Page 15 of Dandelions and Smoke

Moving past the heaviness that weighs me down and the memories of that night, I turn my key in the ignition. Once, twice, finally, the car turns on. “You’re catching up with everyone after the game, right?”

“I wouldn’t miss it.” He squeezes my shoulder reassuringly. “It’s going to be great.”

I let out a long breath. I want tonight to go exactly as planned. It’s my plan, and if it doesn’t work out… I don’t want to be the reason Blake is disappointed. Perhaps I put too much weight on what I can do for others, but it’s how I make sure they know they’re loved. I think I read somewhere that acts of service is a type of love language or something.

Billy walks away but doesn’t get far before turning back and looking at me over his shoulder. “Eat something and drink your water,” he calls out.

I stick my tongue out at him and close the door, his laughter following me as I drive away.

It was a scramble, but with a sigh of relief, everything is how I imagined it.

“Have you seen Blake yet?” I ask Lucas as he makes his way to the tunnel. “He looks nervous.”

“Don’t worry,” he reassures me with that unwavering optimism of his. “By the end of the night, Blake will be joining the helplessly in love, but don’t help us because we like it here club.”

“That really needs a better name,” I tease, shaking my head.

Letting out a bark of laughter, he bounces away singing some made-up song about love, and I head back to my seat amongst the rest of our friends.

Three periods later, thanks to everyone’s help, tonight turns out to be a total success. The buzzer sounds, and our side of the arena erupts. The Tampa Bay Hawks have won the game, making it two wins for our friends and family tonight. Jumping from our chairs, Emma, Della, Callie, and I all squeal and shout as the guys cheer along with us. Lucas spots me and points his stick in my direction, making me clap harder. An overwhelming feeling of joy and appreciation fills me, making me fight back tears. I’ll never stop being proud of him, and proud that he’s my family.

I take in the arena around me like I’m on the outside looking in, cataloguing every detail. The way the cool air comes off the ice, the smell of kettle corn filling my lungs, the joy on everyone’s faces now that everything is set right again in our little world. The feeling of belonging somewhere for the first time in my life is still new to me, but it’s a feeling I welcome. I take it all in like a snapshot and stick my ticket in my backpack, another happy memory to hold on to.

“This was amazing,” Blake says, walking around Emma to get closer to me before pulling me into a big bear hug. He releases me after getting in one final squeeze and pulls back. “Soy serio, thank you, Half-Pint.”

I roll my eyes at the nickname I used to hate before he explained it’s his way of calling me his short half-sister, and smile up at him. My cheeks hurt from all the smiling I’ve done tonight, but I’m so happy that it’s all worked out. A wave of exhaustion threatens to make me want to go home now and sleep for a week, but the night’s not over yet. Emma wraps her arms around Blake’s waist and echoes her appreciation.

“What are sisters for?” I primp my curls dramatically, making them both laugh. “Besides, I had help.”

Callie gives me a wink over Emma’s shoulder, and before I know it, we are all heading to The Boozy Bear to celebrate.

“Do you think one of us should see if Remy needs any help back there?” I ask with a laugh, nudging my elbow into Emma, who’s currently using my brother as her own personal chair.

“Nah, look.” Blake points to where Mark is, and we watch as he moves behind the bar, offering a hand I’m not sure Remy actually asked for, given her look of surprise.

That’s a slow burn waiting to ignite if I ever saw one, I think to myself.

The Boozy Bear is packed for Karaoke Night, a happy coincidence, and one that is definitely adding to the celebration. After introducing everyone to Lucas and his team, I make sure to fill out the sign-up sheet with all the names I can think of, willing participants or not. No one is safe from my pen. Meanwhile, Billy looks like he’s about to adopt Lucas, and I seriously can’t even handle the bromance that’s unfolding. Soon, he’ll be invited to the next framily book club.

I tremble at the thought.

Emma throws me a wary look, as though she’s already pieced together the kind of trouble those two could get into together. Both are giant children who enjoy pranks a bit too much.

Lord, help us.

When Caiden, Callie’s twin brother, finishes singing Tennessee Whiskey, surprising everyone here but Della, Karaoke Bob grabs the mic.

“Next up, The Green Tea Cabaret!”

Beside me, Emma shrieks and falls off Blake’s lap.

Blake and Billy fist-bump, grinning like mischievous children.

“Oh, you two are so dead,” Callie warns.

“Go get’em, Whitney,” Blake tells Emma before they head to the stage.

“This is the best thing I’ve ever seen,” I laugh out to our group.