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“What does your father teach?” Dad questions.
“Chemistry,” Collins answers. “He had Kit in a couple of classes actually. First thing my dad said when he heard I was working for him was, ‘Smart kid.’”
I glance at her, taken aback by the revelation. She never mentioned that to me.
My family saw my degree in chemistry as a lark. A classic Kit choice to pick a random avenue. But there’s some unshakable pride in knowing that I pursued something entirely outside of my comfort zone. That I could have succeeded on a different path if I’d chosen it.
“Crew mentioned you’ve purchased a crib,” Mom states.
Both of my siblings smile, suggesting Bash told Lili how Dad found out about the baby.
“And Kit indicated you’ve already gotten all the other necessities,” she continues. “Sounds like you’re very prepared. But I”—she glances at Dad—“wewould love to host a gathering this spring. Or over the summer. Not a baby shower necessarily, but some type of celebrationfor the newest member of our family.”
I glance at Collins. Her lips are pressed together, and she’s blinking rapidly.
I hear a quiet sniff before she says, “That sounds really nice, Scarlett. Thank you.”
“Summer would probably be best,” I say. “Amanda and Gerald will have more open schedules. And that way, the guest of honor”—I pat Collins’s bump—“can be there.”
Mom beams. “Perfect. I’ll start planning.”
“So, where did you two meet?” Dad asks.
“You know where we met, Dad,” I reply. “Lili’s move-in. You were there.”
“I think he meant, where was your child conceived?” Bash comments, then takes a sip of scotch.
“Sebastian!” Mom exclaims. “I’m sure that wasn’t what your father meant.”
“It wasn’t,” Dad confirms, but his eyes are twinkling as he sips some scotch.
“How about we show Collins the clothes before dinner, Mom?” Lili suggests.
Mom brightens even more. “Great idea.”
“What clothes?” Collins asks.
“Well”—Lili claps her hands together—“I had a feeling you didn’t have much in the way of maternity clothes, based on what you were wearing last week, so Mom sourced some options. They’re upstairs in one of the guest rooms. And then we also might have bought afewthings for the baby.”
“There are, like, fifty bags up there,” Bash contributes.
Collins’s eyes are wide. “Lili!”
“Bash is exaggerating,” she replies. “A little. Just come look. Anything you don’t like, we’ll return.”
Collins glances at me, and I give her an encouraging smile.
“Okay.” She stands, disappearing upstairs with my mom and sister.
“You ever played pool, Charlie?” Bash asks. “There’s a table in the library.”
“Sounds great,” Charlie replies, standing.
He and Bash head down the hallway in the direction of the library a few seconds later, conspicuously not bothering to invite me or Dad to join them.
A minute later, we’re alone.
I glance at my father. “We sure can clear a room, huh?”