Parker
What’s the deal with you two?
Me
I watch his sister when he plays sometimes.
Parker
Like a babysitter? Or a girlfriend chilling with her future sister-in-law?
Me
A friend.
Parker
Girlfriend?
Me
Friend who is a girl.
Parker
Does D know?
Me
There’s nothing to know.
Parker
I’ll pretend I believe you.
Have fun at the hockey party
Me
Make good decisions
* * *
On Friday, I debate packing a bag, because I’m pretty sure no one will be in any condition to walk me home at the end of the night, but I don’t want to look too eager, or like I’m expecting anything, so I slip a pair of undies into the zippered part of my purse and walk to the house on Ivy.
The street is lined with cars, and there are people on the front lawn, but it’s a lot quieter than I was expecting.
“Welcome to our humble abode.” Owen bows when he opens the door, and I burst out laughing.
“Thank you, kind sir.” I attempt a curtsy.
“Noah was in the kitchen last I saw him, but I don’t think he wants you in there.”
“I’m banned?” I verify.
“Never. My dad bought the house, so you are always welcome everywhere. But Noah’s my captain, so what he doesn’t know can’t hurt him,” he teases.
I’d prefer to stay with Owen until I find people I know, ideally Noah, but he’s enjoying door duty, so I wish him goodnight and go deeper into the house that is so familiar, but so different right now, filled with people I don’t know. This is why I usually went home on weekends, or stayed in the parts of the house that were off-limits.
