Page 108 of When The Rain Falls

Exactly how big is your family?

Aimee

Also, it’s stuffy in here. I can’t breathe.

Finn

Babe, hang on.

“You’re popular today.” Tyler shoots a sideways glance to the phone in my hand. “I thought you didn’t have friends. And you. Texting people. You know how suspicious this looks, right?”

I groan inwardly and try to collect myself. Then I scour the room and try to come up with a plan.

Dad pulls open the fridge and pulls out a beer.

“Toss me one too, Pops.” Tyler shouts. When Dad lugs a beer across the room, Tyler catches it expertly with both hands. “Got any chips?” Tyler asks, making his way towards the pantry.

“No,” I grab his arm and redirect him back to the counter. “Fresh out. This isn’t a fucking restaurant.” Tyler eyes me again, his suspicion deepening.

Aimee

You have loads of chips in here. Like five different kinds.

Aimee

You have Spicy Cheese and Spicy Nacho Doritos?

Finn

Shut up. I like chips.

Aimee

How long can you survive without oxygen?

Finn

I can last several minutes with you on my face, babe, so maybe you should chill.

Aimee

Good point. Also, let’s do that later.

“Hey, time for a fire drill,” I announce, circling a finger in the air. “Safety first. I need everyone to evacuate,” I hold out both arms and begin a lousy attempt to usher my family towards the hallway.

“Tyler, I think you’re right,” Mom says, planting her feet firmly into the ground and refusing to budge. “I think Finn has been drinking again.”

“Ma, I’m fine,” I mutter. When Dad tries to weave out of my reach, I grab for the sleeve of his shirt.

Fucking hell.

Too many monkeys. Not enough circus.

“Uh, Finn,” Jenna exclaims excitedly. “Are you aware there’s a woman in your pantry?”

Every sound in the room instantly dies as all eyes swivel to Jenna. She’s got the pantry door flung open onto one sheepish, but smiling Aimee. Aimee gives the room a polite wave. At least she’s fucking clothed.

Oh, fuck. Here we go.

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