Bailey - June 10th
Poor Leon. He’s officially been initiated into the family. Mom made her famous buffalo wings for Dad’s birthday dinner tonight. Leon was being so polite, kept thanking her and taking these huge bites while Jasper and Damon (who know better) were loading up on milk and bread.
Mom’s wings are basically weapons of mass destruction. I can only get through one of two before I know I’ll pay for it all night. She adds ghost peppers, habaneros, the works. Dad’s the only one who can actually handle them.
Leon made it through about three wings before he was taking weird breaths and sweat started pouring down his forehead. He excused himself to the bathroom, and we all knew… those wings hit him hard and fast.
Jasper and Damon were laughing like a bunch of jerks and Mom was all, “Poor thing, I should have warned him.” Dad smirked and said, “He’s fully initiated now.”
After ten minutes, I got up to ask if he was okay through the bathroom door.
“Leon? You alright in there?”
He groaned. “Please pretend this never happened.”
“That bad, huh?”
“Your mum’s trying to kill me, isn’t she? This is some kind of test.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Welcome to the family. We’ve all been there.”
“Even you?”
“Oh yeah. The first time I ate three of those wings, I stayed home sick from school the next day. I’ve grown a tolerance to them though.”
Another groan. “Why didn’t anyone warn me?”
“Because watching people discover Mom’s wings is like a family sport. Jasper threw up in the yard when he was fifteen.”
“That... actually makes me feel better.”
“Just stay hydrated. And maybe avoid heavy food for a while.”
“Noted. God, this is so embarrassing.”
“Could be worse. At least you made it to the bathroom. One time, Damon—”
“Please don’t finish that sentence.”
When Leon finally came out, he looked like he’d been through war. Pale, sweaty, completely mortified. He kept apologizing and trying to leave, but Mom insisted on making him toast and giving him vanilla ice cream.
He avoided my eyes the rest of the night… which I totally understand. But that night, after we had cake and everyone went their separate ways, he texted me. I guess he got my number from Jasper.
Leon: I think your mum’s wings taught me the true meaning of humility. Thank you for not letting me die alone in there. And maybe one day when I can look you all in the eye again you can tell me the rest of the Damon story. I need some blackmail… He’s being a proper ass.
My face lit all the way up.
Me: You’re welcome. And I’m always happy to provide blackmail material… just say when.
Leon: Perfect. Well, goodnight, Bailey. May I live to see another day.
Me: I believe in you. Although, I may have to save your number under Wing Survivor. Goodnight, Leon.
Leon: Honestly, your mum could use those wings to torture military secrets from enemies of the state. She has a future in… what is it called? The CIA?
I was laughing out loud.
Me: I’ll let her know she has some new career options.
Leon: I’m officially scared of your dad now. How many did he eat? 12?
Me: Try 15. He’s not human. We’ve all accepted it.
Leon: Christ. I’m never eating at your house again without a gallon of milk and a priest on standby.
Me: Don’t be dramatic, you survived. The toilet might not have… but you’re still standing.
Leon: Your mum was trying to kill me.
Me: Nah… we just weed out the weak ones. Congrats, you’ve passed.
Leon: Thanks? Should I feel proud?
Me: Oh totally. I’m extremely proud.
Leon: Well, in that case, I’ll put up with Damon’s ridicule. At least you’re proud of me.
Me: Tell him “Fourth of July” and he’ll stop.
Leon: The blackmail?
Me: Yup… and it’s a good one.
Leon: You’re the best, Bailey. Thank you.
Me: Goodnight, Leon.
I was grinning so hard my cheeks hurt. How does texting with Leon feel so easy and natural? Like we’ve been doing this forever instead of him just getting my number tonight.
I’m going to make him cookies tomorrow. He deserves it.