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“We already picked eggs, so you get the orange one.” Murphy patted the seat between her and Chloe. “Let’s see you win with that color, Three.”
“Just so happens I like orange, so you just worry about your own egg, Brat.” I pulled out the chair to sit. “Chloe, don’t let my family scare you. It’s me they’re after.”
“How many times have you won this?” Chloe asked, spinning her egg on the table.
“I’m the champion five years running.” I pointed to August. “He’s had second place three of those years.”
“Yeah, well this year is mine. Or maybe it’s Imogen’s.” August tossed a bottle of glue at me. “We have two new Hawthornes this year.”
“Bond, aren’t you doing an egg?” Imogen called out to where her bodyguard leaned against the wall.
“Yes, please do join us. We have plenty of eggs and everyone has to participate.” Mom gestured for him to take a seat. “Diana, please bring an extra egg for Mr. Bond.”
The twins broke out laughing at her use of the man’s name. Then Imogen joined in. I looked around to see what joke I’d somehow missed. I wasn’t the only one not laughing, until finally Mia laughed, then Parker, and before long I was laughing as well.
“I’ve no idea what’s so hilarious. Personally, I think it’s a stall tactic.” Murphy tossed her egg from one hand to the other. “Chloe, you have any idea yet how you’re gonna decorate yours?”
“I feel like we missed a pretty big joke.” I looked around at the group at the other end of the table.
“I think you’re right.” Chloe leaned toward me to answer. “Did Murphy just ask me a question? I may have missed it.”
“Yep, she asked if you have any idea how you’re decorating your egg.”
“Thanks, wouldn’t want to be on anyone’s bad side during this competition,” Chloe smiled and raised her eyebrows.
“Good point. I don’t have to be nice, though, just the newbies.” I pointed toward Murphy. “Better answer, she’s looking at us.”
“Murphy, sorry, Trey was talking at the same time. I have no idea yet. I wanna get a good look at the supplies.” Chloe surveyed the table.
“Diana is gonna ring the bell any minute and everyone is going to attack that supply table.” Murphy pointed to the table.
“You might want to take a peek to see what you want to grab,” I said.
“You can’t be serious?” Chloe looked directly at me. “So, if that’s true, then you’re saying I need to grab whatever it is you want to get. That is, if I wanna beat you.”
“Oh, ho, ho, you think you can beat the grand champion on your first try?” I leaned back in my chair. “Then I’ll let you have a head start to the table for supplies.”
“Well, I can’t beat you because I’m not a Hawthorne, but I can make a prettier egg than you,” Chloe taunted. “I guess you don’t have to worry about me beating you.”
“We can have a contest amongst us, and Diana and Hank can decide,” I said. “You know, a friendly contest. Go on, I’ll let you go first.”
“Nice try. You just don’t want me to see what you’re going to pick.” Chloe turned her chair to face the craft table. “Challenge accepted.”
“Ah, Three, you can’t charm your way with this one.” Murphy turned her chair too. “Why don’t you let everyone go before you?”
“Because you guys can’t be trusted. You’d take all the supplies,” I pointed to the twins, “especially those two.”
The bantering amongst the family came to an immediate halt when Diana entered, ringing a large bell.
“Game on, Three,” Murphy called out, leaving her seat for the supply table. “Come on, Chloe, let’s go!”
Chapter 6
Chloe
I’d met Parker after he and Mia were married when they’d traveled to Sydney for a visit on their honeymoon. I thought Parker was very attractive, with the cutest dimples and green eyes, but Trey was gorgeous. He had the same cute dimples, but his eyes were a brighter, more vibrant green.
“Let’s go, Chloe,” Murphy pulled me out of my chair, “we have to get the jump on the boys.”
