“You’ve experienced a few of these?” Kristina says, looking at her son.
He swallows, his eyes darting from me to his mom. “I have.”
“Oh, please tell,” Kailey says, rubbing her hands together.
Asher laughs, shaking his head and stabbing more pasta onto his fork. “Callum in a romance movie. That’s freaking hilarious.”
“I’m not in a movie—” Cal says.
“Just remaking scenes.” I set my fork down. I have everyone’s attention. “They make memorable moments, which I believe can bring people together.”
“Cal?” Kristina says. “What would you say?”
He clears his throat, dipping his head in a nod. “I have made some of the most memorable moments since meeting Fran.”
Forty-One
We finish our meal,and all six of Callum’s family members do the dishes. Together. I sort of feel like I am in an episode of the more athleticBrady Bunch, and I love it.
Afterward, we gather in the living room to play Tiffany’s favorite game. The whole thing feels like a movie. This is what I’ve been talking about. This is exactly what I want.
But I keep quiet and wait for instructions on Murder in the Dark.
“I hate this game,” Asher says. “I’m twenty years old. Do I have to play this game?”
“I’m with Ash,” Kailey says. “Where’s the Phase Ten deck?”
“Hey!” Tiff whines. “I love this game, and I can’t play with just Mom and Dad. It wouldn’t work. You all grew up and left home, so it’s your duty to play it with me when you come back.”
Asher groans.
“Tiff, don’t be childish.”
“She is a child, K,” Callum’s mom says. “And we’re goingto allow that for as long as possible. You’re playing. All of you.” Kristina eyes all of her children, a look that tells them to hush up and get on board.
“Besides,” Tiff says, “Callum promised me last time he was here that we could play next time he came.”
“I sure did,” Callum says. “So, let’s do this.” He claps his hands, then rubs them together, as if mentally preparing. I am pretty sure he has only looked more adorable in a soccer uniform, running to the side of the field to kiss me.
“We haven’t even talked about the Red Tails last game,” Asher whines.
“What else do you need to know?” Tiff says, her tone exasperated. “You watch every game on YouTube, and you look up all the stats. Can’t we have one night where we don’t talk about soccer?”
“YouTube doesn’t tell me if Roman Graves popped his top again. Last time Cal was home, we heard stories about Graves booting a ball clear out of the stands. Do you have any idea how much power that takes? He was pissed and?—”
“Asher—that’s enough. We’re playing your sister’s favorite game. You can ask your brother about that hot head later.”
“Hot head?” I laugh. I’m not sure I’ve ever really paid attention to Graves.
“Mom doesn’t approve of Roman’s antics,” Callum whispers to me.
Tiff stands in front of us all. “Okay, I’ll lead the game.”
“She doesn’t even play,” Asher says. “She facilitates.”
“Asher, shut it,” Callum says.
“Thank you, Cal.” Tiff nods her approval. “Let me explain for Fran. You take a card, and it will tell you who you are. You have three options: sheriff, townsman, or murderer. Don’t tellanyone who you are.” She looks right at me as she says this, ensuring that I’m listening to her every word. “You’re going to introduce yourself as a townsman, and then you’ll just listen for instructions. The goal of the townsman is to figure out the murderer. And the goal for the murderer is to never get caught.”
