Page 121 of The Dixon Rule

“Of course,” I tell my father. “You know I love my quality time with the squirt.”

Maryanne tugs on my hand. “Shane, which one is my room?”

“There’s only one room, remember? And it’s yours.”

“Really?”

“Yep, all yours for the next two nights.” I gesture to the sectional, where I’ve already stacked sheets and a blanket. “I’ll be on the sofa.”

She bounces into the room, dragging her suitcase behind her. “I’m going to unpack!” she screams.

I turn back to Dad. “How much did she pack? She’s only here for the weekend.”

“Yeah, your mom tried to calm her down, but she’s excited to be spending the weekend with her big brother. It makes her feel very grownup.”

It’s my parents’ wedding anniversary. They’re throwing a huge party for it next weekend, but they wanted a solo celebration too, so Dad’s taking Mom away for the weekend. Maryanne usually stays with our aunt Ashley when they go away, but it’s summer and I’ve literally got nothing else going on, so I offered to babysit.

Dad leans against the kitchen counter, and when he reaches up to run a hand through his scruffy blond hair, I notice his arms appear even slimmer than the last time I saw him. He’s giving me a run for my money with how hard he’s working out this summer. We chat about the Hockey Kings camp, and I tell him how surreal it was being on the ice with bona fide legends.

“That’ll be you next year, kid.”

“I can’t wait.” Excitement surges in my blood. “I’ll make sure you have tickets to every away game just in case you decide to fly out to one.”

The look on his face is bittersweet. “I’m holding you to that. Hey, Princess, come here. Give your dad a hug.”

Maryanne barrels out and wraps her arms around his waist.

“Don’t give Shane too much trouble.”

“I won’t. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure he stays out of trouble too.”

God, I love this kid.

After he leaves, I turn to Maryanne. “All right, what do you want to do? I thought we’d go to Della’s for dinner. They have a gazillion pie options and old-fashioned milkshake glasses.”

Her eyes light up. “Okay!”

“But that won’t be for a couple more hours. Unless you’re hungry right now.”

“No, I’m not hungry. I want to make a volcano.”

“What?”

“A volcano.” She sports a huge smile. “Don’t worry! I brought all the instructions and all the supplies.”

A minute later, I understand exactly why her suitcase is so massive. At some point when Mom wasn’t looking, Maryanne packed a literal arsenal. I’m talking newspaper, baking soda, vinegar, tubes of acrylic paint, dishwashing detergent, and every other ingredient and tool required for her secret project.

“Oh my God. How are you my sister?” I sigh.

“You mean because I’m way more awesome than you? I know. I wonder that too sometimes, but I don’t question why God decided to give you to me.”

I burst out laughing. This kid, man.

“So why are we making a volcano?”

“Because Daddy and I watched a really cool show last week about a huge volcano eruption.” Her eyes go wider than saucers. “Have you ever heard of a place called Pompeii?”

I try not to laugh again. “I might be familiar with it. Why?”

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