“I can’t control these things.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Poor Reed.”
“Oh, he gets plenty. Don’t you worry about him.”
“Ames!”
My sister giggled. “It was so good to see you last night. Shame you won’t be at Dad’s for Thanksgiving. The Harlows better give you an amazing recommendation after this.”
I exhaled heavily. “Here’s hoping.”
“You’ve definitely won over Adam, and that’s virtually impossible.”
“I don’t know about that.”
“Are you kidding? I’ve never seen Adam so…so…”
“It was all an act, Ames.” I didn’t want to hear it. “Nothing more.”
“Cass…”
“Don’t read into it.”
“Fine,” she grumbled before instantly cheering up. “Well, at least you’ll be there to keep an eye on Josie over Thanksgiving. It’s the anniversary of her parents’ accident, and she hasn’t dealt with it well in the past.”
My heart ached for her. Dominic’s anniversary was the worst. “Of course.”
“I knew you would understand.” A muffled voice stole her attention. “Okay, okay!” she called out. “Look. I better go. Reed’s got an hour before his next tournament, and I’m his good luck charm.”
“And how do you bring him luc—” My mind caught up with my mouth. “Oh, gross! Forget I asked.” As her laughter filled my ear, I groaned and swiftly hung up the phone before texting her.
Me: Love you, Ames.
Amy: Love you too. *eggplant emoji* *four leaf clover emoji*
It was the day before Thanksgiving, and Josie, Grayson, and Harrison surprised Liam by arriving earlier than the rest of the family. Their giant dog burst into the house and up the stairs, almost knocking me over as he searched for Liam.
“There he is,” Liam announced as Luci lifted his paws onto his bed. He stood taller than me.
Josie bolted in after him. “I’m so sorry! He got away from me.”
“That’s perfectly okay.” Liam tickled his chin. “He’s welcome up here anytime.”
“I don’t think Mrs. Fredrich will like that very much.”
Liam waved her off. “I’ll handle her.”
“Well, Luci does deserve some TLC.” Josie stroked his mass of wiry hair. “He’s been a little neglected since Harry was born.”
“At least he hasn’t eaten him,” Grayson said, walking into the room with Harrison asleep on his shoulder.
“He would never.” Josie scowled before squeezing her dog’s chops. “Would you, Lucifer?”
And all of a sudden, the name made sense. Luci-fer. With a soft chuckle, I puffed up the pillows behind Liam to help him sit up.
“Would you like to hold Harrison?” Grayson asked his grandfather. “He’s refusing to go into his bed, and I can no longer feel my arm.”
“Bring him here.” He reached out his rickety arms. “I’d refuse mine, too, if I could.”