My face scrunches of its own accord, and I look away.
“What made you call this morning?”
“Having time with you.” Theduhis obvious in my voice, but the way the sentence tilts up in question lacks authority.
“And?”
“And Sam is being Sam. Mom and Dad are… Well, I’ve never seen them like they were this morning. And you and I are on the outside, so we might as well be on the outside together.”
His phone rings inside his SUV. “Dad” flashes on the screen.
“Hello?” Strider asks but stares at me.
“Stride, is Lorien with you?”
“I’m right here, Dad.”
“You left without saying anything.”
I did but I didn’t pause to make sure they heard. “And you didn’t answer your phone.”
Ugh. I slide it from my back pocket only to realize it’s on do not disturb. How did that happen? I toggle it back on as I say, “Sorry about that. I’m with Strider. We’re starting birthday shenanigans early.”
“And avoiding your sister’s wedding at the same time?”
Strider’s eyes go wide, and I avert my gaze. “Well, she asked you and Mom. She didn’t include me.” I sound petulant. But today is about Strider. Sam has always come off a little jealous of the attention he gets, attention he’d rather not have if it came down to it.
“That isn’t what she meant. And if it was, I don’t care. You two should be there.” Dad sounds defeated.
“Shorts and tee aren’t proper wedding attire.” I pretend my own wedding-ish wasn’t in a t-shirt over tacos. “And I’m just hearing about it,” Strider answers our dad but turns his chin to me in disappointment.
That’s when my phone starts dinging.
And doesn’t stop.
Ayla: The guys are en route. I don’t know more, but as I do, I’ll tell you.
Ayla: Fitz was Special Forces, and I trust him.
Ayla: And Ren is no slouch. How long will that take?
Me: Fitz who makes chili?
Ayla: Knowing Fitz, he has talents none of us know of. I wouldn’t be surprised if the man can cook.
Me: I’ve had his chili. Or Liam’s. It was Fitz’s recipe.
Me: Who’s Ren?
“Earth to Lorien. Gondor calls for aid.”
I slide my eyes to my brother who looks at me with suspicion. “What are you on about?”
“Well, I’ve been talking to you since Dad hung up, andyou’ve been over there making faces acting out whatever is happening on your screen. Gonna share?”
I pull my phone back almost to the door.
“So you have something to hide? I never thought I’d see the day.”
