“Erin asked Goldie if it was okay if we crashed,” Ava says.
I hug her. “Of course—you should be here. Jackson put this little party together, and he hasn’t even bothered to show yet.”
I focus on the food and get everyone set up with what they want. I work with Bobby for a little while, and then he finishes up for me so I can go out there and eat with my family.
I text her with one hand under the table.
Hallway by the office in 3?
She only glances at her phone for a second and doesn’t type back. She does glance my way and smirks.
I see you, little tease.
“Camden, the food is excellent,” Grandma Donna says.
“This walleye is the best I’ve had,” John says.
“So is this steak,” Margaret adds, smiling at me warmly. “And this salad! Does the chef ever tell his secrets?”
My eyes flash to Juju, who’s staring at her plate.
“Come on, you can give me the recipe,” Margaret adds. “I won’t tell anyone.”
Everyone laughs.
“Only for you,” I say. “And you and you,” I add when my grandmas protest.
Hector leans over and whispers something in Grandma Donna’s ear, and she ducks her head, her cheeks turning pink. Noah and Dad stare at them, and then at Hal and Grandma Nancy, looking like they’ve bitten a lemon.
“I forgot you hadn’t seen all the flirtation going on,” I say, chuckling. “It’s a sight to see.”
“You aren’t kidding,” Dad says. “I mean, good for them, but…” He shakes his head like he’s trying to will the images away. “It’s something,” he finishes weakly.
“It’s wholesome in a way,” Noah says quietly. “Hector and Grandma Donna, that is. Not Hal. That man wouldn’t know wholesome if it hit him in the face.”
Dad and I laugh.
“Mom seems to be holding her own,” Dad says and then shudders. “I need to wash out my eyes with soap.”
Noah and I crack up.
“I think that’s the mouth usually,” Noah says.
“That too.” Dad laughs. “And the ears while I’m at it.”
“Hello, everyone!” Jackson says.
I look up and he’s in a suit, smile wide, and next to him is one of the girls he brought to broomball. I can’t remember her name…or if I ever even knew it to begin with.
“Everyone, I’d like you to meet Dove…my wife.”
What the fuck?
Everyone just stares at him for a long pause, and then I move to my feet and pound him on the back as I congratulate him.
“Motherfucker!” I say under my breath.
He just beams at me.
