Finn still isn’t meeting my eyes. It isn’t like him to volunteer to watch over Sara. Dante took on that role long ago when it became obvious Sara wanted all of us but focused on me.
“We can trade off.” Dante’s gaze returns to his screen. Maybe nothing is off about Finn tonight. Maybe I’m just seeing what I want to see.
Tomorrow maybe I’ll go by during brunch and install those cameras, even if these two won’t help me.
Sara
I texted Drew Sunday morning, but he has family obligations all day. It’s weird not having the rugrat burst into my room first thing Sunday morning. Caitlyn has way too much energy and jumps on my bed whether or not I’m ready to wake up. But she’s always excited about her Sunday brunch, where she gets to pretend to be an adult at almost seven years old.
My phone buzzes. Only one person calls me.
“What’s up, demon spawn?” I stare at the ceiling above my bed.
“Mom said I had to wait until now to call you.” Caitlyn’s voice sounds pouty.
“Mom was right. It’s almost time to get up for brunch.” I sit up and sigh. Last night, Finn walked me into this room and I thought finally, but then he left.
“We’re at a café so Mom and Dad can have espresso. I got a chocolate croissant and hot chocolate.”
“That sounds yummy.”
“Are you going to go to brunch without me?” That note of homesickness in Caitlyn’s voice hits me right in the heart.
“Of course not. I wouldn’t dare go without you.” I say it like I’m truly offended by the mere thought. “I’ll just have a boring, plain old croissant at home.”
“Good.”
I almost laugh at the forcefulness of her good.
“Mom wants to talk to you.”
Before I can even tell Caitlyn goodbye, Mom says into the phone, “You have chocolate on your cheek, sweetie.”
“Good morning, Mom.” I flop back in the bed. I bet she already knows about Drew.
“Are you taking care of yourself? Don’t forget to pick up Peabody. Alyssa Wyndham texted me to say she saw you out with Drew Young yesterday for brunch.”
“Wow, two seconds, that has to be a record.” I roll my eyes. Of course Mom has heard about Drew. I’m surprised she’s not already picking out wedding colors.
“Should I not be interested in my daughter going out on a date on her own, without me pushing her into it?” Mom’s tone almost goes high-pitched, but she’d never lower herself to sound screechy.
I sigh.
“It was one date, Mom. Don’t start the registry just yet.” I pick at my sheets. He’s also one hell of a kisser. My cheeks heat remembering Finn’s kiss and touch. My thighs press together at the ache.
“He’s perfect for you. I couldn’t have picked better. We’ll have his parents over for dinner when we get back. Oh, I wish I was there now so we could have that dinner. I’m sure they’ll love you,” Mom practically gushes. “Just don’t come on too strong like you usually do. Try to be a little more coy. Guys like that.”
I consider for a moment hanging up the phone and saying I got disconnected. In fact, I dream of it a little before I say, “Okay, Mom. I love you.”
“Do you want to talk to Roger?”
I laugh when I hear Roger say in the background, “She doesn’t want to talk to me, Bitsy.”
“No, I’m good. Enjoy your vacation and don’t worry about me.”
“Oh, you start your internship with your brother tomorrow.” Mom’s words make my gut tighten. She doesn’t know about Tom’s disappearing act. “Tell Tom to call me. I know he won’t, but I left him a message this morning.”
“I’ll tell him,” I say before swallowing. I don’t want my mom to worry, because she always does when Tom disappears. What I really don’t want is for her to show up here thinking she can do something to help. I need this time alone. And they desperately need this vacation.
