“Every single week! The day depends on schedules, events,holidays. Things like that,” Anthony says as he pours himself a drink. “But we spend every holiday together. At least part of it. Then part with the families that don’t actually matter.”
“Hey, speak for yourself. I actually like my family.” Macey finds her place back on a barstool.
They all move in Sam's apartment as if it’s their own. I couldn’t even act that way in my own apartment with Ryan. Being able to see people do this so comfortably with one another feels so foreign to me.
These people found family, comfort, love, and hope in one another—despite their painful upbringings. It’s a relief that it exists. That you can find it after turmoil. These friendships, this love, this life.
It all exists.
“Every week, we alternate who will host it.” Tyler lays the dessert out on the kitchen island along with homemade, uncooked pasta noodles. “We do it based on our schedules and who can prepare the food. Sometimes we do potluck style. Sometimes the person cooks. Sam can’t bake for her life, so we brought dessert from Mike’s Pastry.” He motions to the box he places on the island.
I eye the pasta. “I didn’t know pasta was considered dessert.”
He chuckles, picking up on my sarcasm. “I guess my pasta is just that damn good.” He winks and walks to the stove to take over the cooking for Sam.
“How long have you all known one another?” I ask. I want to know all about them, hear all their stories, and learn the dynamics. I know this dinner isn’t a trial run for me. No, this is it.
I’m actually a part of something now.
Tyler watches me as he moves around the kitchen, like a predator watching its prey. I’m sure introducing someone new is a scary thing, considering he and Sam love this family beyond measure.
Anthony slings an arm around me and I see a smile play on Tyler’s lips. His eyes move back to the stove.It’s safe.
“I have known these two dipshit siblings since we were in diapers.” Anthony points to Sam and Tyler
“True,” Sam says, flinging her spatula in the air. “We shit our pants together on the daily.”
“Nasty.” Macey scrunches her nose.
“Our parents know one another through money and the company. My dad has his own insurance firm. They contracted together before we even existed. My parents learned quickly I was too personable to be captivated in an insurance office. So Tyler’s dad put my abilities to good use, and I somehow became a high-end party planner for all their investing journeys,” Anthony says satirically.
“Sounds important.” I add.
“Tyler and I got into a bar fight.” Cole seats himself on Sam’s purple couch. He kicks his boots onto her glass coffee table and drinks his beer.
“That’s definitely a story I need to hear in detail.” I note.
“Another time.” Cole waives a hand. “We’ll have plenty of chances now.”
Against my will, a smile actually pulls my lips. I realize very quickly there is a difference between being wanted and being controlled. These people, they want me.
“Then we have our sweet little baby bird,” Anthony chimes, approaching Macey on the barstool, placing his hands on her shoulders.
“Oh god,” she huffs into her drink. “Why baby bird of all nicknames?”
“Moral of the story is,” Tyler announces. “That family doesn’t mean blood. It’s love. This family is very strongly knit together, once you’re in, it’s impossible to get out. So, being welcomed in is a big honor. Welcome to the family Sunny.” Heraises a glass, his eyes focused on me with a calm threat dancing in them.
You hurt my family, I’ll hurt you.
“You missed your chance, Tyler. We already did this,” Sam says over her shoulder.
“Sam, don't ruin the moment!” Anthony bites back, raising his glass up. “Cheers bitches!”
“Cheers!” We all clank our glasses together.
That’s that. I’m officially part of the family.
CHAPTER NINE
