“For sure. He needs to lighten up.”
That makesmegiggle. “Even at sixteen, I knew Harrison was uptight. He’s not changed at all.”
“Can you put on the Moonlight Song, please?” Claud calls from the back. “The fast one, not the slow one.”
Juliette knows exactly what she’s talking about and puts on “Dancing in the Moonlight.”
“My dad and I used to dance to this when I was younger. Well, compared to the slower version by King Harvest, this one is a little more upbeat by Jubël,” she tells me. “He passed away a few years ago.”
“Oh.” My face drops. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I miss him dearly, but what’s important is keeping his memory alive. Claud, Harrison, and I dance to it often enough.” She smiles and cranks the music.
It seems like everyone in the car knows all the words, singing together, and it’s just another reminder of how close they all are.
Nate’s looking at me through the rearview mirror with a soft, loving expression as he reaches out his hand over my seat.
I link around my finger, and he holds me as we all rock to the music.
“Yessss!” Claud yells as the song changes. “KPop Demon Hunters.”
“What’s that?”
Claudina’s eyes bug out. “You don’t know the song ‘Soda Pop’?”
“Aunt Maddie, you’ve got to get with the program,” Leo mocks, then starts to shout out the words.
We pull up to the light as we approach Sag Harbor again, and Harrison is shaking his head at all of us.
Then the chorus hits.
And everyone, including Seb and Harrison, belts out, “You’re my soda pop.”
They all dance, and even Seb gives a little wiggle.
I catch Juliette glancing back at Leo and Nate through the window, giving thema look, and I wonder what that’s all about.
“You’re in a turning lane,” Juliette yells.
Harrison smirks. “I’m aware,” he yells as the light turns green, flooring it to fly in front of us.
Ten seconds later, sirens go off, and a cop car zooms past us and pulls over Harrison.
Nate and Leo burst out laughing, unable to control themselves.
“Oh, no.” Claud worries, her bottom lip curling. “Is Daddy in trouble?”
“He’ll be okay, Sugar Plum, don’t worry,” Juliette answers, then honks the horn as we pass, blowing a kiss in Harrison’s direction, holding in her own laughter for Claude’s sake.
Nate and Leo yell out something I can’t make out, but I know they’re never going to let him live this down.
“Hey.” I tug on Nate’s arm as we exit the car, curiosity lacing my voice. “What was that look you all shared when Seb started dancing in the car?”
He glances around to make sure no one’s within earshot. “It was the first time I’ve seen a glimpse of the old version of my brother since Camila died. You remember, he’s always been a grumpy bastard, but when he and Harrison were together, he was different. Fun.”
“That makes me happy. I love Sebastian.”
Nate nods. “He started seeing a new therapist last year. It’s like he’s rediscovering himself.”
