I pinched his side in response.
“Ow,” he hissed. “What the hell was that for?”
“Being myself is not the way to go here, bub,” I hiss-pered. “Obviously.”
Flash wrapped both his arms around me and squeezed gently. “Jesus, you’re funny when you’re discombobulated. You want breakfast?”
“In a minute.” I wrapped my arms around his waist and shook my head. “I’m not done hiding.”
“Baby, she’s one of us now,” Flash whispered. “You’ve got nothing to hide from.”
I glared up at him and said for his ears only, “She is a fucking queen, Mr. Wallace. You will show some respect.”
Flash responded by dropping his head back and laughing. “I’m gonna make you a cup of coffee before you implode.”
I sighed. “I’ll allow it.”
He kissed me gently, then released me and made his way to the coffee pot.
“Tate!”
I turned to find Poppy rushing into the kitchen and it gave me the perfect excuse to pull myself together and focus on something other than my awkwardness. I grabbed her hand and led her back out of the room, pulling her down the hall.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
“I just made a total fool of myself,” I whispered. “I need a second to reset.”
She smiled. “I bet you’re being way too hard on yourself.”
“Um, no, pretty sure I’m not,” I retorted, adding in a whisper, “I curtsied to her, Poppy.”
“What the fuck now?”
Dropping my face into my hands I shook my head as Poppy chuckled and wrapped her arms around me. “Come on, honey, you’re fine. Melody probably took it all in stride.”
“Baby,” Flash breathed out, pulling me away from his sister and cupping my face. “What are you doing out here? Come back into the kitchen.”
“Seriously, honey,” Poppy said. “Pull up those big girl panties and join the fun. You’re the president’s daughter-in-law.” She leaned in and whispered, “She should be curtsying to you.”
I let out a snort-laugh, falling against Flash as he kissed my temple. “Yeah, you’re probably right. I’m sure I’m overreactin—”
Melody stepped into the hallway just as I gathered my courage. “Oh, sorry, I was just looking for the bathroom.”
I waved my hands in the air like a deranged magician’s assistant. “Allow me to escort you to the facilities.”
Melody laughed. “Oh my god, you’re so funny.”
Yeah, that’s it, I’m funny. Not criminally insane or restraining order worthy.
“Two doors down on the left,” Poppy said, putting me out of my misery. The second Melody was out of sight, Poppy settled her hands on my shoulders. “I take it back. What the hell is wrong with you?”
“Right?” I cried. “Oh my god! I can’t function!”
“Enough,” Flash growled, turning on his sister. “You need to back the fuck up, sissy. Tate is fine. Stop telling her she’s not.”
“She didn’t mean it that way,” I argued.
“I really didn’t,” Poppy confirmed.
