Page 151 of Be My First

“Me too,” I say, walking up.

Elizabeth gives me a bright smile. “You know. We may end up back here if Will or Olivia decides to run.”

I glance over at them. “It wouldn’t surprise me.”

Zadie shakes her head. “Will says he’s not interested right now, but we’ll see what the future holds.”

“Time for lunch,” James calls, standing up. We all walk into the dining room.

“Remember that Easter lunch a few years ago when Declan told everyone that Maggie was pregnant, and she didn’t want him too?” Keene says as he’s sitting down.

“No, Keene, we’ve all forgotten,” Eli deadpans.

Keene’s shaking his head. “That was awkward.”

“It wasn’t Easter. It was Memorial Day,” Maggie says. “I’m sorry we made it so awkward for you.”

“Well, I hope no one is planning any outburst or weird announcements today,” Keene says, picking up his napkin and placing it in his lap.

“No promises,” Declan says with a smirk.

“So Juno, your program is finished, right?” Maggie asks.

“That’s right. Sadly. It was the most amazing year. I hate to leave.”

Elizabeth passes the potatoes to James and asks, “Where are you going?”

“I’ve rented a place here for now. I’m decided to focus on my channel. My videos are doing really well. If I’m being honest, I’m already making more money from it than I would if I got a job at a restaurant, and I have way more flexibility. I’ve been approached about doing a cookbook too. I’m excited to see where it goes.”

Zadie hands me the gravy and says, “That’s amazing. I’m so proud of you. Are you interested in being set up now that you’re in town?”

Everyone groans, and I shake my head. “No thank you. Not at this time.”

She shrugs. “Well, whenever you’re ready, I have some ideas.”

Olivia stops buttering her roll and says, “Wait. What happened with Bode’s blind date? Anything come of it?”

My ears start to buzz a little. I’m afraid to hear the answer. I purposefully haven’t brought it up with Eli.

“They haven’t gone yet.” Eli doesn’t even look up from his plate of food.

Olivia tilts her head to the side. “Why not?”

“Scheduling trouble. I think they are going in a week or so.”

Zadie squeals a little. “This is going to be so great.”

Keene rolls his eyes. “Sure. Just like every other time.”

Zadie ignores him. “Well, Juno, I’m really happy you’ll be around.”

“Me too. I’m looking forward to doing some babysitting for everyone. I feel like the kids have grown so much this year and I’m missing out.”

“Just tell us the time and the place and they are all yours,” Brooklyn says.

I laugh. “Okay. Can’t wait.”

Sterling Family Group Text

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