Page 30 of Losing the Rhythm

He handed over the bag, and her face lit up even more, a nice redness across her cheeks as she pulled it out. “This is so adorable. A goose family.”

“Their beaks are magnetic so you can attach things like car keys to it.”

“Adorable and useful. You always had a talent for picking out gifts. Unlike the men in this household.”

“Mom.”

“It’s true. What am I supposed to do with a pillow with your dad’s face on it?”

Micah’s face flushed with embarrassment. “I thought you’d like it personalized like that.”

“I see that man’s face every day. What makes you think I need it on an uncomfortable couch pillow. His real face is a hundred times better.”

“I agree, no one can outdo my face,” Graham said as he came in. The man was a taller, older replica of Micah with his curly brown hair cut shorter, and his skin a tone darker. He was handsome and I secretly agreed that he did have a face that would be hard to outdo.

“Look, even Cadence agrees,” Bayley said.

“What?” Micah turned to me with disbelieving eyes. Both my eyebrows went up as I tried to hide my thoughts. It didn’t work by the way Micah narrowed his eyes. “Seriously?”

“If it means anything, you’re practically an exact replica of your dad. You’re going to grow up handsome too.”

“Cadence has good taste too,” Bayley said with a little giggle while Graham wrapped her in a tight, loving hug.

Micah groaned. “I’m over this.” He grabbed my hand. “Come on.”

I was laughing while he dragged me away from the loving couple.

“I need you to be on my side,” Micah whined as we went into the room. It was a nice size, with one of those couches that fit in the corner, a large coffee table, artwork hanging on the walls.

“Is this new?” I asked, going over to a landscape piece showing off a dazzling lake with wildlife around it.

“Yeah, Mom finished it just last week. Apparently moving here has motivated her.”

I smiled as I looked at the warm, peaceful artwork. From what I understood, Bayley had to find something to do with her time at home, and turned into selling her artwork. I had a couple of pieces I still needed to unbury in one of the boxes to hang up.

Seeing them in her house only motivated me to go home and find them.

“Do you have homework?” Micah asked.

“No. After this, I’ll be studying with the guys.”

“Speaking of which”—Micah patted the couch—“Sit. Talk to me.”

I smiled and sat down on the couch, tucking my legs underneath me. “What is there to talk about?”

“How’d you meet them? How are they treating you? Do you like any of them? Just tell me more. I didn’t know they existed until I saw you with them at lunch. It was weird feeling like I’m the odd man out.”

“You aren’t.”

“I am.” Micah shook his head. “I really am. Even without asking, I know they’ve been friends since they were still eggs.”

“Now that’s a weird image.”

“But not wrong. And they like you. I’m pretty sure they only tolerate me because I’m your best friend.” He looked down. “I’m still your best friend, right?”

“My only best friend.”

He snorted. “I don’t believe that anymore.”

---