He’s up and back in seconds, setting it in front of me like it’s nothing.
“Wow. Thanks.”
Mr. Pickles jumps right into Drew’s lap.
He freezes, staring at the cat in horror.
The cat rubs his head against Drew’s chest and starts purring.
Drew exhales carefully. “Is he tricking me?”
I grin. “Nope. He’s thanking you for taking care of me.”
Drew swallows. Very slowly, he scratches behind Mr. Pickles’s ear.
The cat purrs, leaning his head into Drew’s hand.
Drew’s shoulders sag in relief. “Okay. I’m accepted.”
“For now,” I say. “You’re on probation.”
“I’ll take it.”
There’s a knock at the door.
Sebastian looks up, a smile on his face. “I invited someone to join us.” He hurries from the kitchen, ignoring the confused look Drew and I exchange.
My dad steps inside moments later, coffee in hand, eyes scanning until they land on me. “Ivy.”
“Hi, Dad.” I beam at him.
“Sorry, I’m late.” He crosses the room and hugs me carefully, like I might break if he breathes wrong.
“I didn’t know you were coming.”
He grins at Sebastian, then at me. “Surprise.” He slides into the seat beside me. “Breakfast smells amazing.”
“Thank you,” Sebastian says evenly.
Drew lifts his fork. “So far, no one’s died.”
My dad looks confused. “That’s good… I think.”
I pat his hand. “Drew has a dry sense of humor. You’ll get used to it.”
Sebastian slides a plate of food in front of him, then places his own plate on the table beside me.
The conversation is pleasant and full of laughter despite what happened yesterday. I can tell Dad is still pissed thatSebastian didn’t call him sooner, but he’s slowly warming toward him.
Mr. Pickles positions himself on the back of my chair again like a furry black soldier stationed between me and the world.
Sebastian’s hand finds mine under the table. He squeezes gently.
I lean into him.
And for the first time since everything went wrong, I feel taken care of.
I blow out a small breath, grateful for the family and love surrounding me.
