Page 9 of Myla: The Hawthornes

I’d been fighting with my aunt Ashley for a month about the sale of her house. I wanted it. I fucking loved that property. I just didn’t want to screw her over by buying it for far less than what it was worth. We’d gone back and forth every day, but she hadn’t budged.

“We came to a compromise,” I grumbled.

“Oh yeah?”

“She’s only movin’ out the shit she wants in the RV and I’ve gotta either keep or get rid of whatever is left,” I replied. “And Saoirse can live there as long as she wants rent-free.”

“So,” Titus said, drawing out the word. “Exactly what would’ve happened no matter how much you paid for it.”

“Pretty much.”

He laughed.

“She’s just ready to hit the road, man,” I said, a small smile tugging at my lips. My aunt was a trip. “Once she decided shedidn’t want the place anymore, it was full speed ahead. She wants to spend more time out with the kids. Now that Aoife has Sean, Aunt Ashley wants to be closer.”

“You haven’t been goin’ out there as much lately.”

“I know. Even Richie called to give me shit, and I can count on one hand how many times that guy has busted my balls.”

“Your brother-in-law may be the easiest-goin’ guy I’ve ever met,” Titus joked.

“Seriously,” I agreed. “He and Aoife are complete opposites. She’s texted every day.”

“Not surprised. She loves her baby brother.”

“I’ll go for a visit once I’m settled on the property. Can’t take off a bunch of work right before I start payin’ a fuckin’ mortgage.”

“It’s not so bad,” Titus said, kicking the porch rail. “Worth it.”

“You’re sure I’m not puttin’ you in a tight spot?” I asked for probably the fourth time. I’d been renting a room from Titus for years, and once Noel moved in, I’d waited for them to ask me and Bas to find our own place—but they hadn’t. I’d never been sure if they just didn’t want to kick our asses out or if they actually needed the extra income. Seemed weird to ask.

“Nah, we’re good.” He waved me off. “Though, I’m guessin’ it’s gonna be an adjustment for Ariel and Diana not havin’ you at their disposal.”

“I figure once I tell them I’ll have chickens out at the property, they’ll forgive me for movin’ out.”

“Why the fuck would you get chickens?” Titus asked with a small shudder. “Nasty.”

“The real question is why you’re so afraid of ’em.”

“I’m not afraid of chickens.”

“Keep tellin’ yourself that.”

“You know Ariel’s gonna want a pony,” he said smugly. “Chickens aren’t gonna cut it. She’s gonna see that property and ask for a pony.”

“I’ll get her a goat,” I conceded.

“A goat for who?” Titus’s other half asked as she came out the front door. “Ugh. This weather is miserable.”

“Your daughters are running laps around the house in it,” I told her. “They’re gonna be muddy to their eyebrows.”

“But they’ll sleep great tonight,” she replied, smiling. “Who’s getting a goat?”

“Ariel.”

“Ariel doesn’t need a goat.”

“Ariel’s gonna want a pony,” Titus said, handing her the baby.

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