Page 75 of Dahlias, Sapphires, and Cool Autumn Dusk
“I would share, but it’s meant to be a surprise from Dina to all of you, so I can’t. I was thinking about her life, that’s all.”
I glanced out the window then, just turning my head, and the flash of glass caught my eye. That’s when I spotted the figure outside with a camera. I groaned and pointed with my thumb. “It’s the PI. He’s out there right now.”
“Really?” Barrett leaned across the table to try to spot him. “That’s him?”
I forgot only Phoenix and I had ever seen him before, so I pointed and clarified. “That’s him. The last time we saw him, Phoenix gave him the finger.”
Jeremy snorted. “You did?”
“Yeah, totally. Watch, I’ll do it again.” He sat forward and extended his middle finger so that the PI could snap pictures through the window. All three of the guys did the same and I cracked up. I didn’t bother to give him the finger. I wouldn’t risk doing anything that could get me sent away. They couldn’t stop the Lents from being profane, but I would be in serious trouble..maybe. I honestly didn’t know any of the rules or where my barriers might actually be.
I chewed on my bottom lip. “I hope Kit can get me some answers this week.”
I would love to know why they’re having a high school student followed.
I turned away from the window, though, refusing to worry about it. Let them take pictures of us eating dinner and walking through parks. We didn’t say anything incriminating or even so much as hold hands. Overall, probably the most benign day ever, once we left the apartment. Luckily, they couldn’t get pictures of us at home, because I wouldn’t want ones for Phoenix’s sake. I didn’t know what my family would do to him out of spite and meanness.
Or to fuck with me, because they know it would hurt me if they hurt him.
“I think we should try to get some Knicks tickets. I want to see them in the Garden,” Jeremy said and played with his straw. “You know you all want to go with me.”
I tried to focus on the moment, on the conversation, and the company of the men around me.Knicks are…basketball?
Our lives fellinto a routine again, which I loved. The explosion of feelings over Phoenix’s darkweed experience cooled down the world around us, like a thunderstorm leading into cooler autumnal temperatures. Kit promised to talk to me at the twin s’ birthday dinner about some things he found out. In the meantime, I at least had a health insurance card for my medical needs, which was a huge relief.
I got texts every morning from Murial—usually pictures of paintings she thought I should learn about. Sometimes, I did her homework, but only if I liked the look of them. Bethany’s morning texts usually were about her OOTD—I was so bad at social media, I didn’t know it meantoutfit of the dayuntil Julian kissed me and explained it. I didn’t expect her sense of humor, but I appreciated it. Tiffany still sent me texts here and there, also about artwork. If I had to have one consistent conversation with her, I wasn’t upset it turned out to be about art.
We would be losing a water polo match at the end of the week. Sarah was stressed about it, so if I could magically become a better player just to perk her up, I would. Unfortunately, I had pretty much plateaued. The twins were still ranked number one in New York after their beating in California, which was nice.
Then Julian had to stay home in the mornings, not going in early anymore because of a shoulder injury. Jeremy sometimes faked it to get extra time at home, but Julian really got hurt, so it worried me.
I pressed the ice to his shoulder while he leaned against the counter, my legs bracketing him as I sat there. Being Jules, he remained cheerfully pleasant despite his pain.
“Just think, maybe it’s a real permanent issue. Maybe something with a growth plate or something. Then, I won’t have to play the rest of the season.”
I shook my head, rolling my eyes at his theatrics. “You would still go cheer and advise. You’re the captain. Besides, if it is serious, it might mean surgery. That would suck.”
“It would.” He sighed. “But I lovethis. Not the ice, but leaning between your legs in the kitchen is sort of heaven.”
Phoenix thumped around the kitchen, uncharacteristically grumpy. He woke up that way, so he noisily clattered coffee cups and grumbled as he went to get coffee.
“Something wrong?” I asked. He hadn’t slept well since the darkweed incident, bad dreams plaguing him each night. I usually awoke to him gasping, trying to protect me, so I held him when I noticed.
He shook his head. “Honestly? I’m kind of pissed because Julian is home right now.”
I blinked, surprised. “Really?”
Jules sighed. “Why is that?”
“Because this ismyalone time with her. Every morning, before school. We have a routine, and you’re breaking it.”
He poured coffee into his cup, scowling the entire time. He handed me a coffee, but he ignored his brother—intentionally not getting him one, I thought.
“You have alone time with her all day long. We can’t even see her in the hallway. Not to mention, you sleep next to her every night. I hurt my fucking shoulder, so I am not going to feel bad because I get a few extra minutes with Alatheia for the next couple of days.”
Phoenix glared at him. “Don’t act like you wouldn’t be feeling the same way if I infringed on your time with her.”
“Ihaveno solo time with her. Actually, I intend to take some tomorrow, and thanks for the reminder.”
