“Y’all remember Callie.” Everyone waves and Piper comes in for a hug. “And this is Alexandra, her daughter. Lexi, this is Piper, her boyfriend Beau, Paula, Parker, and Phillip.”
“Hey,” she gives a quick wave before Piper sweeps her up into a hug.
“It’s so nice to properly meet you. How are you liking Asheville? I’m sure it’s different form your last school.”
“Asheville is smaller, but I’ve made a few friends.”
“That’s great.” Piper claps and moves to the table. “Okay, so we have a couple of different games we can play tonight. But I have like five card decks so I think we should play cards.”
“I’m cool with whatever.” Lexi announces, already making herself a part of the group. I wish I had that confidence when I was her age. She’s her own person and commands a room like nobody I’ve ever seen. It’s no wonder she’s already making friends.
“Cards it is.” Piper scoops up the decks of cards to cut and shuffle them. “Alexandra has spoken.”
“You can call me Lexi.” She grins. Just like that they’ve earned a special place in my daughter’s heart.
This has always been something I’ve loved about this family. They take you in as one of their own, no questions asked. We’re now part of the fold.
Twenty-Five
Peter
There’s nothing quite like your family accepting the person you’re dating. The only exception being Pierce. I haven’t even told him I’m dating anyone. Though, I’m sure he’s heard it through the grapevine by now. As much as I love my family, secrets aren’t their strong suit. Now I only need my parents to come back from their travels. They’re going to love Lexi I just know it.
My phone dings with a text.
Callie
Let me know when you’re on your way. Your brother keeps bugging about when you’ll be here.
The past couple of weeks we’ve been rotating houses for game nights and just hanging out. This week it’s at Callie’s house. I tried to offer my house, but Paula said it’s not big enough. Which is something I need to think about for the future.
I would have been able to leave with the rest of my siblings if Pierce hadn’t derailed my day. Now they’re having fun without me.
Peter
Which brother?
Callie
Parker
Of course it’s him. He’s all about instant gratification and thinks the world revolves around him. Not that I blame him. He has charisma and people flock to him. It’s actually kind of annoying. But it’s who he is.
Peter
Figures. I’ll be there as soon as I can. Pierce gave me a bunch of shit to do late in the day.
Callie
Of course he did. Oh, I also invited Eric and his crew. Lexi asked if we could so she’s not the only kid.
Peter
That’s cool. I’m hurrying as much as I can.
I would have been done by now if Pierce had given me the list of bottles that needed to be poured this morning. But, no, he waited until we were busy and knew I’d be rushing bottles to the main house.
I don’t understand why he can’t just let me be. Working all the time isn’t something I want to do anymore. Especially when a lot of it was unpaid labor. Which is wild considering I’m one of the owners. But Pierce has decided he’s the main boss and needs to learn how to delegate better. Piper and Parker are upfront with the customers because they possess the charm our customers love. Phillip can do some of what I do.
