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“Plugged them in and half the bulbs were blown.”
“I see…” I nod, trying to fight my smile. “Well, what are we watching?”
His eyes light up at my question, and his mouth dances in a devilish smile before I’m thrown over his shoulder with a scream. “Finneas!”
He sets me down on the tailgate and hops up next to me. “Have you seenRocky?”
“That seems fitting.” I scoot back into the nest of blankets, a gentle kind of comfort settling over me as he sets up the movie and presses play.
Finn cuddles in next to me, scooping me under his arm, and I rest my head on his chest. The opening credits begin, and the sound is old and scratchy like vinyl. It’s barely louder than the chorus of crickets and frogs.
There’s a small gust of wind that blows into the garage and Finn tugs me closer, folding a blanket over our laps. He holds the bag of corn I brought to his cheek proudly, like it’s a trophy. There’s a small popping sound and when I look behind us, the rest of the Christmas lights have gone out. Finn gives me a look that says,well, I tried,and then he goes back to playing with my wet hair.
I guess I was more tired than I thought because I don’t make it through half the movie before my eyelids start growing heavy and Finn’s warm chest with the rhythmic beat of his heart seems like the world’s best pillow.
As I drift off to sleep to the iconic theme song playing in the background, there’s one thought I keep coming back to: I’ve never felt so safe.
1.Hurts So Good—Astrid S
Chapter 17
Shuttle-Dicks
Effie
Thisissoweird.
This isreallyfucking weird.
Cash, Roan and Lochlan all sit on the couch, sunken into the cushions, relaxing back, they smile at me. “Great to see you all…” I say through a gritted smile. I turn my head to Finn next to me. “Finn didn’t tell me you were coming.”
“I didn’t know,” he hisses under his breath as if all three of his brothers aren’t able to hear him five feet away.
Cash uncrosses his legs and stands, thrusting—dare I say, passive aggressively—a pastry box into my hands. “A little quality time, a chance to get to know the newest member of our family.” His words are warm, and his tone is charming, but his eyes look like he could gut me alive without breaking a sweat.
“Sounds lovely.” I don’t worry about disguising the forced friendliness and sarcasm in my voice. Cash Fox knows exactly what he’s doing. This isn’t a good-hearted house call, so why would I act like it is.
Cash is checking up on his assets. Or his liabilities.
“Dude, put your fucking shoes on—your feet smell like ass.” Roan shoves Lochlan, who has, in fact, removed his shoes, in the shoulder.Make yourself right at home, boys.
I look back to Cash. “Sorry, we don’t have more to offer. Maybe we can run to the store for something.” I lock eyes with Finn, hoping he gets the hint.
“No worry,sister.” He says the word like a threat. “The girls are bringing barbecue.”
“Delightful. Can’t wait.”Who the fuck are the girls?I’m picturing the family picnic equivalent of cigarette girls.
Cash walks away, and Finn sweeps me aside, his big hand on my hip. “I swear I didn’t know they were coming.”
“It’s fine, but what are they expecting us to do? We have one table with two chairs.” My mother’s aggressive and demanding attitude around hosting was beaten into me growing up and this situation is about to give me fucking hives.
“Lochlan is torturing Roan with his rotten ass feet, I doubt they’re expecting a Michelin star experience, Ef.”
“I mean—I just—Shit, I wish I had a little notice.” I rub the heel of my palms into my eyes and try to think. I’m overwhelmed.
“You don’t have to do anything, just relax.” Finn tries to calm me down, and sure, maybe that’s what hethinksbut it’s not really how he feels. He’ll say that now but then will start dropping the passive aggressive comments in a few hours about how I embarrassed him in front of his family.
“Okay, I’m just gonna put some water out for everybody.” It’s the least I can do. It’s not like we have lemonade or iced tea or anything remotely decent.Are there even enough cups for everyone?
