Page 14 of My Silver Lining

I liked the comfort between them. My family didn’t have that kind of comfort or closeness. I was on edge when I was at a family event. Endlessly seeking my father’s approval. Preparing to be mentally challenged by my cousin Charlotte at all times. There was pressure to be on your game when you were at a Sonnet family gathering. My mother’s side of the family was much more relaxed, but they lived in Paris, so we didn’t see them as often.

“Okay, stop talking her ear off, and let’s have dinner,” Ellie said, and Henley came over and looped her arm through mine.

The dining room table sat the entire group, and I settled in the chair next to my best friend.

Rafe walked over and took the seat on the other side of me, quirking a brow as his gaze met mine. “Keep those utensils on the table please.”

I rolled my eyes. “That’s a bit dramatic. I’ve been told that you’re in finance, but I think you missed your calling in the theatre.”

The table erupted in laughter, but I hadn’t even realized they were listening with all the side conversations going on.

“Hey, I’d react if someone came into my house unannounced when I was getting out of the shower, too,” Ellie said, passing the basket of garlic bread around the table.

“People come to your house unannounced all the time,” Rafe said, taking two pieces of bread and passing me the basket. His fingers grazed mine, and I pulled away quickly before hereturned his attention to his mother. “I’ve yet to see you punch anyone in the throat.”

“I think it’s impressive,” Isabelle said, winking at me. “A woman who knows how to protect herself.”

“Thank you. I’ve trained in martial arts for the last year, and I like knowing I can protect myself if needed.” I scooped the pasta onto my plate, and the smell of tomatoes and basil had my stomach growling.

“I think it’s sexy,” Clark said, waggling his brows, and Rafe glared at him.

“It’s fine. My vocal cords have recovered. Now I’m just waiting for the concussion to go away.”

More laughter.

“So, what’s the big news you wanted to tell us?” Easton asked, glancing over at his parents.

“Well, you know your father is selling his HVAC company to Ronny,” Ellie said, as she scooped two meatballs onto her plate.

“Keaton is retiring this year. Ronny is a guy who’s worked for him the last ten years,” Henley whispered to me, bringing me up to speed.

“I’m glad you’re slowing down, Dad,” Rafe said, and he put some noodles on little Melody’s plate and winked at her.

“Me, too. And Mom and I were trying to decide what we wanted to do. If we wanted to travel the world and where we’d want to go,” Keaton said. “So, we’ve decided to follow our passion when the time comes, and we wanted you to be aware of our plans.”

“What does that mean?” Bridger grumped.

“It means we’re going on tour with Jelly Roll!” Ellie squealed with a wide grin spread across her face. “We love his music, and we’re going to be groupies.”

I coughed over the sip of wine I’d just taken, but I covered it quickly. I glanced around the table to see everyone gaping at them.

“What? You’re going to follow a musician on his tour?” Easton asked, not hiding his shock.

“Have you heard Jelly Roll’s music? It speaks to us,” Keaton added.

“It’s so deep and emotional. We just love it.” Ellie reached for her wine glass. “So, yes. We’re throwing caution to the wind and after Emerson’s wedding in March, we’ll be traveling to exciting new places and hitting all of Jelly Roll’s concerts for a couple of months.”

“I’m speechless.” Bridger looked between his parents as if they’d lost their minds.

“Well, that’s not saying much. You don’t have a whole lot to say normally.” Rafe barked out a laugh.

“We’re going to meet them at a few of the shows. I just love his music, too,” Isabelle said.

“I think it’s great that you’re going to do something that you love.” Henley forked some pasta and popped it into her mouth.

“I’m also a big Jelly Roll fan,” I said. “I saw him live once, and he was amazing.”

“Yes, his music is just so beautiful.” Ellie shrugged, and her husband winked at her.

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