“Thank you,” Wyatt says plainly as he hands her flowers.
“Oh, you boys didn’t need to bring anything,” my mom says.
“Yes, we did. Do you need us to do anything?” Beckett asks.
“No, how about you three go join Clay and Kellan in the living room? I think I heard a pregame show playing earlier.”
Wordlessly they leave the kitchen, and we get to work. While I peel potatoes, I can’t help but smile. Today is way more chaotic and louder than normal, and I absolutely love it. I never realized how quiet our house was until I moved out. It’s nice having everyone together and in one place. The only person missing is Peyton.
“Hey Grace, have you heard from Peyton today?” I ask.
“Yeah, she said it was a madhouse at work, but the tips were fantastic.”
“You told her she was more than welcome to join us, right?” Mom asks.
“I invited her,” I tell her.
Grace nods. “She knew she was more than welcome. I know Clay and I tried to convince her to come several times, but she was adamant about working a double today. She’s getting paid time and a half plus all the tips. She said she couldn’t say no.”
Mom nods. “Well, I understand that. That kind of money is hard to walk away from. We will send her food back with the boys.”
“Especially when you are doing it all on your own like she is,” I add.
“She’s a boss for sure,” Grace says.
The guys cheer, making us pause before we burst out laughing.
“I wonder what’s going on in there,” Grace says.
Mom shakes her head with a smile. “I don’t know, but it’s definitely louder in here than normal. I kind of like it.”
“Don’t say that too loud or they might get ideas,” I tease.
Mom reaches out and swats my arm. “Behave and make sure you get all the skin off those potatoes.”
She turns her back toward me, so I roll my eyes. “I know how to peel potatoes, Mom.”
“Don’t roll your eyes at me.”
Grace looks at me wide-eyed and whispers, “How did she know?”
“Moms…” I murmur so only she can hear me.
“How is school going for you girls?” Mom asks.
“Great. I’m loving my classes,” Grace tells her.
“I can’t believe you decided to live with the boys.” Mom shakes her head.
Grace shrugs. “It’s really not bad. They all clean up after themselves, and we get along great. They give me space when I need it, and it’s nice knowing that unless there is a game, there is always someone there when I get home.”
“I could see how that is nice. What about you Cora?” Mom asks.
“What about me?”
Mom shoots me a look that screams,why are you being difficult?“How are classes?”
“Fine.” I shrug.
