Caleb stands with his arms out. “Is that what we’re doing? Bringing it in for a group hug? The Whitman-Alvarez family? Ooh, we could probably get discounts on stationery. You know, like a bulk rate?” Kristy and I laugh as my dad looks on, horrified.
One thing’s for sure, my life with Caleb Whitman will never be boring.
Chapter 26
Whit
Lucyand I are in the car, again. And this time, we’re heading home.
“That went better than expected,” she tells me, reaching out and resting her hand on my thigh.
“Yeah? Is your dad usually a yeller? Does he freak out when he’s upset with you? Because he seemed pretty calm. Irritated, but calm.”
“I don’t know if he’s a yeller. He’s never really been upset with me before, not like this. He said some hurtful things yesterday, but that’s as mad as he’s ever gotten at me.”
I laugh. “I’ll say it again, Lucy Patricia, our childhoods were so different. Not that I can blame Ma for getting pissed at me sometimes. I mean, once, when I was eleven, our neighbor had a paper route. I wanted a job, too. So, I set up shop in the basement.”
She cringes. “Oh God, do I even want to know what kind of business you set up?”
“Nothing too crazy, Luce. I was in the 5thgrade. I decided that since kids love pets, I’d start a pet store. In my basement.”
“A pet store?”
“Yeah, I mean, to be fair, it was just, like a couple gerbils. Until it was a couple dozen of them. I didn’t realize I bought pregnant ones. Rookie mistake, you know?”
“If you say so,” she laughs. “So, um, I guess we’re heading back to your place?”
“Yeah, I mean, I should probably attend class at some point this week, even if I am considering switching schools. Besides, it’s our place now.”
“I love the sound of that, but should you maybe check with your roommates first?”
“Nah. Ty and Knox never asked before moving their girls in. Besides, they know we’re together, so it just makes sense for you to join our crazy family. Unless…I mean, Book’s been talking about renovating the carriage house out back so Fallon can live there. But nothing’s been set in stone. But if you’re not ready, we’ll figure it out.”
Before I finish my sentence, she’s shaking her head. “No way. I’ve hesitated way too much when it comes to us. I’ve played it too safe. But not anymore. Count me in.”
“You should probably sit through dinner with all of us before you fully commit. These guys can be a handful,” I joke. “Speaking of, I missed Sunday dinner. I should make up for it tonight. Chicken parm sound good to you?”
“That sounds delicious. But we’ve had a lot going on these past few days. Don’t feel like you have to cook. Takeout is fine with me.”
“Cooking centers me. Makes me feel like I have my shit together. But I doubt these clowns went grocery shopping, so I may have to improvise,” I tell her as we pull into my space at The Chapel.
We hop out of the car and head inside. Our bags are still in the back, but I’ll get those later. Right now, I need to see my guys and let them know that I really am ok.
“We’re home,” I call. I hear Rose squealing in the kitchen, so I lead Lucy in that direction. Sure enough, Knox and Willa’s little girl is sitting in her highchair, munching happily on some Cheerios.
“Hey, Rosebud,” I coo as she giggles.
Then I hold back a scream as I take in the sight of my kitchen.
Every pot and pan I own is out on the counter or the stove. There’s spaghetti sauce on the wall next to the fridge, and the freezer door is hanging open.
The vent is on full blast, and nothing is even currently cooking on the stovetop. It smells like something died in the microwave, and there’s no doubt I’m going to need a new air fryer. The one I currently own is sitting in pieces on the center island.
“What is this blasphemy?”
My three best friends look up at me. Knox is wearing an apron that’s got grease all over it. Ty’s sweatshirt matches the sauce-covered wall, and Booker’s got flour on his cheek and cookie dough all over his hands, like he was finger-painting with it.
“Surprise!” Knox says, laughing.
