Page 28 of The Only Thing That's Real
“That’s crazy.”
I don’t tell her I already know this. She seems excited to share and who knows what else I might learn if I keep my mouth closed?
“It is. And every August the four siblings go on a vacation together, usually somewhere wherethe paparazzi can’t find them, and spend a week or two together. Last year they stayed close to home because of, well, unfortunate circumstances. This year they will again because Charlotte is pregnant and believe it or not, due in late August.”
“No way?”
That I didn’t know.
“Yep, the first McKinnon grandbaby will be born in August. It’s as it should be.”
“I’d say that baby was meant to be.”
“Oh! Get this! Charlotte and Callen share a birthday.”
“I’m sorry, what?”
“I know. Serendipitous, if you ask me.”
This talk about Knox and his siblings, his thoughtfulness and the way he’s watching me from across the table aren’t aligning with the grinch he wants me to believe he is.
Chapter Fifteen
Knox
“Highs and Lows. The birthday boy starts,” I announce to the table. This is a tradition we do often, but not after every meal. Tonight, I need to hear her talk. Find out what makes her tick. This is how I make that happen.
“It’s not my birthday, but fine. My high would be the early birthday celebration. My low is having to get back on yet another plane to fly to Philly tonight.”
Agreeing groans float around the table. We can’t wait until all of this travel is over with. Granted, six months from now, we’ll forget how exhausting it is and think going on tour sounds great, but right about now, we’re over it.
I’m barely listening as we go around the table. I’m watching her. Taken in by all the different emotions she shows while everyone gives their highs and lows for the day.The way her face softens for the highs, and she purses her lips at the lows is fascinating to observe.
My heart rate accelerates when she clears her throat for her turn.
“Well, my low would be the not-so-great update I received about on my pops back home. And my high is how grateful I am to be here experiencing this with all of you.”
The table goes quiet at her very real comment about her grandfather. She looks uncomfortable, but she quickly puts everyone at ease.
“Another low would be how unfair it is that a certain lead singer has such long, luxurious locks. It’s really very cruel.”
Matt yells, “Gross!” and Jay pretends to gag.
Was that a compliment?
Does she really like my hair?
What about the rest of me?
I’m sorry to hear about her pops though. With something so personal happening back home, I’m sure she’d rather be anywhere but here.
Trevor hits me in the arm. “Your turn, dipshit.”
Once again, Ryan has taken control of my mind and ran away with it.
“Sorry. My low would be missing the end note at the show earlier.” Voices around the table attempt to assure me I’m the only one who noticed. That my performance was great, but I ignore them. I sang my ass off, but I still missed that last note. “My high is being here with all of you idiots.”
Two minutes later, we’re done with our highs and lows, but I need more.
