Alix flashed a Scout’s Honor, like Grace’s family had stunned the words out of her. Oh, God. Tomorrow was going to be a fucking nightmare.
Grace bolted to the kitchen to drop the pie on the counter already overflowing with meal prep. She dashed to the door, primed to shout her goodbye and drag Alix back to the car.
“I can’t cancel my trip, Connie!” Sylvia shouted, Baby jumping at her side like they were playing the best game.
“You told me he was trained, Sylvia!”
“He is!”
“In what? Aerial performance?” her mother shrieked, earning a chuckle from Alix. “How am I going to wrangle him and thirty people tomorrow? It’s too much.”
“I’m getting on a plane to Finland in six hours, Connie.” Sylvia threw her arms out wildly like it was related to her point. “Where am I going to find a sitter who can administer his medications on such short notice, huh?”
“They’re probiotics, Sylvia. Don’t be dramatic.”
“He needs them. He has a very sensitive stomach.”
“I can’t?—”
“If I cancel, I won’t get my money back. Do you know how expensive it is to book a heated igloo under the northern lights?”
“Why the hell are you even going?”
“It’s on my bucket list, Connie!”
Grace stepped into the living room with an open view of the family room. “You guys, we’re leaving, okay? See you tomorrow?—”
“Grace!” Aunt Sylvia said like she’d already forgotten she was there. “Why don’t you and your girlfriend stay at my place? It’s only ten minutes away. You don’t?—”
“Tia, she’s not my?—”
“Of course I will,” Alix said when she appeared behind her, and the noise stopped. Even Baby ceased jumping to look at Alix.
“Really?” Sylvia’s eyes widened like Alix had sprouted wings and a halo.
“What?” Grace turned to look at Alix.
“I can stay at your aunt’s place and take care of Baby. I’m sure the hotel will be thrilled to have the room back. They won’t charge?—”
“If they charge, I’ll pay for it.” Sylvia vaulted forward and slammed into Alix with a hug almost as aggressive as Baby’s greeting. “And I’ll leave you girls some pizza money, don’t worry.” She beamed at Grace and added, “This one is definitely a keeper.”
There were too many things warranting objections happening at once. “Tia, I can’t. We don’t… I?—”
“It’s no problem.” Alix grinned, her arm still around Sylvia like they were old buddies. “She can’t miss the northern lights, Grace. It’s on her bucket list.”
“Bucket list,” Sylvia repeated with a fervent nod. “And you know, at seventy, I might not have many opportunities left to travel.”
“What the hell is a bucket list?” Connie grumbled, but she looked too delighted to get Baby out of her house to side with Grace.
Grace relented. “You don’t have to lay it on so thick, Tia.” She cast a glance at Alix. “I can’t leave you in my aunt’s house alone with him.” She glanced down at Baby and his lolling tongue. “I’ll stay with you.”
“Oh, you’re a doll.” Sylvia cupped Grace’s face. “You’ve always been my favorite,” she lied, starting for the door.
Grace watched Alix turn back to Connie, reaching out to take her hand and say, “It was so lovely to meet you. I hope weget to talk more tomorrow.” Her mom ignored the hand and responded with a hug and pat on the cheek.
Sylvia paused, Baby’s leash in hand. “Come on, I’ll show you how to administer his medication with every meal.”
“Because my daughter passed the bar but she can’t sprinkle powder on food?” her mother called after them.
