“What’s so funny?”
“Get it? Frosty? We’re getting a winter storm. I swear that wasn’t on purpose.”
Shaking my head, I stand up. If we really are closing early, there are some things I need to finish up. “Sorry to tell ya, little sister, but if you have to explain the joke…it’s not that funny.”
She lifts a pillow and aims it toward me before thinking better of it. She sets it back down and scowls at me. “You better be glad there are multiple breakable things in this room. Otherwise, I would have taken you out.”
“If you’re feeling froggy.” I chuckle, but pick up my pace to leave the building the second she starts to stand.
The air does seem colder as I step outside. At least a few degrees from when I brought in the firewood. Maybe Piper’s right and we really are getting a winter storm. It’s not unusual for our area, but it’s not my favorite.
I pull out my phone to check the weather as I make my way to the building where we bottle the wine. Sure enough, a big red banner pops up over our area. Maybe Piper is right. I know our big brother doesn’t like to chance people getting out in horrible conditions if they don’t have to.
Well, the plus side is folks will have already chilled bottles of wine. Especially if the power doesn’t hold up during this storm. I don’t have much faith since we lost power in the Fall from a thunderstorm.
I get the workstations clear off. There’s no use in them being a mess when we come back to work tomorrow. Though, if it gets as bad as my brother seems to think it is, we may be off for a couple of days. If there’s one thing we hate, it’s driving on ice. That seems to be all we get in our area when it’s cold. It’d be nice if we got actual snow for once.
What am I even thinking? I hate the cold. Not that it’s all bad. It would provide the perfect cuddling weather. That is, if I had someone to cuddle with. But I don’t. Dates are hit and miss for me. Mostly because of my brother. If he needs me to do anything I typically cancel my plans and take care of what he’s asked.
Piper is definitely right. I need to stop bending to his will. He’s capable of doing half the crap I do. The only reason he doesn’t is because he knows I’ll handle it.
From now on I’m putting my foot down. Unless it’s something that directly relates to my job, Pierce can handle it himself. Or, pass it off to one of the other siblings, which is what he will likely do. I need to start living for once, and stop calling off dates because of some small shit apparently only I can take care of. I’m leaning into the resolution Piper gave me. If I don’t, I’ll be miserable. The last thing I want is to grow old with nobody to share my life with, or have any regrets.
“Wrap up with whatever you’re doing. We’re closing in a hour.” Speak of the devil.
“Okay. I’m just cleaning up a bit.” I don’t know why I feel the need to explain what I’m doing when he can clearly see.
“I’ll be staying here through the storm just in case anything goes wrong. We don’t need another roof debacle like the one last year.” Pierce pins me down with a stare. “You’re more than welcome to stay.”
The way he says that rubs me the wrong way. It’s like a gentle command. A part of me wants to agree to it in order to please my big brother, but no. I can’t do that. I told Piper I was going to do what I want for me. Besides, I’m sure I’d have way more fun at her house before I head home.
“Actually, I think I’m going to head home.”
My refusal takes him by surprise, and he shakes his head in confusion. “If you change your mind I’m here. Don’t forget to have your generator ready in case the power goes out.”
The urge to say yes, Dad bubbles up, but I don’t. The last thing I want to do is get an argument with him. “I always have it ready. The weather is too unpredictable.”
“Good.” He turns back toward the door. “I’ll let everyone else know. Don’t worry about staying the full hour. You can head out whenever you’re done.”
I love my brother, I do. But he doesn’t have to sound so gruff when he gives information. Maybe one day he’ll realize that a lot of the time it’s not what he says to us that makes us frustrated with him, but how he says it. The tone makes all the difference.
I finish putting away the empty bottles and wiping down countertops. Another quick glance around the room, and I can finally go home. Well, go to the house before I head over to Piper’s. As much as I would like to invite the other siblings, it’ll be loud and I’d just rather not.
“You headed straight to my house?” Piper is standing outside the packing building when I open the door.
“Do you have a sixth sense about where I’m at?”
“Nope.” She shakes her head and glances around to make sure she wasn’t overheard. “This is usually where you come to tidy up when you don’t want to be bothered by anyone else. It’s like organizing is your super power.”
“It’s really not.” I lock the door before closing it behind me. “But, I’m gonna head home first. I was planning on making deer chili tonight for dinner. I’ll bring all the ingredients over to your house and make it there.”
“Sounds like a plan.” She grins as she walks next to me the main house, and follows me into office. “Your chili is the best. But, if you plan on taking any home, you may want to bring some storage bowls. Oh, and probably the things you need to cook it.”
I roll my eyes. “One of these days you’ll have to buy grown up things for your house, little sister. Maybe that’s what I’ll get you for the next holiday.”
“God no.” I wish I had a camera to capture the horror on her face right now. “Why would you get me a boring gift? You know damn well I don’t cook.”
“Ah, to be young again.” I laugh. “You better watch yourself. One day you’ll be excited about getting appliances and a new kitchenware.”
