Chapter 33
Elle
I don’t think we will need the tie-dye shirts since apparently; they invited like fifty people.
I have no idea the size of the guest list but it’s big enough that my mom hired a catering company and a tent.
Dad and Archer are out with the tent guys helping them set it up, while I’m inside with the girls setting up the inside.
Because apparently, yes, we are that family that goes all out for gender reveals.
I shouldn’t be surprised. Easton was always extra.
In high school he was captain of our school’s varsity baseball team, and during his time as captain he organized various outings as team bonding, including but not limited to: goat yoga, speed golfing, friendship bracelet making, TPing all varsity girls’ houses when they made it to the playoffs then helping them clean up, selling lemonade just for shits and giggles as a team then they donated all that money to a toy drive.
Which is how we are here. Blowing up balloons for the balloon arch that will be used for photographs.
“Ellie and Erica will you two pick up the cookies for me? There should be about 5 dozen at Valentino’s, they also made a baseball themed cake. It’s already paid for, but I think it’s too big of an order for one of you to go by yourself.”
Cece and Bella are already out getting ice and more soft drinks with the cash mom gave them.
Mom, I think, likes to adopt all of our friends as her own.
Her or dad handing over money to our friends and having them run errands like the rest of their biological kids is no surprise.
Mom has also trusted Vi or Sadie with her credit card on several occasions. That’s just the way she is.
“I’ll drive!” Erica exclaims just finally getting her license, she’s excited to drive anywhere and everywhere.
“Uhm. No. I know how much those custom cookies cost and I don’t trust you.”
“You’ve never even rode with me.”
“No, but I’ve changed your diaper, so what I say goes.” I say.
“What the hell does that have to do with anything?!” Erica yells following me to my car. Archer sees us and jogs over.
“Where are you two headed?” He presses a kiss to my cheek. He smells like sweat, outside and his usual mix of his clean laundry, citrus and mint.
“We’re running to the bakery to pick up mom’s order for the party.”
“Would you mind picking up some cigars for the guys? Your dad was mentioning he misses smoking them with his friends, and apparently, they’re coming in for this shindig.” He hands me his credit card. “Don’t worry, I already added you as an authorized user.”
I blink clearly, confused and take the card. “That’s really sweet of you to want to do this for Dad.” I hear Erica swoon in the background. I see this crush isn’t going anywhere any time soon… awkward.
“I like your dad and I really want him to like me too.” He admits a sheepish smile on his face.
“Uhm. I think you’re already in his good graces by the fact you’re out here helping set everything up.”
“She’s right.” Erica adds. “Plus, you’re you. You’re already everyone’s favorite.”
“All right, let’s get going, we now have several stops to make.” I usher Erica into the car.
Once we are inside the car and on the road to Valentino’s, Erica turns to me. “Ugh! You’re so lucky! He’s so hot, and he smells so good! Dad was grumbling the other night that you already moved in with him?!”
“It’s a temporary thing. The heating in my building is completely fried.” Which reminds me that I need to find a new place to live because it doesn’t seem like it’s going to be fixed anytime soon. “Dad was grumbling? Like he’s mad at Archer?”
“No. I wouldn’t say he was mad. Just like ‘We taught her to be self-sufficient. I don’t want her to rely on Archer for money. That’s his money not hers’.’” She says doing her best Dad impression.
Great… going to have to deal with that before we leave. Can’t have Dad thinking I’m a gold digger. Cue Kanye.
“What’s he like? Is he like perfect all the time? He seems perfect. Is he a good kisser?” She’s turned her whole body toward me now in the passenger seat.
“He’s a huge fucking nerd.” I say glancing at her.
“Well, then he’s clearly the guy for you. You’re a huge fucking nerd. You didn’t answer my question about the kissing.”
I sigh. “Yes, he’s a fantastic kisser.”
“God. I hate you. Every guy I’ve kissed is horrible.” She makes a face.
“You’re kissing boys?!” I nearly slam on the breaks. I don’t know why I’m so shocked about it. She’s sixteen. Easton was already with Nikki at her age. Estella had boyfriends at this age. I was the odd one out, not dating until college.
“Yes, Sister Elle, I am sorry I am not a nun like you and waiting until college.”
I try not to roll my eyes. The sass on this one.“Okay, one more question and then I’ll drop it.”
I look at her since we’re at a red light.
“Does he make you happy?” That question shocks the hell out of me.
My baby sister is over here wanting to make sure I’m happy.
I take a good look at her, a really good look.
She’s not a baby anymore. She hasn’t been for years.
She’s sixteen, she’s already going on college visits.
Mom and Dad brag that she’s at the top of her class.
Her face lost all its baby fat years ago, her hair is like mine, dark brown but she has purple streaks going through it.
Her nose is covered in freckles like mine, but she has mom’s eyes and nose.
I have to look away before I start to cry, she’s all grown up and she’s worried about me.
I clear my throat and focus on the road ahead before answering her. “He makes me really happy.”
“Good. I would hate to find a new favorite player.”