Page 38 of No Place Like Home
“So, then you’re saying . . .”
“Both of you, just stop.” Rowan stepped between us. “Mom, Summer’s been doing hair here since she was nineteen, and you know she’s good at what she does. She’s good at anything she does.”
“Oh yeah, Rowan? What else is she good at?” Lilly asked with a laugh.
All the women looked between each other, then Rowan, and me, eyes wide with speculation.
“Is there something going on here?” Kaye asked, pointing between us.
“No, Kaye. Rowan and Summer? That’s not possible.” Tonya’s eyes bulged in the brief silence. “Is it?”
“What the fuck?” I said.
“Ooh, bad word,” Darcie piped up. “Summer owes me a dollar.”
“Hit up your grandma. She’s the one who caused it.”
“Everyone, enough,” Rowan said. “Come get some pizza before it gets cold.” He grabbed Darcie’s hand and led her away. “And you need to stop being in everyone’s business.”
We followed them into the kitchen. I took a slice of pizza and leaned against the counter.
Lilly looked up from her phone. “Summer, are you busy tomorrow? Kora needs something picked up.”
“Why me? Isn’t there anyone else?” I asked. “I have things to do tomorrow.”
“Darlene and Kora are working, and I have classes all day. So, no. There isn’t anyone else. Can’t you reschedule your appointments? She needs you.”
Lilly suddenly puffed out her lower lip and pouted.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“Do you want Kora’s wedding to be a complete disaster?”
That sounded like something Kora would say. “Did Kora tell you to pout if you thought I wouldn’t do it?”
Lilly shrugged. “Maybe. Will you do it, for Kora? Please? Will you?”
“Summer,” Tonya said. “I’ll go with you. Someone has to make sure you don’t forget anything.”
“Great. Just what I need. You to bug the shit out of me the entire day.”
“Someone’s gotta keep you focused.”
“And the best person for that job is you?”
Tonya shrugged and raised her brow.
“Well, I think it would do you two good,” Lilly said.
“How sweet. My two favorite women hanging out all day,” Rowan said as he pushed lightly into me.
I slowly turned my head toward him and rolled my eyes.
“It is sweet,” Lilly said, “and Rowan can go with you, to keep you both from killing each other.” She stood and pushed herself between the two of us and draped her arms over our shoulders. “My boyfriend’s favorite brother can use his military skills to keep you two, Kora’s favorite aunt—”
“I’m her only aunt,” Tonya snapped.
Lilly ignored her. “And her best friend—”
