Shit. Why did he bring Peter with him? I wasn’t expecting to see him for a while. We might be neighbors, but my avoidance game is strong. I spent all of my pre-teen and teen years following him around like a puppy. I refuse to do it again as an adult.
“Mom?” Her eyebrows are raised when I glance at her. She’s obviously trying to puzzle out why I’m acting weird.
Get it together, Callie. He’s just a man.
“Peter and Miles have been friends since we were kids. In diapers really. They were inseparable. His family owns the winery up the road.”
“Is that all? Because you look like you’re about to puke.”
I thought the inquiring phase ended when kids were toddlers.
“Yep. That’s it.”
“Hmmm.” Without another word she turns and rushes out the front door to greet my brother.
I have a feeling she isn’t done questioning me about Peter, but I’m glad she’s dropped it for now. The last thing I need is to tell her anything when he’s in hearing distance. Besides, I don’t want her to think it’s healthy to pine after someone who clearly doesn’t feel the same way. Back then I was a naive kid. Now…I’ve been let down too much to even consider any sort of relationship with anyone. Not that Peter’s looking for that, of course.
It’s probably best to join them so they don’t think anything weird is going on with me. Alexandra is pulling from a hug with Miles as I walk outside, tucking my hands into the sleeves of my sweater to block some of the cold air.
“I guess it’s too late to see if you’ll bring food?” Alexandra asks him.
“Clearly.” My brother rolls his eyes before coming to give me a hug. “But it would have taken me even longer since I stayed at Peter’s last night.”
“Why?” I don’t mean for the question to come out quite so harsh.
“I had some stuff over there and figured it was easier since I was coming here this morning.”
He has a point. Just because I’m here doesn’t mean I get to dictate everything he does.
“Yeah, he still snores like a freaking chainsaw, too.” Peter says as he closes the door.
“You’re a lot less intimidating in the sunlight.” Alexandra says, squinting to block said light.
“Alexandra, that’s rude.” My words are a hiss and she makes a face at me.
“It’s fine.” Peter waves the comment away. “In my defense, it was raining and gross last night. And, I’ve had a shower.”
“So, who wants to go get food?” Alexandra looks between the three of us. “We don’t have anything in there.”
“I guess I could go.” Miles runs his hand through his hair. “But I was hoping to get done moving the heavy stuff while I help. And getting it done early so I can get to bed at a decent time. Ranch hours aren’t for the faint of heart.”
“You don’t have to do all that.” Peter shoves his hands in his pockets. He’s never been much of a speaker. He goes along with whatever anyone suggests. I blame it on his big brother.
“Why not?” Alexandra cocks her head to the side. The questions definitely didn’t stop when she was a toddler. “It’s not like anyone delivers out here.”
“Out of the Ashes will. Perks of being business parters.” He grins. “Besides if they’ll deliver to Piper then they’ll do it here. What do y’all like?”
There’s no way we can ask him to do that. It feels like we’re taking advantage of the situation. I should have done better and made sure we had some kind of food. The decision to move was made fast and I didn’t have a ton of time to prepare.
“You do—” I begin, but Alexandra cuts me off.
“What kind of food do they have?”
“Really, it’s fine. I can run to town and get us some food.” The last thing I need is for Peter to think I’m incapable of having food in the house. I’m not the annoying tag along he remembers.
Peter levels me with a stare, and I swear everything I felt for him back then comes rushing back. It’s soft and demanding at the same time. Which doesn’t make sense, and I have no idea what to make of it.
“You’ve had a traumatic first day back with Alice. I can take care of this.” He turns to my daughter to answer her question. “They have pretty much whatever you want. Except pizza. It’s pretty much bar food. The wings are amazing.”
