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“It’s a staple for barbeque food,” Peyton states.
“So are cheeseburgers and hot dogs,” I add. “And you don’t have three million of those.”
She laughs. “I have most of them in the outside freezer.”
I offered to help Peyton today by coming early to her house. They moved outside of the city a few months ago to the most perfect place for the three of them. Peyton was never a city girl. She has always wanted the house with a yard and a white picket fence in the suburbs.
From what I know of Thomas, he was a city guy until Peyton. I imagine it has been a tough transition for him since he works in the city. But in the end, it was a smart move for them. His son, James, is loving his new school and all the friends he’s making.
“What’s the status of the real estate course?” Peyton asks. “Thomas told me that Marc was going to be setting you up with that soon.”
“I haven’t heard details myself… but Marc told his boss that the next course starts in September and wants to have me enrolled in that one.”
“He told his boss?”
“Yeah, when we went to their place for dinner. He asked what I do for work and all that small talk.” I roll my eyes. “It was brought up, and I’m not going to lie, the more I think about it the more excited I get about doing it. I think it will be a great step for me.”
She sends me a beaming smile. “I think you’re meant to do that, Avery.”
“Thanks, Pey.” I offer her a smile back. “I make good money now working for Marc, believe it or not. But I just want to really be able to help my mom out more. I feel so bad for her. She’s done so much for me for so long, it’s time I help her out, ya know?”
“Jan is truly a superhuman. I don’t know how she does it, but you’re right… she deserves a little break.”
I smile as I stir more macaroni into the bowls. It’s been too long since I talked to her. Our schedules this summer are making it damn near impossible to get on the phone with each other.
“What time is everyone showing up?” I ask.
“They should be here soon.” She starts slicing up a massive watermelon. “I told everyone to come around noon. The weather is perfect today, and I want everyone to be able to enjoy it.”
“Who exactly iseveryone? Since you know, we have enough food to feed an army.” I think I know the answer, but just feeling out the situation at hand.
I know Marc is Thomas’ brother and all, but a major part of me is really hoping he’s busy for this holiday weekend.
Since luck is rarely on my side… I feel like that won’t be the case.
Ever since he dropped me off after his boss’ house last week, I have been so on edge at work. What happened in the car was very unexpected. I didn’t set a damn rule for no touching. So technically, he hasn’t broken a single rule from our agreement.
He did make me fucking feel things, though. Things I don’t want to be feeling for my boss. I don’t know what came over me when I ripped my panties off and threw them on the floor. Desperate for him to have his way with me.
He makes me want more. Not just more of what happened that night but more ofhim. It may have been an act, but at some point, I felt like we had stopped pretending. His charm was next to perfect in front of Bill.
“The usual.” Peyton breaks my thoughts. “The Ford clan. Marc, Oliver and Emiline. Logan is going to drop by after his overtime shift that he picked up. Kali will be here too. Obviously,” she states matter of factly. “Thomas’ mom isn’t going to make it because she’s in Alaska for a month. Something about it being the best time of the year to travel there.”
“She’s not wrong. The temps are in like the low seventies and the days aren’t crazy long. It really is the best time. I took a cruise there years ago, and strangely enough, it was the best cruise I have ever been on.”
“I believe it,” she agrees. “A mom from James’ school is also coming by and bringing her daughter for James to play with. She’s a single mom and I thought it would be fun to invite her over.”
“Do we like her?” I tilt my head in question.
She laughs. “We do. She’s super sweet. Your typical PTA mom.”
“Great,” I say with an eye roll to show my sarcasm.
“There’s one more person coming,” she states in a much more serious tone. Her eyes stay glued to the watermelon she’s cutting, as if she’s afraid to tell me.
My stomach curls around itself at the thoughts of who it might be. I don’t think Peyton or Kali would invite Dean here if Marc is coming. He’s been trying to contact me almost every other day and I deny it every time my phone lights up. The girls don’t really know him well, but my mind can’t help but wonder about the possibility that it’s him.
“Just tell me.” I place my hands on the kitchen island across from her. “Look me in the eyes when you hit me with the bad news.”
