Page 48 of One Short Summer

I’m not sure if I should laugh or groan because that’s pretty much exactly what I was living in for the past year.

Rebecca doesn’t look the least bit perturbed. “Well, maybe that will be a lesson for you to wait for help next time instead of climbing up a tall, unsteady ladder by yourself.”

Dahlia shoots an annoyed look at her mom and presses her lips together, not saying another word. Instead, she grabs some pastries, and we all settle down at the big dining room table.

Rebecca brings over a carafe of coffee and some mugs before picking up her purse from the kitchen counter. “I’d much rather catch up with you guys, but I have a town meeting I have to attend. You kids have fun, okay? Love you.” She gives a big wave and after saying our goodbyes, the door to the garage closes behind her with aclick.

Dahlia blows out a big puff of air, holding up her arm that’s in a cast from her wrist all the way up to her upper arm. “Sorry for being so grumpy, but I really hate this thing.”

I hold up my hands. “I’m the last person to judge you and the first to empathize. I was a grumpy butt too when I had the cast on my leg. I’m sure Gabe remembers that vividly, especially since my mood lasted longer than my cast.”

“Painfully so.” The words are barely audible as he mutters them around a piece of chocolate croissant, grinning at his sister. “Monica was such a grouch.”

Turning to him, I gently slap his arm but am unable to hold back my own grin. “Whatever.”

He rubs his arm like I actually hurt him, complete with a pout that makes me want to kiss the cute expression off his face. “Hey, what was that for? It’s the truth, and you know it.”

My thoughts are momentarily distracted when the last year, along with my recent realization of how badly I let myself and my life go, flashes in my mind like a bad five-second movie. “I know, Charming. I’m not exactly proud of my behavior, so I’d much rather forget about it. I’m ready to move on.”

An awkward silence falls over all of us before I cast my gaze away and focus very hard on finishing the cream cheese danish in my hand.

Talking about my weaknesses isn’t something I enjoy doing. Apparently, “denial and ignorance” are my jam.

Thankfully, Dahlia clears her throat after a moment, giving me a warm smile when I look up at her. “Don’t be so hard on yourself, Mo.”

I nod, trying to let go of any negative thoughts. The knot in my throat has mostly gone away, but I swallow once more before speaking. “Thank you.” After a pause, I feel more centered again. “So, do you want to tell us a bit more about what you had in mind? What do you want us to do at the academy?”

The telltale smile she often wears when she talks about her business spreads across her face. “Of course, sorry. I almost forgot why you two are here. Let’s see. The guys in the office will be able to handle all the paperwork while Rose manages the front desk, hopefully without creating too much chaos. My class instructors will help out with as many other classes as they can. At this point, we have pretty much everything covered between them, except the little ones—the bambini.”

Gabe brushes his hands together, the last crumbs of his pastry falling on the now empty plate. “Bambini, huh? Is that where we come into play?”

Dahlia nods. “If that’s okay with you guys. I’ve learned it takes a certain kind of personality to handle a group of little kids, but I think you’d be great with them. I’d email you everything you need to know, and we could meet up at the academy sometime this week. Thankfully, we’re still on our summer break, but that way, I can show you where all the material is so you can be prepared for your class.”

I raise my hand like I’m back in school, but don’t actually wait to be called upon to talk. “Well, count me in. I’ve had so much fun just watching the little group of dancers up in Tahoe, I’m ready for some action. I’m actually excited. This will be fun.”

“Thank you, Mo.” She smiles at me before touching my arm with her good hand. Then she pulls back suddenly and snaps her fingers. “Oh, I’ve been meaning to tell you something else. Please know you’re more than welcome to come and practice at the academy whenever you want. The renovations are still not fully done, but the mirror room is all finished. Since we don’t have anything planned with it yet, it’s all yours. If you want. No pressure.”

For a moment, I’m awestruck, even though I shouldn’t be surprised. If you looked up synonyms for kindness in a thesaurus, the Mitchell family would be right at the top. “Thanks so much. I really appreciate it.”

“It’s nothing.” Dahlia waves me off before turning to her brother. “What about you? You think you can handle it?”

“You want me to dance in the mirror room too?” The corners of Gabe’s mouth twitch while Dahlia rolls her eyes.

Such a family trait.

“No, you smart-ass. I wanted to know if you can handle the kids, obviously.” She picks off a piece of her danish and throws it at him.

Gabe chuckles, shrugging his shoulders and leaning back in his chair, like he doesn’t have a single worry. “You bet I can. I mean, they’re just a bunch of little kids. What could possibly go wrong?”

Chapter Eighteen

Gabe

Once we got back homeafter meeting with Dahlia, Monica and I fell into our normal lazy evening routine. We picked up takeout on the way, fought over which movie to watch, and settled in on the couch. I got snacks ready halfway through the movie while Monica took a bathroom break before we finished the blockbuster we picked.

There’s one big difference about this movie night though, compared to our previous ones.

Normally, Monica sits next to me, a visible space between us while our gazes mostly stay locked on the TV in front of us.

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