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“Sorry, Go back for me. When did you get this dog? I spoke to you two days ago.”
“Today.” Dad sounded like he was trying not to laugh.
“Why didn’t she get a lot of sleep then? What is going on with you two?” I sat up and wished I was closer to them so I could check in more often.
“We had a small fire in the kitchen. Not a big deal. Your mother tried making a sweet potato casserole and she decided to torch the marshmallows. And the house.”
I jumped out of bed and started searching for my shoes. “I’ll be right there. Where is there? Where are you? Are you okay? Why did you get a dog after you had a fire? I’m so confused.”
“No, no. The house is fine, honey. We’re just staying at a friend’s house until the repairmen finish redoing the kitchen. We’re getting a kitchen remodel out of this! Isn’t that exciting?” Mom genuinely sounded excited about it. “Besides, you’re working and spending time with those handsome bosses of yours.”
A knock on my door startled me and I was still bent over, looking under my bed for my shoe when Collin walked in. I stood up so fast the blood all rushed to my head and I swayed. “Whoa.”
“Are you okay? I heard screaming. What’s wrong?” He hurried over and started checking me for injuries by running his hands all over me, not noticing that he was tickling me as he went.
“Collin! That tickles! Collin! I’m fine!” I forgot that my phone was on speaker and that my parents were listening to everything and were ready to comment.
“Collin? Ohh, that’s the middle one with the twins. Remember, Ken? He’s the one who got her that dress and those shoes!” Mom’s voice filled the room and I felt my face going bright red. Before I could make her go away, though, she kept talking. “Is she giggling? Did she forget we’re on the phone? You don’t think she’s going to have sex with him right now, do you? We’re right here!”
“Mom! Stop it! Stop talking!” I buried my face in my hands and groaned. “Oh, my god. I can’t believe you, Mom.”
“What? What did I do? I’m not even talking to you, Ada. I’m talking to your father. It’s not my fault if you’re being nosy and listening in.” She made a noise that said she couldn’t believe my audacity. “Tell the girl our house caught on fire and she tells me to stop talking. Where did we go wrong?”
“Your house caught on fire?” Collin had stopped moving with his hands on my hips and our bodies pressed right up against each other. He studied my face and frowned. “Their house caught on fire?”
“Oh, my! Is that you, Collin? Hi, honey! I’m Mandy, Ada’s mom! I’ve heard so much about you. Ada’s dad is here, too. Ken, say hi!”
“Hey, there, son. How’s it going?” Dad laughed and I could tell he was having a blast. “Our friends, Deb and Jerry are here, too, if you’d like to say hello to them.”
“Mom! Dad!” I groaned. “He doesn’t want to say hello to Deb and Jerry!”
“I could say hello to Deb and Jerry. I’m not rude, Ada.” Collin smirked. “And it’s nice to meet you, Mandy and Ken. About that fire, though? Is everything okay?”
I lowered my voice. “Stop it. Stop being charming with them. Act like your normal rude self.”
“Honey, we can hear you. You’re never going to give us a grandbaby if you keep being snotty to men. We taught you to play nice, so play nice.” Mom sighed. “I’m sorry, Collin, honey. She’s a ray of sunshine but she’ll burn you just like one, too.”
His smirk just got bigger. “Oh, I’m aware.”
“We’re out of the house for a couple of weeks, but that’s all, son. Thanks for checking on us.” Dad hesitated and I cringed at whatever was coming next. “Hey, how about we all meet up for dinner? Our treat.”
Collin buried his face in my hair while he composed himself but I could hear how badly he wanted to laugh in the tone of his voice. “Actually, sir, if you and your wife need a place to stay for a while, we have the space.”
I slapped his chest and shook my head ‘no’. Was he crazy? My parents couldn’t come to their house!
“Are you serious? Collin! That is so nice!” Mom sounded like she was crying. “Oh, honey, he’s so nice!”
“We could still have that dinner, of course.” Collin brushed my hair out of my face and smiled. “I am serious, though. You both can come tonight, if you want.”
“Well, we promised Deb and Jerry a movie tonight and we’re doing bingo and couples bowling tomorrow night. What about after that? If you’re sure!” Mom clapped her hands together and sang my name. “Ada! This is amazing! We’ve missed you so much, honey. We never see you and you still haven’t had any babies for us and the house… Plus, this dog. It’s so much.”
“Oh! The dog! You can’t bring the dog, guys. I think someone is allergic…”
Collin cupped my cheek and ran his thumb over my lips. “Nope. No dog allergies here. Bring the dog, too.”
“This is just going to be amazing! Thank you so much, Collin! If your brothers are as nice as you, I just know our Ada is in safe hands.” A loud crash came from their end of the line and mom swore. “Dammit, Kenneth! You broke their swing, didn’t you? Deb told you that you were too heavy! Oh, gosh, Ada, I have to go. Your dad just broke Deb and Jerry’s sex swing. I’ll call you back.”
I stared down at my phone in horror and then slowly back up at Collin. “What did you do?”
