Page 139 of Flaunt
EPILOGUE
Sara
1 month later…
“Kixx, that couch is downright embarrassing,”Damaris says, marching through the kitchen. “It squeaks when you stand or sit down. It has thirty years of stains.I want a new couch.”
“That’s a slight exaggeration,” Kixx says. “Think of all the memories that thing holds.” He looks up at all of us at the table and winks. “SpaghettiOs. Maddox’s cleat marks. Hell, Banks might’ve been conceived on that couch.”
“That’s downright disgraceful,” Banks says.
The room erupts in a fit of laughter.
For as loud and boisterous as the Carmichaels are, they can keep a secret. As Kixx makes another laundry list of reasons Damaris’s couch is just fine, the siblings all exchange a knowing smile.
Foxx sits down beside me, a toothpick between his lips. He shakes his head at the antics of his family, but I think he secretly enjoys it.But, really, how could he not?
“Did you ever get your key problem sorted?” I ask him.
He shakes his head slowly. “Nope.”
I have a suspicion about what’s behind the key situation, but I’ve not voiced it to anyone. I don’t want to throw out accusations carelessly, but something doesn’t quite add up.
Foxx looks at me, lifting one brow.I think he shares my suspicions.
“Why do I care if peacocks shed their feathers?” Banks looks up from his phone. “I am so sick of these fucking texts.” He looks at Foxx. “If anyone in this room is sending them, and I find out, there’s gonna be hell to pay.”
Foxx takes the toothpick from between his lips, his gaze trained on Banks. “Dammit. For once, I wish it was me.”
“Is it you?” Banks asks.
Foxx sighs as if he’s bored with the conversation already. “Yeah, Banks. I have time to sit around and find fun animal facts to send you throughout the day.” He puts the toothpick back in his mouth. “Get real.”
“Is Bethany coming today?” Damaris asks. “I saw her at the gas station this week. She’s such a sweetheart, Sara.”
I beam. “I think she is too. But, no, she’s not coming. Sabrina is taking her and a friend to a concert in Atlanta this weekend.”
“Fuck Sabrina,” Jess says, earning a shove from Pippa. “What? She’s a …” He looks at his mother. “A very mean person.” He grins.
Damaris shakes her head.
I love this family. Not only have they embraced me, but they’ve embraced Bethany, too. And I think she’s going to be okay because of it.
As long as she can get over her crush on Banks …
“Gloria wanted me to ask you all to come to the charity auction next weekend,” Banks says. “She gave me a poster to help tempt you to come, but Sara pinned it to the bedroom wall.”
I laugh.
“In which house?” Moss asks, winking at me.
Banks pouts. “Very funny.”
“It’s next Saturday?” Damaris asks, rinsing a bowl. “Honey was reminding me again this morning. I don’t know what she and Gloria will do when this auction is over. They’re obsessed with it.”
Banks smirks. “Did you see the fliers? Very obsess-able.”
“I did see them,” Damaris says. “The rose was a good touch.”
