Goldie
Are you insinuating that we’re not already having fun?
Dylan
Not without me, you’re not
Goldie
Sigh. True.
Camden
Can’t get more fun than this.
Tully
Speak for yourself. About to hit the ice.
Noah
It’s been a great day off so far. Wish me luck though. He’s talked me into going to Nickelodeon Universe today.
Dad
Have fun, you guys! Thanks for letting me know you’re all alive. Speaking of fun, has anyone else noticed how happy Camden’s been lately? Every time I see him, he’s smiling. Whatever’s got you in such a good mood, son, keep it up!
I blink at the phone. What is Dad implying here? Have I really been that obvious? He can’t possibly know anything, right? We haven’t even been around the family very much since we got together.
I drift off, smiling as I think about last night.
Shit. Iambeing fucking obvious!
I park at The Hungry Walleye five minutes early. Juju’s actually the one who came up with the plan. I’ll go inside and get fries and a drink to go, and while I’m inside, Juju will get inside my SUV and lay low until I’m out there. Everything seems to be going as planned until Sandy walks in and asks ten thousand questions about my dad. I swear, I think she’s upset that he’s feeling so much better because she doesn’t have an excuse to bring him hotdish anymore.
When I finally get in the car, I laugh because Juju’s huddled on the floor on the passenger side.
“What are you doing down there?” I ask. “Are you freezing?”
It’s so cold today.
“I wanted to maintain the secret,” she grumbles. “And yes, I’m freezing. This sweater dress isn’t doing very much for me right now.”
“Where’s your coat?”
“I wanted to look cute when you got in and accidentally put it in the back…and then I was afraid someone would see me if I tried to grab it.”
I start the car and get the heat going, hurriedly pulling out onto Wildbriar Lane.
“I’m so sorry. Sandy was chatty. You look so hot in that dress. Get up here so I can get a better look at you. I love it. Please come sit by me.”
She lifts up and peeks out the window. “Is it safe?”
“It’s safe,” I say, speeding up a little so we can get past the shops.
She sits in her seat, and I reach back and hand her the little bouquet of white roses I picked up for her earlier. She admires them and then brings them to her nose.
“Thank you,” she says softly. “Are you trying to dazzle me, Whitman?”
