“And what better place to get a vibe check than VibeFest?” Jenn agrees. I can tell from her voice she’s trying not to laugh.
“Yes,” Lanie says, seemingly agreeing with herself. “Lovingthis. Both of you tag along. We’ll hang, it’ll be chill away from the city, and we can make sure it’s a fit for all of us.”
Jenn looks at me like, ‘what are you waiting for?’. Both Mac and Lanie are smiling, and if this is what it takes? I’m all in.
“Let’s do it,” I agree. Even though I’m still not exactly sure what ‘it’ is.
“Loving this!” Lanie repeats.
“You’re so smart, babe,” Mac says, pecking her cheek on the way out. “See you all in paradise.”
The minute they’re out the door, Jenn gasps for air.
“Oh my God, that was amazing!” she laughs. “We’re a ‘good vibes only’ family. I’m going to say it all the time!”
I exhale in a whoosh. “Fuck, that was close. I nearly struck out—until you saved the day.”
She laughs. “You just needed to redirect, that’s all. I’m just proud that myHousehusbandsviewership has come to good use. I’ve never thought of it as a business asset. Does this mean I can deduct my season pass on my taxes?”
I laugh. “If the McClintocks invest, I’ll buy you every season of that show, on Blu-Ray.”
Jenn beams. “You have no idea what VibeFest is, do you?”
“Was it that obvious?”
She laughs. “Just to me. It’s a music festival in the desert like… Coachella meets Burning Man meets a lot of tequila.”
“Sounds… Loud.”
“It’s supposed to be fun.” She pauses. “But I should probably stay here, with the team—”
“No way,” I interrupt her. “I need you!”
Jenn’s cheeks pink.
“I mean, as my official househusband translator,” I add quickly. “You speak fluent Mac and Lanie, and I need to learn fast. For the deal.”
“OK,” she says slowly. “I’ll come with you. For the deal.”
“Good.”
For a moment, we just look at each other, then she backs away. “I better go pack!”
“Yeah, me too.” I agree, quickly hurrying away. And then I realize exactly what I’ve just agreed to: going on vacation to a place known for its heat.
Sure. Great. That will definitely make this spark between us cool off.