“Seven, you’re all welcome.”
“Where is Niko?” Nalani asks.
“He’s with Arthur. Doesn’t leave his side until it’s time for his walks.” Aleks says.
“A dog that size is actually walking the person, right?” Dash chuckles.
“He’s very well trained.” Aleks says.
“He won’t let me take him out alone,” I add.
“That’s because you want to put that ridiculous coat on him.” Aleks shakes his head.
“It’s not ridiculous, it’s adorable.” I huff, “And warm.”
“He’s a dog; he came with his own coat. You don’t need to accessorize him.”
“You two are adorable,” Noelle states. “Do you have a song?”
Deacon holds up his hand, “Before you answer,” Claudia’s laugh interrupts him, but he continues. “We need you both to find it on your playlists and play it on the count of three.”
“What is wrong with you?” Aleks scowls at him.
“Just do it.” Deacon scowls back.
“We don’t have a?—”
Claudia cuts me off, “Okay then, just play the one you were humming that day.”
I mimic Aleks’s accent, “What is wrong with you?”
Everyone laughs, and Aleks rolls his eyes.
Deacon points at him, “The one you let play in the?—”
Aleks cuts Deacon off, “I know what song you’re referring to, but this is a stupid —”
“One,” Nalani says, and I pull it up on my phone, hiding it from him.
“You’re a child too?” he asks me. I nod and grin. “For fucks sake.” He pulls his phone out.
“Two.” Noelle giggles.
“Three.” Claudia smiles.
Daylight by Taylor Swift plays, and hell no, I don’t hide it, I’m a Swiftie and proud of it.
We show each other our phones, and I pout out my lower lip when I read his screen, Daylight by David Kushner.
He sighs heavily, “Does this song mean I love you any more or any less?”
“Oh my God, you two may be my favorite,” Noelle pauses and looks at Claudia and Nalani, “Non-married couple.”
“Why is that so offensive to me?” Dash asks.
“And unengaged,” She adds, holding out her hand.
“What!” The three of us screech and tackle-hug her.
