Seb chuckled and grabbed my hand, leaning over to whisper in my ear. “It’s just a quick prayer.”
I nodded and hesitantly conformed to the expectation.
I glanced around the table to see that everyone had bowed their heads and Daniil suddenly spoke. I squeezed my eyes shut, worried someone would notice I wasn’t paying attention or praying ‘appropriately’ and wilted with relief when he said ‘amen’ so I could put my hands in my lap.
“So, Shiloh, tell me ‘bout yourself,” Shelby said as she poured herself some tea from the pitcher on the table. I stifled a groan and looked in her direction.
“Uh, well, I’m a senior, at Granby High, and I was helping your son in math,” I said before shoveling a large pile of mashed potatoes into my mouth.
To my surprise, she chuckled and shook her head with a smile.
“Yes, of course. Are ya from ‘round here?” she asked.
“Born and raised.”
“Lucky,” his younger sister frowned.
I didn’t really care to hear an explanation for her remark, but his mom gave one anyway. “Dan was in the Air Force and when he retired a few years back we moved here to be with my brother Quintin and his family. I guess movin’ ‘round the world for your father’s job seems unfortunate now, Esther, but in the future I’m sure all y’all will appreciate the experiences ya had,” she said, giving her daughter an admonishing stare.
How can you retire from a job and look as young as his mom and dad? Somebody sign me up for the Air Force yesterday.
“Any college plans?” His mom added after a moment.
I shrugged as I shoved another large piece of chicken in my mouth.Can’t a girl eat in peace?
“Nox is joinin’ the Air Force since he wasn’t sure if he wanted to go to college. But if he does want to, he’ll be able to ‘ford it with the help of the military.”
I noticed Nox giving his mom a look of annoyance and she waved her hand in dismissal.
“What?” she shrugged. “It’s not like it’s a secret. And we’re real proud of your decision to serve your country.”
“You sound like you’re trying to recruit her to join the military, Mom,” he sighed.
“Oh, hush. I’m just gettin’ to know your friend. So, Shiloh?”
“Yeah, not sure where I’ll be yet,” I replied.I don’t even know where I will be after this meal.
“Well, you’re clearly a bright girl, I’m sure you’ll figure it out, honey,” she smiled.
“Eh, kids these days aren’t as interested in college. Not since Covid,” Quintin said with a quick smile sent in my direction. “I never attended college, and I’d say things turned out pretty successful.”
“Yeah, but you were also in the military which paid for all your job training and allowed you to take out a loan to start your business,” Jae added, pointing his fork in his dad’s direction.
I could see the resemblance between Shelby and Quintin—blue eyes, sandy blonde hair, but Quintin didn’t seem to have much of a southern drawl at all. I wondered how two siblings could end up sounding so completely different.
Quintin chuckled and nodded. “That’s true. All I’m trying to say is, there’s nothing wrong with getting vocational training instead of a college degree.”
“What’s his business?” I whispered, leaning into Nox’s shoulder.
He turned his head, his cheek brushing against mine, “He owns an MMA gym.”
I nodded.Maybe that’s where they get the muscles. Quintin is fucking ripped.My breath hitched when I heard my name followed by several gasps of shock. All eyes flicked to me and sent my heart thudding in my chest. Sebastian’s arm landed across my shoulder, and I flinched as he pulled me into his side.
“Yep, known this rascal since she was in diapers. Actually, come to think of it, I’m pretty sure yours was the first diaper I ever changed,” Seb said with a warm chuckle that spread around the table.
“Wait, wouldn’t you have only been six?” Eden asked with a look of disbelief.
“Uh, yeah. I guess so. Maybe seven. But you know how it is. Takes a village and all that.”
