“Carter,” Penny sighs, obviously arriving just in time to hear that. “We don’t comment on people’s personal appearances, remember?”
Carter’s jaw drops indignantly. “You said I could compliment people! I like fire, so it was a compliment.” He turns back to me. “Your hair isamazing.”
That should probably make me feel better, but all I want right now is a hat. “Thank you.” It comes out sounding like a question, but Carter doesn’t notice.
Griff does, though, and he sets his nephew down, passes Vivi to him, and says, “Go play.”
Penny grins so wide, I could probably see her tonsils if I wanted to. “Phil! It’s so nice to meet you at last. Sorry about my son.”
I shake my head and muster up a smile. “No, it’s fine. Good to see you.”
Griff, superhero that he is, distracts his sister. “What, no hello for me?”
She laughs and hugs him, then drags her boyfriend—who looks even more nervous than me—closer. “This is Harry. Meet my big brother, Griffin.”
I’ve never actually been privy to Griff’s scary face before, not even over the past few days. It’s actually pretty hot… though I doubt I’d think so if it was aimed at me. I’m surprised Harry hasn’t pissed his pants.
“Penny and Carter talk about you a lot,” Harry says, wiping his hand on his jeans and offering it. “I’m happy to meet you.”
Aww. I elbow Griff. This guy isn’t going to break his sister’s heart.
Griff shakes his hand, stern expression still in place.
“Come and eat,” Penny invites, clearly not deterred by her brother’s attitude. She was probably expecting it. “Carter brought a soccer ball, so we all get to play later.”
I’ve never played soccer before, unless you count gym class in school. It kind of sounds like fun.
We head over to the picnic table they’ve staked out, and I gratefully accept a soda and offer to help unpack the food. Harry hands me a cooler bag, then lowers his voice and says, “I brought a bone for the dog, but I don’t want to offend Griff. Do you think it’s okay?”
I grin. “That’s definitely not going to offend him.”
He doesn’t look convinced but screws up his courage and tells Griff, “I have a bone here for Vivi, if she wants to eat when we do. No hassles if?—”
“Harry!” Carter, still juiced up on childhood energy, skids to a stop beside him, Vivi on his heels. “I’mstarving.”
Harry’s face softens. “I’ll get you a sandwich in a minute, bud. Want some strawberries while you wait?”
“Yes, please.”
Chagrin and pleasure war on Griff’s face, and then he sighs and smiles. Penny kisses his cheek and laughs.
And I get to be part of it.
“Soooooo,”I tease as we get out of the car in the hotel parking garage hours later, “how long do you think it’ll be before Harry proposes?”
Griff scoffs, locks the car, and takes my hand. “They’ll be married by next Christmas. I’ve never seen my sister so goopy over a guy.”
“Goopy? Is that the official word for it?” I reach for the elevator button.
“It is when she’s gonna act like that.” The elevator doors open, and we step in, followed by another couple. Griff hits the button for our floor as three more people join us, and by the time the doors close, it’s cozy inside.
I lean against him, Vivi in my arms, as we start moving. “I’m so full from Penny’s idea of a light lunch that I don’t think I’ll want dinner,” I murmur, and he nods.
“Maybe something light later? Fruit and cheese? Did you want to try to catch that show you mentioned?”
The elevator stops, some people get out, another gets on, and I’m still considering my options when it starts moving again. “Not tonight,” I say finally. “Maybe tomorrow? I think I’d like to be lazy again tonight.”
Griff smiles at me. “If that’s a euphemism, I’m totally on board with it.”
