Page 37 of Some Like It Fox

“Uh, because it’s a hot dog?” Jake takes a giant bite of his pizza.

I manage to snag a chair at the table between Jake and Atticus, as far as I can get from Mindy.

Organized chaos ensues as everyone gets their food and drinks and settles in around the table.

Once we’re all seated, Finley turns to Mindy. “How is Luke?”

She dabs her mouth with a napkin. “I’m meeting up with him in Denver in a few days for his next show. He’s been selling out the venues, so we added tour dates in twelve cities. We’re going to start production for the next album this fall. He’s been writing like crazy.”

Against my better judgment, I glance over at her. Her smile is luminescent, her whole face aglow as she talks about Luke.

They are truly happy. It’s written all over her face and in the sound of her voice. I could reach out and touch it.

Resentment boils in my gut. Why does she get to be happy after causing me so much misery for so long?

Then there’s the jealousy. I wish I could find someone who complements me, like the rest of my siblings, all of them coupled up and excessively content.

Jake belches.

Well. Except Jake.

“How are things going around here?” Mindy asks.

“Good. This round of campers leaves in three days and then we have a wilderness survival camp in two weeks to prep for. Which reminds me.” Finley nods toward Atticus. “We need to scope out the area for the hike up to Mayberry Falls. See how much the melting snowpack has affected the trail. This group is fourteen to sixteen, so they might be able to manage a little more difficulty.”

Atticus nods. “I can check it out next weekend so it’s closer to their arrival date.”

“Perfect. Take Jake with you.”

Atticus dips his head in assent.

“Hiking?” Jake grimaces. “Doesn’t anyone else want to go?” He glances around the table, brows lifted.

“I’ll bring snacks,” Atticus tells him.

Jake purses his lips. “I guess I’ll allow it. None of that healthy crap though, or I’m out.”

Finley rolls her eyes and then looks at me. “How was Veronica’s today?”

“It was good. I got most of her paperwork in order from the past six months. I swear she hasn’t touched it since the last time I was here.”

Mindy clears her throat. “Finley mentioned you’ll be running the bar this weekend. You’re so good with people. I bet you’ll be a great boss.”

My scalp prickles with uncomfortable agitation.

“Thanks.” I give a tight smile but don’t meet her gaze.

Kiss ass.Does she think throwing out compliments is the way to get me to forgive her? “Jake, can you pass the parmesan?”

We eat, the conversation ebbing and flowing with other topics, and the tension in my body creeps toward relaxed normalcy.

Until Mindy clears her throat and tries again. “So how was Summerfest? See anyone good?”

How did she know I was at Summerfest? Are Finley and she talking about me?

Of course they are. They’re my siblings, for better or worse.

I can’t believe she’s going to ask me inane questions and pretend like nothing is wrong. Irritation tightens my chest. Frustration burns under my skin, making me fidget.

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