Still.
I took a drink of my beer and followed Grayson into the dining room, where Reid’s wife, Avery, was helping Quinn put the finishing touches on the table. As soon as the last plate was laid out, my niece slipped into her seat and pulled her phone out of her pocket.
“I’m pretty sure your dad will say no phones at the table,” Grayson said with a lift of his brow and tilt of his head.
“I know, I know. I just need to…it’s just that…”
“Is this about a boy?” Avery asked, and Quinn immediately flushed red, giving us the answer.
“No!”
It was a lie, but nobody was going to push her on it. And the question had the desired effect as Quinn shoved her phone back into her pocket.
And just in the nick of time, as the others joined us. Brody placed a big bowl of salad on the table, Reid held a platter of perfectly sliced bread, and Delaney carried a steaming bowl of stew.
My stomach growled. “It smells delicious, guys.” I reached for a piece of bread. It had been too long since I’d eaten a decent meal. Probably exactly a week ago, the last time my family fed me.
The chaos from the kitchen carried right over to the dining room, and the volume level ratcheted up as chairs scraped, dishes were passed, and everyone tried to talk over one another.
I was ladling a big scoop of stew into my bowl when my phone buzzed in my pocket.
I ignored it at first. Family dinner had rules—spoken or not—and pulling out my phone was a good way to get called out.
When it buzzed again, I glanced down.
Committee Group Chat
Tilley:
Important announcement! I’ve decided our next step is NOT sitting in a room. Thoughts??
Chase:
You had me at “not sitting.”
Becky:
Does this involve another hike? Because Mason would love to come.
Jess:
I’m in favor of hiking.
I grinned and typed out a quick reply before Brody could catch me.
Preston:
There’s a loop off Alder Ridge we didn’t cover. Different terrain. Less traffic.
As much as I wanted to keep reading to see what everyone thought of my plan, I didn’t want to risk my big brother’s wrath. Besides, setting an example for Quinn, who I was pretty sure had noticed my texting, was important.
I silenced my phone and tucked it back into my pocket before anyone could call me out.
Jess
My coffee had grown cold by the time I noticed.
Again.
