Page 47 of Feel It All

“And how much of it have you drank, buttercup?”

“I don’t remember,” I lie and laugh.

“She is halfway through her second bottle, Graham,” Ivy answers for me.

“Whose side are you on?” I give Ivy a little shove.

“Hey, Win, want to hear a joke about paper?” Graham asks.

“Always.”

“Never mind, it’s tear-able.”

My head falls back and I belly laugh, “That one is the best so far babe.”

“I think that’s because you’re drunk, Win, but I’ll take it either way. Hey, I got to get off here; be sure and drink some water, okay?”

“Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow,” I have a strong need to say I love you but instead I say, “Be safe tonight.”

“Always.”

I hang up the phone and I am wearing a cheesy smile on my face, feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, and not from the alcohol. We stay out on the porch chatting and gossiping for about an hour.

“All right, like daddy Graham said, let’s drink some water. We, unfortunately, still have to work tomorrow.” Ivy takes my wine glass, and we head back inside.

“Let’s move the coffee table and make a sister pile tonight,” Wyla says as she gets four bottles of water out of the fridge.

“Yes, and I need some more chips and salsa.” I grab the bag of chips and cup of already mixed dip.

“I don’t understand how you mix it like that. Cheese dip is perfectly fine on its own,” Waverley scrunches her nose as I scoop up another big bite.

“I’ll get the pile started. Can someone help me move the table?” Wyla steps toward the living room and Ivy follows.

“Come on, Wav, just try some.” I hold out a chip for her, which I know she will not take, but I know it will push her buttons. She hates it when people try to get her to eat new foods.

“Ew, no way. Winry, get that away from me,” she shrills.

I laugh, relishing that I got the reaction I wanted.

“Okay, you two. Why don’t y’all come in here and help?” Wyla nearly has the pile ready, but she knows that left without something to do, Waverley and I will pick and poke at each other.

I grab some more blankets and pillows from upstairs, and after that, our heap of comfiness is complete. We climb under the blankets and cuddle together.

“I don’t know about you guys, but I am beat,” Wyla snuggles her blanket, already close to falling asleep.

“At least you and Wav don’t have to work tomorrow. Ivy and I will be waking you guys up with us bright and early at 6.”

“Um, yeah, no thanks,” Wyla puts her head under the pillow.

“Hey, I don’t want to hear it from you either,” Ivy gives me a little kick. “Someone is leaving early to go on a romantic weekend with her boyfriend. I’ll be stuck there from 7 to 6,” Ivy groans.

“Mm, I can already feel the wine headache kicking in.” I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to relieve some of the pressure.

“Well, that is what happens when you drink two bottles,” Waverley teases.

“Ugh, sorry, Ives, I will be useless tomorrow,” I shut my eyes, already feeling the pull of sleep.

“I was already prepared for that. Abigal said she would come in after her 8 a.m. class to help us.” I feel Ivy shuffling to get comfortable.

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