“Alara…”
“Just put the dishes on the counter by the sink,” I demanded as I pretended the order of the dishwasher took intense focus.
“Alara, come on. Let’s talk about—”
“There’s nothing to talk about,” I cut him off. I walked over, snatching the two plates from his hands. “I just hope you’re happy with your decision. Because you’re not getting another chance.”
With that, I shoved the plates into the dishwasher, dropped in the pod, slammed it shut with a flourish, and hit the button.
“Are you going to get out of my way?” I asked when he didn’t budge from the doorway.
He stood there for a long moment, watching me with intense eyes, then finally stepped aside.
“Well, that’s it for me and my little trash traitor,” I said, snatching Tuna off the ground where he was resting with his head on Liam’s feet.
“Uncle Chris, she shouldn’t walk alone,” Charlotte insisted again, her eyes wide with horror at the prospect.
“Don’t worry, kid,” I said, shooting her a wink, “I can take care of myself.”
And I’d rather get mugged than be alone in her uncle’s company again.
“Ez, Brio, spawns,” I said, addressing my niblings, “I’ll see you in a few weeks. Charlotte, thanks for the book rec.”
With that, I rushed out the door before Charlotte could work her magic on her uncle, and I found myself stuck with him all the way to the subway.
“Hey,” Ezzy called before I could get five feet from the front steps.
“Yeah?” I asked, exhaling hard.
“You okay?”
“Fine. Why?”
“Because I’ve never seen you rush out of here without stealing three days’ worth of leftovers.”
“Oh, well, I have a lot of food at home.” If you could consider two yogurts with questionable dates, a third of a block of cheese, and some bruised apples ‘a lot.’
“Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked, coming down a couple of steps.
Damn older sisters and their keen eyes.
So I did what little sisters do best.
I lied.
“Fine. Just at my kid quota for the day.”
Ezzy glanced back at the window where loud laughter drifted out. “They were exceptionally loud today,” she agreed. “Okay. Well, we should get together. Just you and me. I feel like we’ve been drifting apart lately. I know nothing about your life.”
“What life?” I shot back, only half-joking. “But, yeah. Let’s do it. Figure out your schedule and let me know when you’re free.”
With that, I turned to walk away.
“Alara?”
“Yeah?” I asked, turning back.
“Christopher is nice, huh?”
