“That’s hardcore.”
“That’s Katie. Meg didn’t even notice. And I kept the one from Bets and Duncan because it was clearly the best. Each piece of toast pops up with Darth Vader’s face seared into it. I’m no fan of the Empire. Obviously, I side with the rebel forces. And as loyalty would dictate, I’ll gladly eat that bitch for breakfast.”
“You are ridiculous.”
“Ridiculously charming.”
“Agreed. So, your sister and her husband are big Star Wars fans, too? Is this a whole family thing? Tell me you cosplay for your annual Christmas card.”
“Ha! Yea, no. In fact, I’m the lone fan in my pack. My dad likes the original movies, though. We used to watch them on TV together. But that’s as far as he goes. A couple years ago, before she moved to Denver, Charlie went with me to camp out and wait for tickets forThe Force Awakens. But as soon as the local news crew showed up to take pictures of the geeks in wait, she bailed.”
“Ouch.”
“It was okay. I was still third in line.”
“Still, she abandoned you in your hour of need.”
“I’m pretty sure she left with a guy from the camera crew, but I didn’t ask for details. I’ve learned that where my sisters are concerned, it’s best never to ask for details. There are just things I really don’t need to know.”
“I’m guessing my brother would agree, but we don’t talk much as it is.”
Simon moves the empty plate to the nightstand. It’s a little alarming that we’ve devoured four cupcakes in the last fifteen minutes, but I won’t worry about that now. He leans back on a mound of pillows and pulls me up to lie alongside of him.
“Yeah? Is he a jerk? Do I need to track him down and beat the shit out of him? And, incidentally, tell me more about this brother of yours? Is he a gym rat? Is he practiced in the Martial Arts?
I smile at his earnest look. “No need to to hunt him down. Everett is a good guy. We were close when we were younger, but he’s busy with his career, and he’s married to a she-demon, so that’s bound to occupy his time.”
“Yes, I imagine it would.”
“I shouldn’t be so harsh. Victoria’s not that bad. Ok, she actually is that bad, but not worse than my mother, so… You know what, let’s change the subject. All this talk of my family has me depressed. I’m a little envious of your crew. They sound nice.”
“They are. Overbearing and nosy as hell, but they’re the best. And speaking of nice, my nana is so sweet that she always sends along an extra container of peanut butter icing.”
“She does, does she? And now we’re officially done talking about family.”
“Oh, yeah? What are we going to do instead? Try to crack the code of her recipe?”
“I’m going to paint you in frosting and lick you like a cupcake.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
IT’S 2 A.M., AND I’Min bed with Lainie. We started watchingThe Empire Strikes Backbecause it’s amazing, and she’s never seen it, but she’s fast asleep. Her head is on my shoulder, and my hand is on her thigh. I’m tired, and I’m content. I reach behind her, careful not to wake her, and I switch off the light. I pull the covers up over her shoulder and lean down and kiss her goodnight.
Holy fuck, I hope I’m not dreaming.
