“I hope not.” She turns off the computer, grabs her bag, and has her hand on the light switch. “Now, go home, get all the things, and come to the house. I already know the first game we’re playing.”
Deep in my gut I know she’s thinking of one I hate. She likes to annoy the hell out of me like that. I’m actually not big on any kind of games because so many of my siblings’ cheat and don’t follow the rules. We’ve gotten into actual fights over it. The life of six kids is never boring.
“I’ll be over there as soon as I get the stuff. Please don’t make me walk into anything embarrassing.”
“The fact you even think I would risk it is hilarious. The last thing I want my brother to see is me having sex.”
I throw my hands over my ears as she turns off the light. “Please never mutter the word sex in relation to you ever again.”
She laughs all the way to the front door and walks out. I swear my sister knows exactly how to get under my skin. Going over there tonight will either be a great idea or a bad one. I guess I’ll find out soon.
Eight
Callie
Why is it so cold? I thought the further South I moved, the warmer it would be. I’m sitting in the car waiting on the school to release Alexandra. We got an alert that there would be early dismissal. This storm is supposed to be pretty bad. At least, that’s what all the reports say. But really, all we ever got down here was ice. How bad can it really be?
Could Lexi have ridden the bus? Yes. Am I too much of a mama bear to let that happen? Also, yes. There’s no point in having the bus come down our road when she’s the only person who gets off there. Maybe it’ll allow the driver to get the kids home slightly earlier, and get themself home to their family.
My phone rings and I answer without seeing who it is. Not many people from my prior life reach out anymore. Once I left, they forgot I existed. I guess it shows who my true friends are. I think I’ve talked to Angie more than anyone I’ve spent the last sixteen years with.
“Hello?”
“Cal, are you home?” Miles doesn’t bother with a greeting.
“I’m at the school waiting on Lexi. What’s up?”
“Just wanted to make sure you were home before this storm. You have groceries and all that, right?”
Do I? I went grocery shopping a couple of days ago, but I never buy a ton at a time. It’s just me and Alexandra. We don’t require much.
“Yeah, I have some food. Why?”
“Good. At least you’re prepared. If things go wild with this storm, I wanted to be sure you have everything you need. I won’t be able to leave the ranch.”
“I’ve managed storms without you for quite a while. We’ll be fine.”
“I know. I know.” He chuckles and is silent for a bit. “It’s hard not being an overbearing brother. I’m trying to stop, but it’s difficult now that you’re only fifteen minutes away.”
He’s not wrong. He still tried to be protective when I was living in Oklahoma, but it’s not like he could take his lunch time to come check on me when he thought I was lying to him. Which I was most of the time. Things weren’t great, but I did my best to pretend I had the picture-perfect life for him.
“All I’m saying is if I move away again, it’ll be your fault.”
“That’s not funny.” Someone calls his name in the background, and I have a feeling he’s not supposed to be on the phone with me. “I have to go. But call me if you need anything and I’ll do my best to get over there. I can’t make any promises, though.”
“We’ll be fine. Stop worrying.”
“Okay. Love ya little sister.”
I roll my eyes. I don’t know why he says it like that. Maybe it’s to remind me he thinks it’s his job to take care of me. It’s annoying, but I’ll let it slide.
“Love you, too, Miles. Now get back to work.”
I end the call before he can come back with a smartass comment. Kids are hurrying out of the school as I put my phone in the cupholder. None of them are my daughter, though. Hopefully Lexi checks her phone before getting on the bus. Otherwise, this will be a wasted trip.
Finally, I see her come through the doors. She glances around for my car and makes a dash for me as soon as she sees me.
A blast of cold air comes in as she opens the door and throws her bag in the floorboard. “Why can’t it be Spring yet?”
