s not like either of you are super high maintenance or anything. Well…” he trailed off and they both looked at me.
“Me?” I gasped, glancing around for someone else. All I found was a wall and laundry supplies.
“Yes, you. Who else is behind you?” Ari laughed while Sean tried not to smile.
“It’s not bad. You’re just a little high maintenance.”
“And by just a little he means you take ridiculously long to get ready and you hog the bathroom for hours at a time.”
“Rude. I’m keeping myself pretty. It’s not my fault it takes a long time to maintain a certain level of perfection. Especially without mirrors.”
“Wait, but what about Dennis?” Ari asked.“I feel like he would mind a lot more than you andMateo.”
Sean glanced at me before saying,“Trust me, he won’t mind.”
“Speaking of Dennis, where is he? I haven’t heard from him all day and he was gone when I came back from my jog.” I pouted when Sean gave a noncommittal shrug.“He must be ignoring me.”
“He’s not,” Sean said. “Why would he ignore you?”
“He’s not?” I perked up.“Yay! We’re still friends.”
“And you’re sure Mateo won’t mind, either?” Ari asked.
“He won’t care. If any of us did, I wouldn’t offer. Really, don’t worry about it. If you wanna stay longer, our house is open. If you don’t, no pressure. It’s up to you.”
Ari hesitated before looking at me.“You wanna?”
