“Listen to that album and you’ll understand. You’re basically a legend. The envy of every girl I know.”
Daisy leaned back, smirking faintly. “I guess I’ll have to listen.”
Dinner was delicious. Margot made pasta Bolognese and homemade garlic bread. By the end, Daisy rested a hand over her full belly.
“Boys,” Margot ordered with a tilt of her chin. “Dishes, please.”
They obeyed without protest. Daisy watched, astonished at how easily they fell into line.
“And bring the pound cake once you’re finished.”
Jameson stacked her plate on his own, flashing her a grin. “Be right back.”
She turned to Margot, laughing. “That is impressive.”
Margot shrugged, eyes soft. “We keep them humble here. Out there, they may have everything handed to them. But at my table, they work for their meal.”
“I like that,” Daisy admitted.
When the cake arrived, Amelia nearly dove face-first into her slice.
“This is amazing, Margot.”
“Thank you. I’m happy you like it.”
“I should be thanking you. Everything was delicious. Thank you for letting us join your family for dinner.”
Margot focused her blue eyes on Daisy and set her fork to the side. “You can join anytime you’d like, dear.”
Kyler piped up, “Yeah! You’re technically family, so you don’t—
“Ouch!” Lenny’s elbow cut him off. “What the hell?”
“Shut it, man!”
“No, you—”
“Boys,” Charlie boomed.
They muttered in unison, “Yes, sir,” eyes on their plates.
The tension that followed was suffocating, everyone too aware of what wasn’t being said. Relief only came when Rebecca cheerily suggested, “Is everyone in for game night next Sunday? It’s been too long.”
“We’re in!” Kyler and Riley said, high-fiving each other in the process. “I think Riley’s brother is going to join.”
“Anyone is welcome,” Charlie suggested.
“Even me?” Amelia said, positioning herself closer to Margot.
“Of course. We would love to have you. But you must be warned that Kyler over there is quite the cheat.”
Everyone at the table chuckled, except for Daisy, mostly because she knew what was coming even before Amelia turned to her.
“Can we, Mom?”
Daisy chewed her lip, stalling. “Let me think about it.”
Amelia slumped. “You always say that. It means no.”
