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While the brood organize themselves, I hang back with Erin. Getting ten people to sit at a dining table is a tall order in this family. Bickering is a certainty, and I’d rather not get involved. Erin is standing back, chuckling at my family. I’m standing back, looking at her.

“Sorry Mack had to go.”

“It’s fine. It’s not the first and won’t be the last time she has to leave.”

“She seems lovely.”

“It’s still new, but I like her.”

My gut twists. I’m in purgatory. Is that my cue to stop, to leave Erin to her own fate? “I’m sure the feeling is mutual.”

“What about you? Anyone in your life?” Erin asks easily.

“It’s complicated,” I say because let’s face it, this whole thing is a cluster fuck.

Erin scratches the back of her neck. Her body language is reading; uncomfortable. “Are you with that woman?”

“Which woman?”

“Um, the one you took upstairs on your birthday.”

“Dana? No, she’s married.”

“Married, but you—”

“She’s poly. But I’m not interested in a relationship with her.”

“Just a good time in the sack, huh?” I smirk and look at Erin, who has gone beet red. “I’m so sorry. That was rude. Jesus, I don’t know why I keep blurting shit out around you.”

My shoulders shake with laughter. “It’s fine. You’re quite entertaining when you blurt shit out.” I wink for effect, and it works. “Me and Dana are just a bit of fun. She’s not my soulmate.”

“You believe in soulmates?” Erin’s voice is softer, and she’s turned her body towards me. I mirror her stance.

“I do. I believe there is a person for everyone. The other half of a soul destined to love you.”

“I think a love like that would scare me,” Erin confesses, her voice even quieter. Our bodies have moved a fraction closer. Is she feeling the pull, too?

“A love like that would be worth the fear,” I whisper.

“Burgers are up,” my father shouts, causing us both to jump. I clear my throat and hope I can inhale enough oxygen to stop me from passing out.

“Let’s eat,” I say, smiling. Erin is looking at me with confusion. I think she is struggling to understand what is happening between us.

“Oh, Erin, do you like boats?” My mother asks.

“I love boats,” she smiles.

“We’re going out this weekend. Will you join us?”

“Oh, that’s kind of you, but I’m working.”

“Kit is working this weekend,” I say. “She asked to swap shifts. I’m sorry I forgot to tell you.”

“Oh, no problem, um, I’ll need to ask Mack if she has anything planned for us.”

“Bring her along,” Lucille calls from the far end of the table.

This is not at all going according to plan.