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“Okay. Well, we aren’t going to sit on this for long. That’s all I’m going to tell you. I love you, man.”
“I love you too, Wade, and these other assholes, I guess.” They all stand and take turns hugging and saying their goodbyes.
I offer Eddie an awkward wave before he leaves, and he acknowledges with one of his own. “Rory, I guess I’ll be seeing you around.”
“Yup, looks like it.” Kill me now.
The guys walk Eddie out, and I wander back into the living room, not wanting to sit at the table any longer. When they come back, they all look more at ease than before, and I’m glad for that.
“So what’s the plan?” I know Wade’s wheels are already turning, so I don’t feel bad asking.
“We need to do this quickly, for all our sakes. The longer we drag it out, the worse it’ll be. We know that they’re staying at the condo for a few more days. I say I go over there tomorrow morning and give Mal a taste of her own medicine. I’ll make her breakfast, poison it, and make sure it’s taken care of.” Wade is too emotionless as he says it, showing all of us how much he’s actually struggling with this.
Hayes steps closer to him. “Or we could invite her over here for a meal again. Say we want to make up for the first one. That way you have complete control over the environment here. I think poison is still the smart way to go, but we do it here, with all of us, so that if anything goes wrong, you have backup and support. None of us should handle this alone.”
“Yeah, okay.” Wade pats Hayes’ shoulder, and just like that, we have a death brunch to plan.
Rory
Whilemynervesmademe want someone to throw me over their shoulder and pound me into a headboard, it turns out planning the demise of your mother-figure doesn’t light the fires for everyone else. Gray and I made out like teenagers in front of the TV, but ultimately, we stopped to make sure Wade was okay and everything was set to run smoothly. I’ve never planned a murder, so I’m not that helpful, but I offer weird words of support and encouragement where I can.
It’s almost three in the morning when the guys are ready to try and get some sleep. We all squeeze onto my mattress, and eventually, I drift off from exhaustion. By the time I’m up the next morning, the kitchen is buzzing with energy. Everyone has a task, from chopping potatoes to vacuuming the entryway, because apparently they want one of the last things Mal sees to be dirt-free. I try to help, but the guys want me to relax.
“This isn’t your burden to carry out, Little Bird. Why don’t you hop in the shower and get ready? I’ll make you a mimosa for you to take with.” Gray quickly gets me a glass of mostly champagne, and I gladly accept before scurrying away to shower.
I’m not sure how presentable I’m supposed to look, but I suppose I don’t want to throw all their careful planning out the window, so I take my time on making sure my hair looks nice, I add some makeup and put on a nice pair of jeans and a simple black top. I look cute and casual, and I’m as ready as I’ll ever be for what’s about to happen.
The mood in the kitchen has dampened since I’ve been gone. Most of the food appears to be done, and the guys are all dressed, so without a task to distract them, they’ve all gotten mopey. Gray is messing with his computer, so I march over to him and whisper in his ear. His face lights up, and less than thirty seconds later, he’s blasting the song I requested.
At first, as the musical stylings of Kesha blare through the speakers, the guys are confused. But as I start to perfectly sing the lyrics toTiK ToKand begin dancing around the kitchen, the mood shifts. Adler is the first one to jump in with me, and I shouldn’t be surprised that he knows all the words. Hayes is making fun of his twin, but Wade and Gray are laughing, their eyes twinkling and giving me hope that we will all make it through this.
As the song comes to an end, Adler gathers me in his arms, dips me, and kisses the shit out of me. He probably meant for it to be a simple kiss, but with all the pent up emotions and worries, my body is begging for a release. Unfortunately, a feminine throat clearing eliminates that desire quickly.
“Well, I see you’ve made yourself quite comfortable, dear. How nice.” “Now, now, Mal. Play nice.” Gray gives her a hug and a cool smile.
“What do you mean? I’m always nice. I was just making an observation. Everything smells delicious, boys. Thank you for inviting me over again. Eddie sends his regards, but apparently he’s a little hungover from your shenanigans last night.”
“Yeah, we’re all feeling a little rough today.” Wade coughs and turns to check on something sitting on the stove.
Gray guides Mal to her seat across from me, but she shakes him off and comes to sit by me instead. “It looks like you and I are going to have to get to know each other better, aren’t we?”
“It does indeed.” I smile as warmly as I can while sending up a silent thank you that she’s about to die and I don’t have to follow through on that.
The guys start bringing all the food over to the table, and Wade sets a drink down in front of Mal. “A mimosa for you too, Mal. Light on the champagne.”
“Thank you, Wade. You know me so well.”
When they’ve all sat down, we manage to eat quietly for a few minutes, but I can’t help but feel like everyone is staring at Mal’s untouched drink. There’s no way she’d know, right? Unless Eddie lied and told her? No, he wouldn’t do that. Or maybe he would. The guys seemed very certain that he’s on their side though. Fuck, I’m never going to be a part of a murder plot ever again. This shit is so stressful.
“I think Eddie and I are going to stay in town for a while longer. I know you’ve dealt with Henry now, but when they allow visitors, I’d like to see the look on his face when I walk in and confront him myself.”
“That’s understandable. Will the condo be comfortable enough for the two of you for a longer stay?” Hayes is so smooth I’d believe how easily he asks if I didn’t know any better.
“Oh yes, it’s fine. There’s plenty of space for the two of us to spread out and relax. I’m trying to convince Eddie to come with me and meet Henry, but he’s still saying no. Maybe you could say something to him?” Mal turns to look at me, and I choke on my eggs.
When I can finally speak, I address her. “Me? I don’t think he’d be interested in anything I’d have to say on the subject. I don’t even plan on visiting my father.”
“Why is that? Do you not love the man who raised you?”
