Page 81 of Dahlias, Sapphires, and Cool Autumn Dusk
“Aboutme. About how to divide the time evenly, and make sure everyone’s needs are met, but there is only one me. It doesn’t come up a lot, because mostly it all evens out. But sometimes…I don’t know what to do.”
Dina lifted one shoulder, her expression distant. “Nothing. Do nothing. When it comes to balance, they were brothers before they were yours. Their rivalry practically started in the womb.They compete, but they will adjust over time. If one of them gets really upset, you’ll know they need you. Leave it unless it explodes.”
I nodded. Her practical advice actually made sense to me. Watching them together, it was easy to see. They were always brothers, and they always would be. I found their connection beautiful.
20
“I’m telling you, these people are strange.” Jeremy shook his head. “And that is coming fromme, and we arestrange.”
Stephen pursed his lips. “I wouldn’t say we’re overtly strange. I mean, you have to know us to notice the weird. We hide our oddness, our secret creature we keep in the closet.”
Kit drummed his fingers on the table and I sort of followed the conversation, but I mostly watched Dina. She seemed really quiet, only answered when they spoke to her, and her skin had gone even paler than before.
“Are you okay?” I finally asked, and she met my question with kind eyes.
“I am always fine, my darling. Yes, I’m good. Thank you for checking. I’m just taking everything in tonight.”
Rosalind glanced our way and frowned, but otherwise, as we waited for the bill, the conversation flowed as normal. My stomach practically hurt, I ate so much, but the food was amazing. I particularly enjoyed my chicken, but the soup was a little bit spicy for me. I didn’t dare complain even a little, though,knowing it was a magical place to the brothers—the place of birthdays, and no fighting.
“Who was it again?” Kit asked as he handed the bill to Daniel, who pulled out his wallet.
Jeremy rolled his eyes. “Thanks for listening.”
“I have a million things on my mind right now, Birthday Boy.”
“Fine.” Jer laughed. “Murial Monk. You must know the family. They are exactly the people you all want to know all the time.”
The oldest of their fathers lifted his eyebrows. “Murial Monk took you and Alatheia on a backstage tour of the Met?” Daniel and Stephen both shot him a look, then laser focused on me. Even Eric seemed to pay attention, and he was the quietest of all of them.
Jer squeezed my fingers. “She did. They’re weird.”
“You need to be careful around them.” He stared at me as he said it, as if to impart some hidden meaning I totally didn’t get.
Phoenix cleared his throat. “Is there some reason Alatheia should warrant more caution or are you worried in general, because of the type of people Murial’s family is?
He didn’t clarify, leaving it at, “Just be careful.”
I’d never seen Kit squirm before, but bringing up the Monks left him positively twitching in his seat.
We all left together, and my fists clenched by my sides. The thought of my silly cake made my stomach clench, too, so I turned around to address all of them.
“I’ve never made a cake before. I…I hope it’s not terrible,” I admitted, thinking at least I warned them.
Rosalind slipped her arm around me, giving my shoulders a comforting squeeze. “Don’t be silly, it’ll be wonderful. Thank you for baking for the boys.”
Dina smiled. “I’m tired tonight. I didn’t sleep well last night, so I’ll stop by tomorrow for a piece. I’ll say goodnight for now, my darlings.” She waved her hand as a car pulled up next to her, but she regularly had that kind of timing. I loved it for her.
They all waved their goodbyes, but I stood back and watched them. I couldn’t believe no one said anything about how pale she looked, or worried because she got tired so easily. She was in her seventies, and she said she was tired. Maybe it was normal? I didn’t know, and I wasn’t a doctor, but she looked off to me.
Not that I could check on her. Rosalind kept her arm around me, so I forgot about Dina in favor of my fears of Rosalind.
Ultimately,the cake turned out fine. The guys liked it, wolfing down their slices in a couple of bites. Julian grinned the whole time, while Jeremy ate two pieces, which was great. I wanted them to enjoy their birthday. Everyone sang to them and a memory rushed through me of when I was young. My mom used to make me a cake then light candles and sing. I remembered her, so joyful about me being her daughter and a year older, and I couldn’t help but smile. But the smile faded slowly, because I realized how long it had been since I’d thought of her at all.
Funny, memories and how they worked.
But the cake was just okay, not great. I thought I could do better, and already had ideas for my second attempt.
After we ate, Kit indicated we would talk in the living room, so people grabbed drinks and headed that direction. I sat down, my palms sweaty, and tried to stuff them in my lap so no one would notice how my hands shook. I could play denial with the best of them, but Kit would—finally—reveal what was in that folder.
