Odette.
Her raven hair is tied up into a messy bun that sits right on the crown of her head, and I have the strongest urge to walk over and tug it free, then run my fingers through it like I have a hundred times before.
She’s wearing a yellow sundress that barely kisses her knees, and it’s just as gorgeous as the leggings and plain sweater she had on the other night when we went ice-skating.
She’s fucking beautiful, and I want to kiss her so damn badly that I can’t stand it.
Instead, I put my bottle of Glove Save to my lips and take a long pull—anything to curb the desire.
“Bestie!” my sister shouts, launching herself into Odette’s arms, hugging her like she hasn’t seen her in years.
It might feel that way, too, considering she’s been spending all her free time with me.
I guess I should feel bad about that, but I can’t be bothered. Not when I’ve been enjoying myself so damn much.
“Hey,” Odette says, squeezing her back, but looking right at me.
To anyone else, I look indifferent to her presence, but I’m far from it. If anything, I’mtooexcited with my racing heart and tingling fingertips.
“How are you?” my sister barrels on before Odette can even speak. “Please tell me we can have dinner at your place soon? Maybe one last hurrah before I’m an old married woman? Oh, and you can make spaghetti. I love your spaghetti, especially with your garlic bread.”
Once again, Odette’s eyes find mine, and I’m sure she’s remembering that the last time she made it, it was for me.
“Yes,” she says to Izzy. “It’s a date.”
“Oh, Odette!” Her mother comes out onto the deck, a fruity-looking cocktail in her hand. “You made it!”
“Of course I did.” Odette points to the drink. “What’s this?”
“Sex on the Beach!”
“I did not authorize this!” my dad yells from inside.
Unfortunately, I had to have this exact same conversation twenty minutes ago. Apparently my dad lost a bet with my mother, and she got to choose the signature drink this week.
She wanted to pick something embarrassing for him to have to say he was making, so Sex on the Beach it is.
I’m just glad she didn’t go with Porn Star or Slippery Nipples or even Blow Jobs. I’m pretty sure I’d swear off all family functions after that.
“Would you like one?” Elaine asks her daughter with a giggle, and I’d wager she’s going to need a ride home tonight. “They’re delicious.”
Odette flicks her eyes my way, and while I’ve tried my best not to react up until this point, I can’t help but grin, especially with how red her cheeks are. “Oh, um, that’s okay. I think I’ll settle for a water tonight.”
Her mother shrugs. “Suit yourself. More for me and Lydia.”
“Watch out! Sex on the Beach coming through!” my mother yells, waltzing outside with a tray full of drinks.
It’s going to be a long evening.
The girls take their usual spot, settling into their Adirondack chairs around the low coffee table, while Dad joins me behind the grill.
“If I’ve got to deal with your mom knocking back those cocktails all night, then I need the good meat.” He sets a plate of steaks on the table near the grill.
“What’s the bet you lost again?” I ask.
“If you can believe it, it was how many marshmallows I could fit in my mouth. I told her it was at least twelve. I tapped out at four. She cheated, buying those new, ginormous marshmallows instead of the normal-size ones, but a bet’s a bet.”
I pat him on the back. “Better luck next time, Pops.”
