“Yeah, my thoughts exactly. Rochelle called me bright and early this morning all perky and ready to spread love, joy, and harmony, and reminded me,” I say mock sticking a finger down my throat. “Gag me. Being exposed to her before a certain time of the morning without coffee should be illegal. Being that much of a morning person is freakin’ ridiculous.”
Blue grimaces. “I agree. I remember her from all our sleepovers. We wanted to shove socks into her mouth and tie her up in the closet.”
“Partially, because we were hung over.”
Blue holds up her hands. “Hey, it was your idea to try booze together. I just happened to know a supplier.”
“Okay, I’ll take fifty percent of the blame for that,” I admit.
Bolton laughs. “I think I would’ve liked to see that.”
“You never heard that, Bolty,” she warns.
“We were angels,” I add with a wink.
He chuckles. “Is this where you tell me do what you say and not as you do?” Bolton asks.
“You got it, kid. That brain of yours always kept you a few steps ahead of the game,” Blue teases.
I laugh.
“When do you need me?”
“Oh, you know like fifteen minutes from now,” I answer nervously
“What the hell, Ruthie?”
“It’s—that whole sickness brain. You know I haven’t been feeling so hot recently,” I defend unsure if Bolton knows about my condition.
“Because Uncle Skull knocked you up?” Bolton asks.
I roll my eyes.
“We thought he should know in case you ever needed anything and couldn’t get a hold of us.”
“Smart thinking. Yeah, prego brain is a real thing.”
“What am I agreeing to?” Blue asks.
“Running the face painting booth. It’ll be fun. We have an airbrush unit and manual.”
“Oh, goodie.” Blue claps her hands.
I scowl.
“Let me make myself presentable for a church function and I’ll meet you down there in ten minutes,” Blue says. “Sit down and relax. You’re working and stressing way too hard these days.”
“I’ll keep her company, Mama,” Bolton says giving me a side hug and maneuvering me over to the couch.
I sit down with a plop.
He flashes me a smile so much like Blue’s, I forget biologically he’s her nephew. “You’re going to be dangerous next year.”
“Me?” He places a hand on his chest.
> “Yeah you, blue eyes,” I accuse pointing a finger at him.
“Nah. Do you guys need me to go with you?” he asks.