Aris chitters again, softer this time.
I know better than to give her a treat. She’d just nip my fingers.
“I’m going to shower, if that’s okay.”
“Yeah, of course.” They tip their head toward the hall. “I’ll go after you.”
After grabbing some spare clothes from the bottom drawer of Korie’s dresser, I jump in the shower to rinse off. The cool water is bliss against my heated skin.
When I step out, Korie is sitting on the edge of the bed with their eyes closed, holding their pajamas and waiting for their turn. I nudge them gently. “Go, before you actually do fall asleep.”
Korie sighs dramatically and disappears.
I climb into the bed, fluffing the pillow under me. The sheets are refreshingly cool. Closing my eyes, I listen for Korie to come out of the bathroom, but everything fades before I ever notice them joining me in bed.
3
KORIE
Holden’s car is already here when I pull up in front of my parents’ house for the barbecue. I’m not surprised. The guy hates being late.
Grabbing the gift bag from the passenger seat, I climb out.
I didn’t know what to get Mom for her birthday this year, so I aimed for comfort—a new blanket, some soft pink slippers, and a bottle of that jasmine lotion she loves from Sephora. A woman can never have too much comfort.
When I reach the front steps, I pause to adjust the straps of my sundress. The guy at the department store got under my skin with his harsh stare and curt tone, and it’s made me a little self-conscious about the delicate fabrics. You’d think after five years of living in my true identity, I’d be used to the judgment, but no. Sometimes, people make me want to crawl into a hole.
Inside, I’m immediately bombarded with noise. I fight the urge to turn around and leave. I didn’t realize my parents were inviting so many people, but it makes sense since it’s Mom’s 65th birthday.
After shutting the door, I slip through the room, searching for the guest of honor. I see my oldest sister on the way by, but she’s too busy talking to our aunt, so I ignore her and continue on, waving at a few cousins and some of my parents’ friends.
When I find Mom talking to my grandmother at the dining table, I grin. “Hey, Mom.”
She perks up the moment she sees me. “Korie!”
She embraces me in a tight hug, eyes darting down the front of my body and back up. “Oh, you look lovely. What’s this?” She reaches for the silver sparrow pendant at my collarbone.
“Just some new jewelry,” I say, gesturing to the matching earrings.
She admires them for a moment before smiling. “Well, they’re beautiful.” Her warm tone soothes me. At least my family will always accept me when the world doesn’t.
“Thanks.” I hold out the gift bag. “Happy birthday.”
Mom slants her head in the universal you-didn’t-have-togesture.
While she opens it, I bend to hug Grandma and wave at a few more people around the table.
Little arms curl around my leg, startling me. I look down to see my niece flashing a wide, toothy grin. Her dark curls are pulled into a ponytail.
Bending, I lift Jocelyn onto my hip. “Well, hello, sweetie. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”
The three-year-old wraps her arms around my neck, and I sway as I hug her tight. “Where’s your mother?”
Jocelyn points to the stairs.
I turn to my mom. “Do you mind if I go find Trista?”
“Oh, of course not.” She lifts the slippers. “Thank you for these.”
