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“As much as I know you’d secretly love it, no. As your boss, I can alter your schedule so you can dedicate more time to your preparation and sleep. As someone who cares for you, I’ll make sure you have the space to care for yourself and be there for whatever support you need. I want this for you too, you know.”
Dylan finally releases her neck, reaching for my hands. Her fingers trace the back of mine, playing with my ring. “Do you know how long I’ve waited for someone to tell me that?”
“Longer than you should have, Viper. As much as I would like to spend tonight with you, I want you to leave and head home. Do what you need to do. If that’s sleep for twelve hours, do it. If that’s have an extra rehearsal or two, do it. If you don’t want to sleep alone, call me, I’ll come to you.”
“She really was an idiot,” Dylan whispers.
“What did you say?”
“Nothing. Plan on that sleepover.”
I’d heard what she said. I asked her to repeat it to see if she would. The fact she didn’t tells me something. She’s making decisions about us like I am. We aren’t sharing them yet because of our own fears to be sure, but I know it’s happening.
I run into my father while packing up for the day, and he invites me to the house for dinner. I haven’t been going as much since the end of summer, for obvious reasons, so tonight is the perfect night to correct that. I convince him not to tell my mother so I can surprise her.
My parking spot is hidden from her view in the kitchen. Dad and I arrive at the same time, so she thinks it’s just him coming in the door. I quietly set my messenger bag down on the bar in the front room and watch Mom from the doorway.
Sometimes I think she’s happier in the kitchen than anywhere else. Classical music fills the spaces left between sizzles on the stove. I walk up behind her, kissing her cheek while I steal one of the cherry tomatoes she’s slicing. “What’s for dinner?”
“Eli!” she screams, as she swats me with a towel. “Shame on you for startling me, but I’m so happy you’re here.”
I wrap my arms around her, apron and all. “I’m sorry it’s been a while. Things have been busy.”
“So I hear. Your father tells me this gala event you’re working on is going to be wonderful. Would you like something to drink, sweetheart?”
“You don’t have to wait on me, Mom. I’m good until dinner.”
“That’s in five minutes. I’ve been reading the materials your father brought home. I think the whole thing sounds amazing. My son is a superhero.”
“I’m not Superman, but we’re sure going to try,” I tell her.
“It sounds like you have an exceptional intern class this year. Also, will you please set this bowl on the table and call your sister? She’s upstairs.”
“Sure, Mom.” I walk into the formal dining room, setting the bowl down before I do something I know will wind Hayley up, and most likely get me in trouble. I yell up the stairs, “Hey, Princess Hayley Jo! Get your tiara down here! The peasants would like to eat.”
“Elijah Jackson!” I’m scolded from behind me. “If I wanted to yell, I could have done that myself.”
“Come on, Mom, have a heart. I like to pick at her once in a while.”
“She told me you did that recently. It’s not like you to go to the Hamptons lately at all, let alone in the off-season.”
I’m a bit stunned. I wonder what else dear sister said. “Jesus, Eli. Dramatic much?”
“So you mentioned I was in the Hamptons?” I can feel the color in my face change the minute Hayley walks in the room.
“Yeah. I didn’t think it was some big secret.”
My mother reaches in from behind me and settles the basket of bread on the table to my right. “You might have mentioned to your mother that you were seeing someone. Why was I the last to know?”
“I… What?”
My father comes strolling in, clapping his hands. “Smells delicious. What’s for dinner?”
“Looks like a huge slice of crow for my sister to feed that big mouth of hers.”
“Elijah. What a nasty thing to say.” I’m scolded again.
“I asked her to keep one secret. One and she couldn’t do it.”
