Page 94 of That Rush

“You both came to return books,” Aiden says. “Stick to the books.”

“We returned them,” Adrienne replies. “Now we’re focusing on this.”

I lock the library door and test the handle. “Do all triplets get this involved in each other’s personal lives?”

“No,” Axel says. “That’s specific to our family.”

Aiden reaches for the canvas bag hanging from my shoulder. I let him take it, mostly because I enjoy the brief look of surprise he gives me.

Adrienne notices that too.

Her smile widens. “Mom is having everyone over Sunday. One o’clock.”

“How many people is everyone?” I ask.

“Thirty if they all come,” Axel says.

“Twenty-seven,” Aiden says.

Adrienne glances at him. “You counted?”

“I know who was invited.”

“Of course you do.”

Aiden ignores her and looks at me. “Come with me.”

“Thirty people is not a date.”

“I know.”

I study his expression, waiting for the argument we had the first time he tried to fit me into a Slade gathering. It never comes.

“I want you there,” he says. “I’m also aware it’s a family barbecue.”

“And I’m still saying no.”

“Okay.”

His easy acceptance makes my prepared arguments feel useless.

Adrienne looks between us. “That was disappointingly reasonable.”

“He’s improving,” I say.

“I’m standing right here,” Aiden says.

“We know,” Axel says. “You’re hard to miss.”

Josie stops beside Adrienne’s SUV and presses the loose jewel on her name tag again. “Can I ride with Aunt Adrienne?”

“If your dad says yes,” Adrienne tells her.

Aiden checks the time, then looks back at his sister. “Take her to Mom and Dad’s. I’ll be right behind you.”

Josie runs back to wrap both arms around his waist before hurrying to Adrienne’s car. Aiden checks that she is buckled while Axel gives me an amused wave and heads toward his truck.

Adrienne lowers her window. “We’ll save you a plate Sunday, Paige.”