Page 124 of Magic or Madness

“Sono fiero di te,”she whispers, but my Italian isn’t as polished as hers.

“You lost me, I’m sorry,” I laugh and she does too.

“I’m proud of you,” she translates, holding my hand against her heart as we stand in the stairwell, sheltered from everyone else hanging on the roof.

“It’s all because of you, Bambi.”And I mean that.

Everything I am, do, and stand for is because ofher.

“Alright, gather around!” Oliver yells, interrupting our moment, holding the tequila bottle in his hand.

The fire is roaring, and they’ve pulled chairs around the pit in a circle, getting as close as possible in this cold North Carolina winter.

“To Ozzy, let’s do this, brother.” He swigs from the bottle, passing it to his left, to Cami.

She holds it up before taking a sip and handing it off to her left. This continues until the bottle reaches me, and I take a slight bow, making everyone crack up, before letting the tequila burn down my throat, officially coronated as the new leader of this band of fucking misfits.

We share stories and jokes, just like normal, and everything feels alright in this moment. There’s no grand piano hanging over our heads, or questions about how we survive any of this. Just seven people having a little fun, and a lot of liquor.

“Let’s play a game!” Pepper cheers and my eyes widen, only imagining what she’ll suggest.

“What’re you thinking, Pepperoni?” Lex asks, and Fallon and I immediately exchange a look, attempting not to burst out laughing.

“Hmm … flip cup? Beer pong? I don’t know any other games,” she laughs, and I nod at Oliver, who immediately knows what I’m thinking.

“I’ve got one, hold on Pep,” he smiles, and she sips her fruity little seltzer, not liking the taste of the tequila.

“What is he going to come out with?” Fallon asks, her curiosity getting the best of her and I shush her, holding a finger over her lips.

“You’ll see. He’s not the only one with tricks up his sleeve …” I whisper in her ear, but she shakes her head.

“Do you see this outfit? Obviously, I’ve been visited by the red devil. I’m sorry, baby,” she says quietly, shielding her mouth so no one can read her lips.

I didn’t notice before, but now, I see her comfy clothes and pinned up hair, the signs in front of me all day.

“That would never stop me, Bambi.”

“Cramps. Stress. Not a good time. I’d really like it if we could snuggle tonight, and talk things out properly,” she counters, and I’m all for it, not a single argument coming from my lips.

“You tell me if you need anything else, even if it’s just an aspirin,my beautiful girl. I’ll get it,” I tell her, and she nods softly, keeping her attention on the crowd.

Finally, Oliver comes back with theWheel of Doom, and the girls’ eyes light up, but instantly change when they read the options on the colorful wheel.

It’s an old game we used to play, equipped with a spinner and small ticks to stop it, determining what your task will be.

“These are a little manly,” Pepper says slowly, and Cami nods along with her.

“Let’s get some paper and add new options. We’re a part of this family now, and they know they can’t get away with some of these,” Fallon laughs, and the girls follow her inside.

After a few minutes and ensuring the girls are inside, Oliver clears his throat, turning to me.

“That girl … she’s our lifeline, Ozzy. If I hear you guys fightonemore time, it’ll bring me back to the days when my parents got divorced,” Oliver slurs, and I tip the bottle toward him, taking a big sip.

“We never meant to be Mom and Dad,” I say, but everyone shakes their head almost in sync.

“You are, though. Fallon is the only person who didn’t endure Doc’s training but has a place in this crew. I think Oliver would agree that our girls are here for the nighttime, not a long time,” Lex pauses, looking at Oliver, who nods in support.

What have they been doing, having secret meetings to determine our family tree?

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