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I roll my eyes, walking to the table to set the plates down.
“Perv,” I tease, but he chuckles.
“Your dancing is great, but keep the singing to a minimum. You’ll summon the wolves.”
Jay-Jay comes strolling into the kitchen, head buried in his book. “I think she sounded good.”
I jump up and down, too excited to contain myself. “Jay-Jay,” I scream, running to pull him into a hug and ignoring how his cheeks redden. “I missed you, dude.” I poke my tongue out at Jake. “See. I’ve got a fan.”
Now it’s Jake’s turn to roll his eyes.
Jay-Jay hugs me back before pulling away and straightening his glasses. “I’ve been gone two weeks, Claire.”
He’s so much like his father.
“I know.” I lean closer and whisper, “But you’re more fun than your dad.”
“I know,” he agrees with a nod.
He’s going back to the beach house tomorrow, but I’m glad Jake listened to me when I told him it’s safe for him to be here for one night.
I slip my hands into oven gloves and carry the dish to the table. I feel Jake glancing over my shoulder.
“This smells amazing. You said you couldn’t cook.”
“I lied.”
“Why?”
I glance at him from the corner of my eye. “Because you were threatening to put me over your shoulder.”
“I’m still tempted.”
I smile up at him. “All empty threats, Williams.”
He tilts his head like he feels sorry for me. Or maybe he’s accepting the challenge.
My stomach flips.
“Sit. Eat. Enjoy.”
The women and children come pouring into the kitchen when I call them.
“You didn’t have to do this on your own, Clare. We don’t mind helping.” Mia hugs me.
“I know, but you’re leaving us tomorrow. I wanted to see you off properly.”
Her eyes water. “Thank you. I’m going to miss everyone so much.”
“It’s not goodbye. I’ll be around to see you in your new home, and you’re welcome to come visit anytime. Now, let’s eat. I haven’t cooked this much since I was in college and living off pasta.”
She wipes a tear from her eye but laughs.
When I sit, Hannah climbs onto my lap to braid my hair. It has become a habit of ours over the weeks. She braids my hair. I braid hers.
We call it the Long Hair Club.
Very original.
