A few seconds later, I ducked my head to hide my wet eyes as I stepped back.
Dad’s swallow was audible as he looked away. “Let me know if there’s anything you need after your talk with the doctor.”
I nodded. “I will.”
Jenna stepped forward to give me a briefer, but no less welcome, hug. “It’s rare we get to see you these days. I was hoping for a little more time.”
“My friends are having a girl’s night tomorrow. You could join us if you want,” I blurted, the words seeming to fall out of my mouth against my wishes.
Say no, I urged mentally, wishing I could take my offer back.Say you can’t get away and have to watch Linda.
Anything but that you’ll come.
“With Caroline?” Jenna asked.
“And others.”
All of them spooks. Friends I’d made over the last few years.
Now that I had time to reconsider, I realized just how bad of an idea it had been to invite Jenna into that dynamic.
Too late to take it back now.
“I’ll be there.”
I faked a smile. “I’ll send the details.”
Happiness shone from every inch of Jenna’s body. “Great.”
Before my big mouth could dig any more holes I couldn’t get myself out of, I headed toward the Escalade. I climbed into the passenger seat, waving once at my family before slamming the door shut.
“Girl’s night, huh?” Nathan asked.
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
Nathan started the car. “You sure that’s a good idea?”
“Definitely not.”
But it was happening. God help me.
three
Thesoundofpukingcame as Nathan started the car.
I looked into the backseat to find Connor bent over and heaving. “What happened to being able to handle it?”
Connor’s features held regret as he wiped his mouth and straightened from his hunched over position. “You were right. I was too ambitious.”
Nathan twisted in his seat. “Did he seriously just throw up in this car?” The stunned outrage on his face made me bite back a smile. “Right behind me too? Are you kidding me?” His voice held a touch of hysteria. “How am I supposed to drive thinking about it sloshing around? What if it comes up here when I hit the brakes?”
Nathan started dry retching.
I patted him sympathetically on the shoulder. “I’ve decided to forgive you for letting Anton drive Gwyneth. You were right; this was a much better idea than taking my car.”
Nathan’s shoulders went rigid. “Did you know this was going to happen?”
Don’t laugh. Don’t laugh.
