Page 84 of Myla: The Hawthornes

When we were kids, we’d only had Aunt Ashley, and our mom had sent her away.

“I’m gonna head home,” Gray announced, walking over to me. “You’re good here. I’ll make sure there’s someone up at the road for the next few days, just to keep an eye on things.”

“I appreciate it,” I replied, reaching out to shake his hand. Gray had always been a bit standoffish, and I doubted we’d ever make friendship bracelets, but over the past week he’d come through in a big way. I owed him.

“No problem, man,” he said with a nod. “Family.”

The women and Sean made their way into the house, their hands full of random bags, and Bas met me at Aoife’s trunk.

“Hey, man, I just realized,” he said with a grimace, jerking his chin toward the house. “Supposed to be movin’ in this weekend.”

“Might be a little crowded,” I replied, popping her trunk.

“Blows.”

“It’s no big deal,” I replied. It wasn’t worth thinking about. Shit happened. I’d have another chance to buy a house. It might take a while, but it would happen. It wasn’t like I hated living with Titus and Noel.

“Still, the parties we coulda had out here,” Bas said wistfully as we carried the boxes toward the house.

“Ask Aoife,” I replied. “I’m sure she’d throw you a party.”

Bas scoffed.

“Who’s having a party?” Aunt Ashley asked, opening the door for us.

“Bas,” I said, moving past her. “He wants to get drunk and pass out in your field.”

“Aw, Sebastian,” Aunt Ashley crooned, a small smile on her face. “Didn’t you do that in high school, honey?”

“Never too old to pass out in a random field, Auntie,” he replied, making her giggle.

I brought the box over to the wall in the living room and set it down.

“Cian,” Aoife called.

When I turned, her shoulders were slumped and her eyes were glossy with tears.

“What?” I looked around for whatever could have set her off.

“It’s your house,” she said, lifting her arms and dropping them to her sides. “It’s supposed to beyourhouse.”

I scoffed.

“I’m sorry,” she murmured, wincing. “Fuck.”

“It’s fine,” I replied, walking toward her. “If it’s a choice between you and Seanie living closer or having to live with Saoirse again? Please. No question.”

“Oh whatever,” Saoirse called from the hallway.

“What am I, chopped liver?” Aisling asked, her head inside the fridge.

“Exactly,” I said, pulling Aoife in for a hug. “I get you, Aisling, and Sean. Good trade.”

“We won’t be here forever,” Aoife mumbled against my chest. “I swear, you’ll have the house back.”

“I’m not worried about it.” I pulled away as Bas stepped back outside. “I am a little worried about where everyone’s gonna sleep, though.”

“Couch,” Aisling said instantly.

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