Page 42 of The Summer Arrangement
Or better yet—You insisted I follow you so we could meet up this summer; surely this still applies, right?
I can see it now.
Not only will Ryan, Jax, and Finn kick my ass. They’ll likely sic their significant others on me as well. Lizzy’s warned me how protective her sisters are. According to her, they’re feral and take no prisoners when it comes to sticking up for those they love.
But—Will that apply to me?
I mean, Lanie herself invited me to that barbeque last weekend.
Yeah—probably because she doesn’t know about your past with Lizzy.
Speaking of Lizzy—the way her face lit up when I arrived last weekend was worth all the turmoil I endured as I drove to her house.
She wanted me there. I could feel it deep within my soul.
But would she want me there tonight?
Not allowing my indecision to paralyze me further, I stand and grab my keys and wallet from the kitchen counter.
Fuck it—I deserve a night out, too.
“You go, girl!” I shout, watching Raven dance around Finn.
We’re still waiting for our meal, but the band has started playing “Teenage Dirtbag,” and my sister pops out of her seat faster than a bullet and beelines it to the dance floor. Finn is on her heels in an instant. Not only are they belting out the lyrics to the song, but they’re putting on quite a show for the rest of us as they dance circles around the crowded floor.
Sloane leans in conspiratorially. “This is the song that started it all for them. Just look at how happy she is. Finn is perfect for her. You know… he’s one of the few who knew the difference between us in record time.”
“Hey now…” Jax warns. “I can, too.”
Leaning in, Jax squeezes her leg, then quickly kisses her on the lips.
“Though if he hadn’t called her out for impersonating you…” he shakes his head, “I’m not sure what I would’ve done.”
“Thank God, that shit show is behind us,” Sloane huffs out on a laugh. “The paparazzi was insane last summer. Now that we’re old news, it’s far easier to just be us again.”
Raven and Finn had hooked up that first night. Let’s just say there was one hell of a case of mistaken identity between my sisters when the photogs caught Raven leaving his hotel room the next morning. To be fair, they’re identical twins. The world was going crazy with Jax leaving a solo career to form Ruby Frax. The announcement of him being engaged crushed many a fan’s heart—or so I’m told. The gossip rags were out for blood trying to get the scoop on the girl who took him off the market, then cheated on him with his new bandmate. It made headlines around the world.
“You can say that again…” Ryker trails off and shakes his head. “That’s probably reason 647 million why I’m not dating anyone. I don’t needthatkind of attention from our fans.”
“I don’t know.” Jax throws his arm around Sloane and pulls her close. “I kinda like being with my fiancée.”
“You’d better like it,” Lanie cuts in, leaving no room for arguments. “As Dad would say, the moment you put that ring on her finger, the warranty was null and void—no take backs.”
“Speaking of Dad.” Sloane releases on a heavy breath. That sigh alone says she’s delivering unwanted news. “He’s postponed his trip out this week. He didn’t go into details, but I’m certain he’s spinning up.”
My stomach clenches, like it does every time I hear he’s out on a mission. Don’t get me wrong, I love that he’s dedicated his life to being a pararescue pilot. But it doesn’t mean I like knowing he’s in harm’s way. I prefer getting the details—after he’s home safe and sound.
“Did he sound like he’d be gone long?” Lanie asks.
“Naw.” Sloane shakes her head. “I think it’s fairly routine, from what little he could say.”
We know Dad can’t share all the details of his “trips,” as he calls them. As we’ve gotten older, we’ve learned not to hound him. It’s no use—he can’t talk about it. However, he’s taken to using specific phrases only us girls understand to explain his upcoming mission is a routine procedure and not to worry. It’s an impossible request—let’s face it, what he does is dangerous. I know he’s one of the best and will fight like hell to come back to us safely.
“He’ll let us know when he’s coming,” Lanie assures us. “He’s got two weeks of leave during the festival. Aunt Mable is coming out, too.”
“Ohmigod. I sure hope she doesn’t play matchmaker,” I groan, being the only singleton in the family.
Sloane chuckles at the reminder. “You’re still safe… for now. After graduation, I’d assume all bets are off with meddling Mable.”
