I hated being the center of attention, and I had planned to be early for that purpose. Although, we were officially half an hour late. Not entirely sure how that happened, either.
“Park wherever.” I pulled my other earbuds from the other ear, stuffing them away into the backpack that was at my feet.
Noah was out of the car before it was even shut off. I shook my head, glad he’d happily take the attention ahead of me, then.
I was a bit slower getting out, grabbing the gift bag, and heading inside. The door was left open in Noah’s wake, and Beckett was kind enough to close it behind him.
I followed Noah’s voice, finding him not that far into the house already talking a mile a minute to one of the many people here in the living room.
I sat the gift bag on the table before slipping farther into the house.
“Asher!”
I didn’t make it far into the kitchen before a set of small arms wrapped around me, holding me hostage.
“Hey, there, Lucy.” My own arms wrapped around her small frame, holding on just a tad tighter than I normally would. “You’ve grown.”
“I’m five now!” She proudly held up a whole five fingers with a toothy grin. Her black hair was a bit crazy, falling out of the braids her mother had put it before the party.
“You sure are.”
“Who’s he?”
I glanced over my shoulder. “Noah’s friend. Beckett.”
“Oh.” Lucy turned her blue gaze to him. I was positive that she was eyeing him up and down. It was pretty funny to see a five-year-old assess a man who was supposed to be a friend. Well, not my friend, but that wasn’t something I was going to point out to a kid. “I guess he can stay.”
“Well, thank you, little miss.”
Whatever he did behind me, it caused Lucy to laugh like it was one of the silliest things she’d seen so far today.
I just shook my head, not wanting to know.
“Just a friend?” Scarlett asked as she walked towards me from the pantry, or I assumed so. She hadn’t been there a minute ago.
“Noah’s friend.” I had to make that clear. “Missed you.”
She pulled me into a hug, holding on like she hadn’t seen me just last month. But that was how she always was. Scarlett wasn’t much taller than me, although she was way smarter.
“Missed you too. I’m so glad you could make it.” She pulled back, keeping her hands on my shoulders.
“Where’s my favorite guy at?” I asked before she could try to get me to tell her about my past few days. Nothing got by her, and I was sure my eyes were still slightly puffy.
“Where do you think?” she sighed.
I nodded.
“He’s waiting for you, by the way. I promised I’d send you up when you arrived. Although, you’re late.”
“Not my fault.” I shrugged. “He drove.” I pointed towards Beckett over my shoulder.
“Hey now,” Beckett drawled. “I followed the GPS. And someone needed to stop at the store.”
“Yeah, don’t take Noah toy shopping. Ever,” I sighed with an eye roll which caused Scarlett to laugh. “But he’s just as freaking bad.”
“So why did you drive my son and his friend, if you don’t mind me asking,” Scarlett asked, seeming like it was an everyday thing she’d ask anyone. It was spoken like asking about the weather. But I knew the difference. Scarlett’s mind was a mother, but also someone who saw more than what was right before them.
“Asher’s car isn’t all that big, mam. I figured it was just easier if we took mine instead.”
