“Understandable,” Hannah said, not at all deterred. “I hope you don’t mind, Scarlett. It may not be much, but I couldn’t just sit back and do nothing. I can at least make you a cake.”
“I think Zevon is trying to,” I said, finally finding my voice.
“He can do that,” Hannah laughed. “May make a mess in the kitchen, but baking is something he’s pretty good at.”
“You’ll have to see Scarlett’s kitten,” Dominic said, turning so he walked backwards.
“A kitten?”
“Yes. Zevon just had to adopt it for someone,” he winked. “She’s a cute little thing.” Was he talking about the cat or me? I blushed, ducking my head.
“I can’t wait,” Hannah said, her shoulders relaxing as we neared the house.
On the porch, Peyton stood, waiting. A small smile graced his face. It was odd that we looked so much alike. Maybe at one point in time, we’d have been able to pull off being twins.
“Hello, sorella,” he said. “Happy birthday.”
“What does that word mean?” I asked, letting him pull me into a hug.
God, I had missed him. I hadn’t realized it until I was wrapped in his arms. I gladly hugged him back, not wanting to let him go. He was only a few inches taller than me, my head fitting right under his chin.
“Sister,” he answered next my ear. “I missed you so much.”
“Missed you too.” I didn’t want him to leave again. A week without seeing him was just too much. It didn’t help that my dreams had focused on our relationship before I disappeared. I feared I’d never get that back.
At my words, Peyton hugged me tighter against his chest. Was he remembering better days, too?
Peyton and I were the last to join everyone inside. Zevon had flour everywhere, and I had no clue how that was possible. He even had some in his hair and on his nose. The counter was covered in not only the white stuff, but there was also eggs and egg shells. Dishes were piled, nearly tumbling over, next to the sink.
Would whatever he was making come out safe to eat?
“Don’t worry,” Peyton whispered to me. “Zevon’s food won’t make you sick. He’s just a messy cook.”
“I’ll clean it up. Geez. If you would have given us a bit more time, I’d have had this mess cleaned up already,” Zevon huffed towards Ace. “Rather than calling us thirty minutes away.”
“You know how to clean?” Dominic asked, failing to hide his laugh. An instant later, a handful of flour was aimed for his head. It missed, landing on his chest.
“Hey now, boys,” Hannah said. “Guess you can all clean this mess up while I go see my daughter’s kitten.”
“You got a cat?”
“Igot her a cat, yes,” Zevon said, glancing up at me before putting the pile of dishes in the sink. “I’m the best gift giver.”
“Whatever,” Peyton said, fighting not to roll his eyes.
“So, can I see your kitten?” Hannah asked.
“Sure,” I whispered.
I walked away, figuring either whoever wanted to see the thing would follow, or I’d bring Hope to meet them.
When I got to the room, Hope came running out from under my bed with her sweet little meow.
“Hey there, Hope,” I said, bending to pick her up.
“Aww, she is so adorable,” Hannah said, touching the top of the cat’s head.
“Now my gift will be like a second thought,” Peyton pouted. Was he jealous?
