“That’s valid.” I reach over and place my hand on her leg. “It’ll happen when it’s time. For now, enjoy the time the two ofyou have. Who knows, maybe you’ll have a whole bunch of kids to match Mom and Dad.”
“Oh, hell no.” She takes a big gulp of her wine. “There’s no way I’m having that many kids. I love you all, but I don’t have the patience for that. Can you imagine me trying to keep six kids in line?” She shakes her head and laughs. “I honestly don’t know how Mom did it.”
“She’s a saint. And Dad was a lot of help.”
“You’re right. It’s still a hard pass for me.” She grabs the remote off the coffee table and finds a streaming service. “Let’s watch a movie. It’s been forever since we’ve hung out like this without everyone else.”
She’s right. We haven’t. “Pick whatever you want.”
Spending time with Paula and Peter on their own has been refreshing. I’m used to hanging out with Parker because we’re closer in age. Even if things work out with me and Beau, I’m making a vow right now to spend one on one time with each of my siblings. Even Pierce. Maybe we’ll all get to understand each other better.
Now I only need to decide if I’m going to reach out to Beau, or wait for him to come see me and talk to me in person.
twenty-six
. . .
beau
My plan is in place.Parker assured me his sister was coming into work this week. I don’t think I’ve ever not talked to Piper for this long. It’s weird having all this time to myself. But it made me realize a few things and none of them are as important as having her in my life.
I send Parker and Pierce a quick text.
Beau
Is everything set up?
They have to make sure everything is set up because I don’t want to get there and run into Piper. Not until she sees this. Not until I have a chance to explain what happened. I could give a rat’s ass if Pierce has given her his side. From what I’ve heard from Parker he’s not telling everyone the whole story. Today…she’ll hear it from me.
Parker
You’re good to go. Park at my house and I’ll come get you in the golf cart. It’s the only way she won’t see you.
Pierce
I’ll keep her occupied in the office. She wants to redesign the shipping boxes. That should keep us busy for a while.
Beau
See you in a bit. I’ll send Parker a text when I’m ready.
I shove my phone in my pocket and grab the sticky notes off my counter. Wait, I need a pen, too. I think there’s one in my car, but I’m not taking any chances. This whole thing needs to go off without a hitch.
The drive to Parker’s house doesn’t take me long. There’s a possibility I pushed the speed limit to get here. I think I’m more nervous now than I was when I kissed her. It’ll be worth it though. Even if she doesn’t want to continue being my girlfriend, I need her as my friend. A life without Piper in it in some capacity is dull and boring. One I don’t want.
Parker is already waiting in the golf cart when I pull in. “Are you ready for this?” The question comes as soon as I open my car door.
“Yeah. They set it up far enough away that she won’t see it until you bring her, right?” I bend down and grab my supplies. It’s important that I leave notes along the way, or she’ll take forever to find me.
“Of course.” He puts his hand over his chest as if the question hurt him. “I’m not an amateur.” He starts the golf cart and wetake off as fast as it can go. “I do need the two of you to kiss and make up, though. Seeing both of you miserable is not fun.”
“No shit.” Of course, Parker will make it about him. But I get it. I’ve been a part of their lives for a long time. It can’t be easy for them to feel the rift between me and Piper.
The ride is bumpy as we move over the open fields. He doesn’t take us close to the main house where all the business is conducted. There are too many points where she could look out the window and see us. Instead, he heads to the far end of the land and takes us behind the buildings before pulling up to the fun house.
“This is such a weird idea. Why a fucking fun house? Those things are creepy.”
“Because your sister likes them. She’s never told me why, but she does. I’m just lucky they were available on such short notice.”
