Page 41 of Finally Home

“Ma, maybe take your own advice and let my girl breathe. I would really love it if you didn’t run her off. I kind of like this one.” He sneaks up behind me and pulls me back into him.

His words hit me like a freight train.I kind of like this one.

“I think we can all agree,” Rhyland says, stepping into the room, “that it’s impressive that youalonehaven’t run her off.”

“Fuck off,” Ollie mutters under his breath.

“Mom,” Payton whines.

“Of course you take his side.” Ollie rolls his eyes, and Pay sticks her tongue out. I feel like I’m in some sort of sitcom and am honestly loving every minute. The banter back and forth between all of them has definitely eased the tension and anxiety I was feeling.Is this how normal families look?

“Again, children, please, for the love of God, behave. I will not have you acting like fools in front of our guests.”

Everyone busts out laughing.

“I’m sorry I’m late,” Rhyland apologizes to Connie, kissing her cheek before moving on to Payton.

“Welcome home, Pay.” He pulls her into a hug, and I can’t help but notice that it lasts slightly longer than any of the other hugs Payton gave. They only pull apart when there is a throat clearing behind them.

“Oh, so sorry.” Payton rips herself out of Rhyland’s arms. Am I the only one who notices that her cheeks are flushed?Am I missing something here? There’s clearly some sort of history there.

She backs up and wraps her arms around the waist of the guy who’s held himself back during this entire interaction.

“Hollie, this is my boyfriend, Joel.”

He gives a nod of acknowledgment. It’s cold compared to how the Mosbys welcomed me. But this is more in line with what I’m used to.

Payton locks eyes with Ollie, some sort of conversation happening with their eyes, and she gives a subtle nod.

“Joel, nice to see you again,” Ollie says, but his body language is all wrong. He’s clearly not one of Ollie’s favorite people.

“Yeah.” Joel all but ignores Ollie before focusing on his girlfriend. “Get me a peach tea, will ya?”

“Umm, yeah, sure.” With that, Joel leaves the room.In a moment’s notice, the bubbly girl I just met falls into herself.

“Actually, that’s a great idea, Payton. Why don’t you set everyone up with drinks,” Connie chimes in, trying to cut the tension that formed in the kitchen with Joel’s departure.

“Psst,” Ollie whispers, pulling my gaze away from his sister. It’s not really my place to say anything or to make sure she’s okay. I turn to find him holding out the flowers I’ve already forgotten about.

I mouth, “Thank you.”

“Connie, these are for you.”

Connie spins, and her smile grows even wider. “Oh, they’re lovely. You didn’t need to do that, but I will never say no to these. They’re my favorite and will be perfect on the table.” She brings the bouquet to her face and inhales deeply. “Archer, be a dear and grab me a vase.”

“Sure thing, Ma.”

“Is there anything I can do to help, Connie?” I ask as she unties the bundle of flowers.

“Oh, you sweet, sweet girl. Thank you for offering, but everything is almost ready. And anything that’s left to be done, I’ll put the professional to work. He just thinks he has the day off from the kitchen. Why doesn’t Ollie show you around?” Her eyes lift over my shoulder to where Ollie stands.

“That’s a great idea, Mom. We can start in my room.”

Archer and Rhyland snicker like little kids. Clearly, I wasn’t the only one who caught innuendo in his voice.

“Actually, that’s where Joel is staying,” Payton adds, and Ollie’s smile falls.

“Of course he is. I hope he’s made himself at home,” Ollie says through gritted teeth.

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