I refrain from interrogating my sister about her friend and settle down on the couch to respond.
Wes:Lilah’s good. She loves Ivy. No hiccups at work. You looking forward to summer break?
Sophie:So what you’re saying is, I was right about Ivy? You’re welcome. Also, yes. I need a drink by the pond.
I roll my eyes.
Wes:So humble.
My thumbs hover over the keyboard as I stare at the blinking cursor for a few moments before finally giving in, and not-so-subtly asking what I’ve been itching to know since her first message came through.
Wes:Does Ivy live far from here?
Sophie:She lives on the far side of town, closer to Silver Ridge. So… kind of. Why, dear brother, do you care where Ivy lives?
Wes:I don’t. Just curious.
I put my phone away, and ignore the next few chimes that I’m sure are from Sophie giving me a hard time. Canyon Creek isn’t a big town, but driving all theway to the back of the property takes a while—longer than you’d think. Even from my shop—Canyon Tattoo—on Main Street, it’s a bit of a drive. I can’t help but worry about Ivy making that trip twice a day.
I wonder if it would be easier for her if she stayed in the guest room. She wouldn’t have to worry about rent, and could use the space as her own. I don’t know what her living situation is, but if she’s renting, maybe this setup would work better for her. These are the types of things I refrain from asking her, but my resolve is starting to waver.
I inwardly scold myself. It’s been one week and I’m already trying to move her in. This is what I was worried about. I can’t think like this. Maybe I’ll bring it up when the timing makes more sense. I’m certain it would be coming on too strong if I asked her to move in with us after one week. I swear I can hear Sarah’s laugh echoing in my head, teasing me.
I need a beer.
————
Lilah and I had a great weekend. On Saturday, Maverick, Lincoln, Sophie and I took her to the waterpark in Silver Ridge, one town over.
At first, I’d only invited Maverick because Lilah specifically asked for her uncle Mav. Then I get a call from Lincoln, asking why he wasn’t invited. When I heard Linc's pickup roll into the driveway, I looked out the window and lo and behold, I watched as all three of my siblings hopped out.
Sophie marched right in with a fire up her ass. “What the hell, Wes? You invited Beavis and Butthead but not me?”
Lilah, of course, was ecstatic to have everyone there. We all piled into my truck, forced to listen to Maverick try and memorize-slash-rap every word ofWe Don’t Talk About Bruno.
Amatuer.
Later, when we were all camped out in lounge chairs watching Lilah splash around the shallow kiddie pool, Maverick tested my restraint and blood pressure.
“So I hear you have a hot nanny.”
Sophie immediately threw her arm out and slapped his bare chest.
“I mean, you’re not wrong,” she muttered, “but still man, don’t be a perv.”
I ground my molars to the point of pain, trying not to lay into him for speaking about Ivy like that. Even though I think about Ivy like that. As much as I try not to, I do think about how hot she is. But I also think about how funny she is. She’s kind and smart, and cute as hell.
God damn it, I want to know her.
“What?” Maverick scoffed. “She’s hot. She plays hard to get though, I think. Give me time, I can crack her”
I snapped. “Watch your fuckin’ mouth.”
“Woah, man. Okay. Damn, I was joking,” he said quickly, holding his hands up like I drew a gun instead of a line. “I swear, Wes,” he said a little more sincerely.
Lincoln kept his mouth shut. Sophie, on the other hand, just slowly smiled like the fucking Chesire Cat.
Later that day, Sophie and I were waiting in line at the concession stand, trying to grab everyone lunch. As we were sweating our asses off and waiting for our corn dogs, Sophie asked, “What did you do to Ivy?”
