Page 138 of Chemistry: The Chemist

Roulette looked over at me with that adorable smirk of hers that I loved so much. With a wink, she let me know what she’d done was lightweight and handling the stress of a situation only she and I were aware of was nothing.

Thank you. I mouthed.

“They’ll be yours by tomorrow if you’d like.”

If Roulette wanted to expand, then Roulette would expand. Whoever was in her way would have to move or be moved.

“I’m in no hurry. Busy is slow. They’ll be ready to sell everything by the time I am ready.”

“Good. Whatever you need, baby.”

“The way you refer to them as baby,” Eden whispered. “That’s adorable.”

“Doesn’t matter how old they get. They’ll still be babies in my eyes. Mine, more specifically.”

“I promise to let you know.”

“She’ll bleed your pockets dry,” Range warned.

“I doubt that’s obtainable, Range.” I sucked my teeth and sat back in the chair I was in.

“Does this mean you’re leaving us?” Royce forked her greens as she posed the question. The pained look on her face let me know she wasn’t too happy with Roulette’s news.

“No. But, I will be back and forth–a lot.”

“Oh.” Royce sighed, releasing a visibly deep breath.

“Would you have missed me?”

“Y–”

“I would’ve,” Rome admitted.

“Me, too,” Range chimed in.

“Of course, I would’ve.” Roaman nodded.

“Me, too,” Rather claimed.

They all waited for Rugger to speak. They’d be waiting forever and we all knew it. Laughter erupted around the table.

“Rugger,” my father called out to her. “Be nice.”

Appetizers appeared as his warning surfaced. They were sitting in between each set of chairs for easy access. The helpings were large and diverse so sharing was encouraged. The deviled eggs and sweet chili salmon bites were the first to be transferred to my plate and the first to be demolished.

“Try this, baby,” Eden convinced me, holding a fork to my face.

I accepted the piece of grilled shrimp and bell pepper tossed in a savory marinade she’d pulled from the skewer.

“Good, right?”

Because my mouth was still full, I nodded. It was clear I’d leave with a few pounds and an upset stomach in tow. There was at least one more birthday dinner before the month ended, so history would only repeat itself.

Chatter was minimized as everyone began to explore their palette, some expanding it while others stuck to the foods they were most comfortable with. Eden had a bit of everything on the appetizer dish. I looked around the table and discovered my sisters had all done the same. Just as I’d imagined, she fit right in.

To my surprise, she had pulled Rugger from her dungeon. The two were involved in chatter, Rugger explaining the importance of the work she does as a forensic specialist. Eden didn’t blink once. Her interest was piqued.

Rugger then began to explain the occupations and hobbies of the rest of the bunch. She skated right over mine as if it wasn’t as useful as the others. Rome twirled in a circle for a living and if she lived off that salary alone, she’d be out on the street.

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