She laughs. “Of course I will. And I know he’ll love it.”
“Dove?” Damian asks as his gaze settles on my sister. “Wait, are you the famous Robin?”
“Famous?”
“Sure. Your sister and her friends talk about you all the time. Must be because you’re awesome.”
Robin’s cheeks flush. “I’m not awesome. I’m just good at making stuffed animals.”
“You have to see the doves she made us,” Sophie tells him. “They’re lovebirds who are embracing. You’ll love it.”
He smiles at her. “I can’t wait.”
Still embarrassed, Robin kicks her boot against the floor. Then her eyes look out in the distance and she perks up. “There’s Carly!” she points.
Carly must have heard her because when she glances in our direction and sees us, she grabs the hands of her mom, dad, andbrother Blake, and pulls them over. Our parents have met many times over the years and have become good friends, but since none of us live near each other, they don’t spend a lot of time together.
After Robin convinces Carly to call Ryder over, she presents them with dolphin plushies. “They dance in the ocean and they’re so loyal and friendly. I was stuck between whales and dolphins because whales dance, too, but I thought whales would take me too long. Do you like them?”
“Love them!” Ryder says.
“This is the most incredible thing in the world!” Carly says before enveloping her in her arms.
We look around for Addie and her grandfather, and finally find them seated on one of the couches. After we exchange hellos, Robin gives Addie two hawks. “I think a hawk represents Caleb well, since he’s so protective of Addie. And they also represent courage, which I think fits Addie well. Will you give one to your boyfriend?”
“I love you so much, Robin!” Addie hugs her close. “Thanks so much for accepting me so quickly.”
“Raven treats her friends like family, so you’re part of my family, too.”
“Thanks. I always wanted a little sister.” She hugs her again.
We discuss many topics with our friends and their parents, and then my family and I go for a walk around campus. The wind is still ice-cold, but it’s far too crowded in the main room. We’re just about go into the building that has the classrooms to warm up and have some privacy, when I catch sight of Kylen walking with two elderly people.
“There’s Kylen and his grandparents,” I tell my parents.
Mom stops walking and turns to me with raised brows. “Kylen? Are you referring to the Kylen who…?” Her voice trails off.
“Yeah, it’s the same Kylen. He goes to my school now and we…” I try to shrug my shoulders casually, but I can’t hide my smile. “We’re friends now.”
“We’re glad to hear that,” Dad says. “We know how hurt you were over the affair. It’s good that you guys have made up. It doesn’t do the heart well to carry around so many negative feelings.”
Robin stares from me to my parents. “Who’s Kylen?”
All three of us glance at Robin, then exchange looks with one another.
“What?” she asks.
“It’s a guy I used to know,” I tell her.
She folds her arms over her chest. “It’s more than that. Why are you keeping me out of the loop?”
“We grew close at camp after ninth grade. But then we drifted apart. Now we’re friends again.”
Kylen and his grandparents have caught up to us. He smiles at me. “Hey, Raven. Are these your parents and sister?”
“Yes. These are Vince and Amy Mitchell, and Robin.”
Kylen shakes hands with my parents and then holds his hand out to Robin. “Hi. I heard great things about you.”
