Heat creeps up my face, and I choose not to answer since I can’t say the truth, and she’ll know I’m lying.
She points at the door. “Thatwas some straight-up boyfriend shit.”
“It was not.”
“He drove you to pick up your sister from the airport after he apparently worked all night, and he was chipper about it the whole time. The man deserves an award, or a handy or something.”
I scowl. “He’s always chipper. That’s just Asher.”
She shrugs, and we take a moment to simply smile at each other. My insides turn light and fuzzy. I missed herso much.
“All right, that’s enough sappy eye contact.” She breaks the moment by patting around on the cushions. “Where’s the remote?”
I pull it from beneath me and hand it to her, content to let her binge anything she wants. “Have at it, darling sister. I’ll watch whatever you want. Even if it’s stupid baking shows.”
She lays her head on my shoulder. “I love you, Jocelyn.”
“I love you, too.”
With Ali at Pool Party Saturday, I’m like a kid showing off all my toys. My giddiness has her giggling as she greets Yayoi and Geoff.
“The sister.” Geoff slaps a hand into Ali’s, shaking vigorously. “Long time, no see. What’s it been, like, three years?”
Ali tosses her perfect brown hair. “Three months, actually, but thanks for noticing.”
After flipping her the bird, Geoff hops into the pool and Yayoi hugs her. “I finally convinced him. We’re trying!”
“Really?” Ali’s face breaks into a giant smile. “How’d you do it?”
“I did what you said.”
“What did she say?” I ask.
Yayoi releases her. “She said when she wanted a baby and Nic wasn’t sure, she told him she didn’t feel complete.”
“Wow.” My gaze bounces between them. “That’s some masterful manipulation.”
Ali smacks my arm. “It’s not manipulation if it’s true. My babies are wanted and loved, and I am complete.”
Meanwhile, I’m considering keeping my IUD until I die. Can I have two just in case?
“Anyway, did Joss tell you about the photoshoot?”
Ali nods. “Yes! I brought the best dress for it, too. We’re doing it tomorrow?”
“Yeah, the weather is supposed to be perfection.” Yayoi shakes her fists, finally reaching toddler-level exuberance. “I’m so excited.”
“All right, calm down before you strain yourself,” I say. “We have to make the rounds.”
Yayoi sticks her tongue out at me, then runs after Geoff to leap into the pool, her raven hair streaming behind her.
Ali has been to Texas several times in the past three years, but she’s never visited Asher’s house. I tap him on the shoulder while he’s grilling burgers, and his smile ignites. The red apron over his swim trunks and tank readsBaking Queenin scripted letters.
The man has zero shame.
“My girls. Welcome!” He kisses us each on the cheek, then calls to the partygoers. “Party can start now! Guest of honor is here.”
Ali gives him a playful shove. “Shut up.”
