Last Summer
Grinning, I went into the kitchen and, after putting my water on the table, got the package of Fig Newtons out for Ms. Jackson. The shouting in the den had stopped, but Ms. Jackson took another moment to appear. Hopefully they’d been putting Arch in his place
A sharp knock sounded. Pia shouted, “Lunch is here!” and her footsteps thundered to the front door.
Ms. Jackson jumped up on one of the chairs, so I sat with them and opened the Fig Newtons.
They chewed the first one, then gulped down the second in one bite.
They leaned over the table, eyes darting between me and the cookies, as if gauging whether they could grab the entire package before I could stop them.
Pia came in and thumped the bags of food onto the table. Ms. Jackson swung their head around to sniff at the new treats. The table was only designed to seat four people comfortably, six in a pinch, and at that height they’d be able to reach everyone’s plate.
Rory and Shane walked in, and Rory evaluated the situation instantly. “Ms. Jackson, you’ll have to sit on the floor.”
They gave him a disgruntled look but hopped down without protesting. While they were busy doing that, I snagged the package of Fig Newtons and passed them off to Shane, who took them back to the kitchen. Ms. Jackson could have more after they ate their lunch.
Rory went into Ellis’ office and rolled his desk chair out and over to the table. At the same time, Shane retrieved a small ottoman from the living room and placed it next to me. “Arch is tall enough to sit on this and still see over the table.”
I laughed and held up my hand for a high-five.
Pia wrinkled her nose. “Uncle Arch isn’t as friendly as Ellis.”
Rory, proving once again that he was a better person than I’d ever be, patted her shoulder and guided her to the chair next to Ms. Jackson.
“Let’s give Uncle Arch a chance. He and Ellis seem like they might have had some issues getting along, but that doesn’t make him a bad person.
He did try to protect you when he thought Ms. Jackson was dangerous. ”
Pia made a hmmm sound and opened the food bags without agreeing. After she spread the containers in the center of the table, Shane and Rory filled plates for everyone. Ellis and Arch finally reappeared, not speaking but not glaring at each other either.
Arch eyeballed the ottoman. Rory told him, “You’re tallest.”
Ellis shook his head. “Sorry. I don’t entertain much.”
Shane bumped shoulders with him. “We made do. Don’t worry about it.”
Arch sat down and scooted the ottoman up to the table, which was chest-high on him. He had to lift his elbows to fill his plate and eat. I didn’t hide my amusement.
We ate quietly for a few minutes, then Arch cleared his throat. “Um, Ms. Jackson, I apologize for freaking out earlier and pointing weapons at you. I was not aware of wha—who you were, and I promise it won’t happen again.”
The Ouija board appeared on their chest. T-H-A-N-K-Y-O-U.
Ellis took a sip of his water and set the glass down. “I told Arch I was moving to Houston to be with you two.” He looked at Shane and Rory with the most adorable smile on his face. Those three were so cute together.
Rory rubbed his back. “Can’t wait.”
“He’ll help us pack and caravan to Houston with us.”
The rest of them nodded and continued eating, but I was still thinking about Rory and his two men. He’d only met them Monday night, and they’d had at least Pia with them most of that time, not to mention me, and now Arch as well. Fuck me, sometimes I hated doing the right thing.
Heaving a huge sigh so everyone would recognize my sacrifice, I closed my eyes and pressed my palms together as if I were praying. Then I dropped my hands and snapped my eyes open. “Pia, Ms. Jackson, and I will ride with Arch. You three haven’t had much time alone together.”
“Really?” Shane’s face lit up. “That’d be fantastic!”
Rory smiled. “Thanks, Manny. You’re right. We’ve got a lot to talk about.”
Ellis beamed, putting his hands on Shane and Rory’s knees.
Arch, though, stiffened, his eyes darting between me, Ms. Jackson, and Ellis. That’s right, motherfucker, this is gonna be one long and uncomfortable car ride.