“Dad and Lindsey took him to the park.”
“Fun.”
Cassidy sighs. “Lindsey offered to plan his birthday party.”
Our stepmother has her own event planning business. By reputation, it’s considered very successful, one of the more coveted companies in Boston. But I’ve never attended a party they’ve thrown, including Lindsey’s wedding to my father, so I really couldn’t judge for myself.
“He’s turning five,” I say flatly. “Is it going to be black tie?”
“Actually, she’s on board with the dinosaur theme. And she agreed it would be nice to have it here.”
I scowl into my fleece. Obviously, I was planning to attend my nephew’s birthday party regardless. But if it’s hosted here, my dad and Lindsey will be inescapable. I’ve managed to avoid them every time they stop by, sometimes purposeful and sometimes happy coincidence, but that can’t last forever.
“Dad said he’s texted you a few times…and no response.”
I sit up, reaching for the open wine bottle on the coffee table and taking a swig straight from the bottle.
Cassidy’s lips purse as she watches me. This is a rare reversal of our usual roles.
“I thought we talked about you not discussing me with Dad.”
“I was just passing along the message,” she says tersely.
“Thanks,” I reply sarcastically. “Much appreciated.”
I take another sip from the bottle, and my sister studies me. I don’t appreciate her expression—a mixture of exasperation and concern. She’s my older sister, but most people would guess the opposite.
“I’m sorry about the game earlier.”
“Thanks,” I mutter, shifting position so I can stretch my other hamstring. No sarcasm this time. “And thanks for coming.”
I’m upset about the loss. I didn’t play well, letting too many attackers approach Daniela. Letting my teammates down has happened before. But today was the first time Cassidy had seen me play since high school. Tommy’s been talking about going to the game nonstop since Lydia brought him to the scrimmage last weekend. It feels like I disappointed them, too, even though Cassidy couldn’t care less about soccer and Tommy probably won’t remember it in a week.
“It wasn’t what I expected.”
I glance up. “What do you mean?”
“That stadium is huge. And I swear, half the people there were wearing your jersey. Tommy told every number five that he saw that you’re his aunt. Youarea celebrity.”
I laugh. “Hardly.”
“I sent Josh some photos. He wants to come to a game.”
“Is he still in San Diego?”
“Yep.” Cassidy checks her phone, smiling at the screen before firing off a quick reply. To Josh, I’m guessing.
“The conference going well?”
Josh does something in medical sales, but I’m fuzzy on the details. I think Cassidy is, too, based on her explanation of his job. But it seems like he’s been very successful at it.
“I think so. He’s at a lunch with some colleagues now.”
“And clearly payingveryclose attention,” I comment as her phone buzzes with another new message.
“Well, duh, he’d rather sext me.”
“Ew. Can you do that somewhere else?”
