Tally hops out of her chair and rushes to wet a couple of baby washcloths. She tosses one to Roman and dances over to Pavin, distracting him enough that she can pass the cloth to Shilpa, who cleans off his hands.
I meet Dred’s gaze across the table. Her smile is soft, but also knowing, with a hint of concern. I’m sure she sees the way I look at Tally.
We eat and try to avoid getting hit with flying food. After dinner, Tally takes a quick call from her brother.
“Everything okay with Tally?” Dred asks quietly while we load the dishwasher.
“Yeah. She’s good. It’s been intense.” I don’t have to explain.
She nods. “You seem pretty intense about her.”
I rub the back of my neck. “I’m invested.”
“You both are,” she agrees. “Have you thought about when you’re going to say something to her?”
“I need things to settle down first.”
“Are you using that as an excuse?”
“Yeah. But no.” I need to confide in Tally the way she confides in me. “She’s under a lot of pressure. School, me, her family. I don’t want to put more on her. Not right now.”
She squeezes my arm. “Okay. Just know I’m here if you need to talk anything through.”
I can’t keep this secret from her forever, but telling her also means that I’ll have to tell the other important people in my life, too. Like my sister, and Tristan, and my parents. And it will hurt all of us.
“Everything okay, darling?” Connor glances between us.
“Everything is magical, my sweet villain.” Dred tips her chin up and he bends to kiss her.
Tally returns, wearing a bright smile.
“Things okay with Ties?”
“Yeah. He was offered a scholarship for Tilton next year. Full ride, plus his accommodations. He’s relieved and excited.”
“I bet.” I hug her. “Didn’t you help him with the application?”
“I just read over his essay. He did all the heavy lifting.”
“Who wants dessert?” Rix calls out.
Dallas groans and pats his belly. “Me, but I need to make some room first.”
“We could play a game and burn a little energy,” Tally suggests.
“How about the floor is lava?” Quinn says this straight-faced, with one hand tucked into his pocket. His eyes are finally back to almost normal, and he’s stopped carrying around the box of tissues.
“I used to play that with my brothers all the time!” Hemi says.
“Would have been a full-contact sport with those two,” Dallas grumbles.
Hemi nods. “Once they broke the coffee table.”
“That tracks.” Tristan snorts.
“Everyone in?” I ask.
Kellan raises his hand. “I’ve never played this game.”
