A lot has changed since then.
“Uncle Mav’s coming with us!”Maddie dances around the driveway, the handle of her Black Widow suitcase in one hand and her neck pillow in the other. “And Kelani, too!”
“I expect you to mind Mama G,” Owen orders gently. “It’s a special weekend, so be on your best behavior.”
“She’s always on her best behavior,” Gina fusses, reaching up to pull him down for a kiss. “I’m going to miss you. I wish you were going with us.”
“Me too.” He pulls her close, sealing his mouth to hers.
Maddie and I both turn and walk up the porch steps so they can have their moment.
“Aunt Dove had a dog just like Kelani when she was your age,” I tell her as we walk into the house. “She grew up on a peach orchard.”
“Mama G said the trees are all covered in little flowersright now.” Maddie slips her hand into mine, giving it a swing. “She said it’s really pretty.”
“It’s true.” I walk over to where Dove is leaning against the back of the couch, frowning at her phone. “You okay?”
Dove rolls her pretty eyes, turning her phone to me. I study her disgusted expression a moment before looking at the screen.
Corey
Looking forward to seeing you. I’ll have my car meet you at the airport.
My eyes narrow, and anger bubbles in my chest. I can’t wait to see this tool again after all these years—and my growth spurt. He’s not taking Dove away from me this time.
Then I have an idea. “Can I reply to this?”
“I don’t… know.” Dove eyes me warily, but my thumbs are already flying.
Dove
No need. My escort is flying us in on his jet. He’ll appreciate it if you back off and let us enjoy our time together.
I hit send before she can stop me.
Thesendnoise wooshes, and her jaw drops. “Mav! What did you do?”
“Just having some fun. Helping you get rid of him.”
She reads the screen, and her eyes snap to mine. Her cheeks flush a pretty pink, and she blinks rapidly, stuttering for words. “You… told him… You said?—”
“He’s the one who started all thatescortcrap. I’m your escort.”
“That’s his silly word,” she whispers. “This makes it sound like we’retogether.”
I shrug. “So?”
Her phone buzzes, and she quickly reads it before turning it to me.
Corey
You said you didn’t need an escort. Who do you know with a jet?
She steps closer to me. “What do I say?”
“What do you want to say?” I don’t mean it as a challenge, but it kind of sounds like one.
Her blue eyes twinkle, and a mischievous grin curls her lips.
