“Hey Sister.”
My head snaps up at the sound of my baby brother’s voice. “Parker, what are you doing here?”
“What? I can’t come see what my favorite sibling is up to?”
“You better watch out. The other siblings may get jealous.” I laugh. “Now, why are you really here?”
His strides are long as he makes his way to the counter. “This is pretty much the only time I’m able to see you. It’s not like you come around.”
I watch him as he studies the various arrangements under the glass counter. It’s not anything that’s real, just examples of some of the things we can do. Well, not me. I don’t’ have a creative bone in my body. The only reason Iapplied to work here is because I liked the vibe of everyone here.
“There’s a reason I don’t come around often.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know.” He waves away my comment. “But…you know you’ll need to talk to Mom and Dad at some point.”
“It’s not them I have an issue speaking with.” Well, that’s not completely true. My Dad is pretty high up there with folks I don’t want to converse with. But he’s not the one constantly putting pressure on me to do something I don’t want to do.
“You’ll have to talk to Pierce. There’s no avoiding it.”
“I’ve been doing a good job of it for the past six months.” I shrug my shoulder. “As far as I’m concerned it can last a lot longer.”
“Oh my God. The two of you are like children.”
“We’re someone’s children, so it’s appropriate.”
“Not really. But I’m not getting between the two of you. Us younger siblings shouldn’t have to play referee.”
Do I feel bad that it happens sometimes? Yes, I do. It’s not their job to run interference, but Pierce can’t seem to be an adult about anything when it comes to the family business. He’s the oldest. It’s his responsibility. I don’t know why I have to be a part of it. Besides, there are six of us total. Why can’t five handle the business? The only thing I’ve ever wanted is to live my life.
“I’m sorry. I promise I won’t put you in the middle of any arguments I have with my brother.”
“You aren’t the only one that does it,” Parker sighs. “But…you won’t like what I have to say next.”
“Why?”
He turns back toward the front of the shop. No doubt making sure we aren’t about to have any customers. If he’s doing that, it means I’m about to be pissed.
“Because it’s time for the family vacation.”
“No way. We just went on one.” At least, it feels like we did. I realize the date, and nope we haven’t had our yearly stress filled vacation.
“Well, it’s time again. Mom, Dad, and Pierce want you there.”
He still won’t look at me. Not that I blame him. I will never understand why my parents make these things mandatory.
“It’s not like I have a choice.” I get they want the family together at the same time, but what are they going to do when the rest of my siblings get into relationships and start having families. There’s no way their partners will want to go on these trips. Although, I guess in their eyes it’s a future problem.
“True.” He nods. “It’s not as bad as you make it out to be, though.”
Maybe for them. I’ve always been the black sheep of the family. Being with all my siblings at one time is fun until we get into a disagreement or whip out the board games. That’s when everything goes downhill.
“When is this marvelous weekend of family bonding supposed to happen? I’ll need to see if I can take off.” Plus side, it’s the beginning of wedding season, which means I’ll be needed to help out.
“Take off for what?” Emily asks as she comes into theroom. She’s carrying a few bouquets in her hands and almost drops one.
My brother rushes to her rescue. “Here, let me help you.” He gives her the smile I’ve seen him give dozens of girls when we drink together.
“Oh, thank you.” Emily says, unfazed by my brother’s charisma.
