“Multiply that by six, then add in you and my dad.”
“Yeah, this makes a bit more sense.”
“I’ll be surprised if there’s any of the junk food they bought last night left by the end of the day.”
“You should give them a bit more credit than that.” I know her siblings don’t make things too easy for her, but they deserve some slack. The only thing I can do is give them a chance. I’ll let them prove themselves to me on their own.
“Eh, you didn’t grow up with them.”
“Touché.” She has an experience I’ve never had. I mean the entire crew of Crooked Halo are like family, but it’s not the same as growing up with them. We’re all adults. This is one I area I wish I could connect with her. That will never happen, though. Now to figure out how I’m going to sleep in the same bed with her.
It took everyone to bring the groceries in earlier. For such a small kitchen, it holds all the food with ease. There’s not a stray item on the counters. It’s also a good thing I didn’t make a bet with Paula earlier. Phillip just popped the last pizza pocket in the microwave.
“What are you doing?” Abigail yells as soon as she hears the electronic hum.
“Eating a snack.” Phillip sounds confused by the question.
“We’re going to eat in a bit. You’ll ruin your appetite.” She admonishes.
He shrinks back a bit before busting out in laughter. “You know I’ll be hungry again in thirty minutes. You don’t have to worry about me not wanting to eat.”
She rolls her eyes and turns toward the hallway. I guess even she needs a break from her kids on occasion.
Phillip grabs his food from the microwave and doesn’t wait for it to cool down before taking a huge bite. He’s doing that awkward thing where you chew and try to keep from burning the inside of your mouth. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone actually do it. It’s quite funny.
After he swallows, he leans against the counter. “How did you and Paula meet?”
The sibling inquisition took longer than I thought it would. They didn’t really get a chance this morning, though. Paula and I left before they made it to the kitchen.
“Yeah, how did y’all meet? My sister never said.” Pierce pipes in from the living room. Damn this open floor plan. I really hoped he wasn’t listening in. Though he is the one I have to win over.
Remember to stick as close to the truth as possible.
“We met at Out of the Ashes.”
“Figures.” Pierce rolls his eyes.
“The story has to be better than that.”
“Well, I bumped into her and her phone flew out of her hand. I gave it back to her, we haddrinks, and the rest is history. I’m on the road a lot so we hang out when I’m in town.”
It’s not a complete lie. I am on the road a lot.
“So, you drive trucks or something?” Pierce’s tone is condescending at best. I don’t understand why he has it out for me when he doesn’t even know me. Maybe Paula is right and he can’t be brought to my side.
“Absolutely not. There isn’t anything wrong with it, I just don’t do that. I’m actually part of the crew for a band.”
“What band?” Phillip throws his trash away and moves closer to me. Personal space isn’t a thing with this family. Got it.
“Crooked Halo.”
“Oh my God. No way.” Phillip’s smile is wide and excited. “I try to see them every time they are in town. I’ve seen them once when they are on tour, but I like when they play at Out of the Ashes. It feels more…”
“Intimate?” I add to help him out.
“Exactly.” He is staring at me in awe. “It must be so cool working with them. I never get a chance to talk to them after a set because they are surrounded by people.”
Do I tell him they are making Asheville home base? I’m not sure they want that to be public information. I’ll keep my mouth shut for now.
