Page 131 of Hot Tea & Bird Calls

Edna’s mouth fell open, her shock quite withdrawn otherwise. “It’s a fair question.”

“You’re vetting her.”

“And that’s my responsibility as your mother. Maybe we could’ve seen the signs before, with?—”

“Hey!” Elise’s arms sprang up in cringey diversion. Needless since her voice projected so well. “You grilled Big J, too, and he’s practically a Boy Scout. You’ve gotta trust us.”

Skye caught a glimpse of Celene and Elise trading smiles—that didn’t happen often. Babysitting Theo changed them more than they realized. And while she could’ve replied the quickest ‘no’ to Edna’s marriage question, she’d respect her girlfriend setting those boundaries outright.

Edna sighed, and the rest of their post-dinner talk revolved around Byron’s health and, of course, Theo, whose little fingers pinched at a cut of strawberry on his plate. Shanice recited her protocol for Celene’s dad to live a healthier lifestyle with precision that suggested they’d gotten a nutritionist involved, too.

While Shanice’s spiel was compelling, Skye couldn’t help staring at Theo. Everyone went on and on about how he resembled Byron, but she saw some Celene in already arched brows and thick black eyelashes.

Teasing weaved into Celene leaning close to ask her, “Can’t get enough of my littlest brother?”

Meeting Celene’s grin, she whispered, “Caught me. He’s so expressive.”

“Mm,” she agreed. Something in her smile suggested she wanted to say more as her eyes flicked between the baby and Skye. “I think I’m going to pull Dad aside now.”

Skye patted her lips with a napkin, heart hastening. “Do you want me to come along?”

“I’d love for you to be there.” Celene clutched her hand, fingers cold. “But my dad can’t have reasons to deflect or attribute my dissent to you. I think I’ll pull in Elise.”

“You’ll do great. Tap me if you need anything.”

“I will. Looks like you’ll have to be Queen Cashierandthe mayor for my nieces.” Eyes twinkling, Celene pressed a quick kiss to the side of Skye’s lips before rising from her chair. Not too long after, she led Byron and Elise down the hall.

Fiona and Isolde had been playing tag in the kitchen—hopped up off dessert. Cringing at them bumping into Donovan soaping dishes in the sink, Skye gulped her iced coffee for fortitude. She’d expend a lot to keep up with these girls. Except Edna’s hand rested on Skye’s arm, across the table.

“Grab your coffee,” Edna said, her smile tinted in faded lipstick. “Let’s chat on the porch.”

Skye glanced helplessly at Briana, Ajay, and Shanice, who’d invited her to the living room to start a new movie. A hangout with the chill in-laws, apart from the Vales.

She knew what shewanted.

But duty called Skye to turn them down and gather her mug. Comparable to Celene, Edna was probably the type who needed to be won over. “Okay, let’s go.”

34

Celene hadn’t relied on her sister for much—not picking her up from the airport or remembering to submit important paperwork.

Certainly not backing her up in an argument against their father. Until now.

As new parents, Edna and Byron Vale pushed responsibility and self-preservation on Celene. Which went out the window once their bright star, Elise, had been born.

As young as four years old, Elise put on backyard musical productions and amassed extracurriculars like a hobby—improv club, school plays, student council, slam poetry. An entertainer through and through, which tended to aggravate Celene reading a mystery book in the room furthest from Elise and her hobbies.

What a strange thing, how siblings get different versions of their parents.

“My girls,” Byron beamed, sagging into the office’s desk chair with a relieved huff. He must’ve presumed this a cheerful meeting, where he could brag on himself for being an amazing parental figure.

And to be candid, Byron’s version of fatherhood wasn’t the worst. Just unbalanced.

“Dad, I want that gravy recipe,” Elise said as she angled a chair to face him. “Did you use juices from the pan? That’s so oily, but Ajay swears it’s better than making it from the packets.”

Celene’s eye twitched as they strayed into a carefree chat about fucking side dishes and meal prep. Maddening.

She stepped out to let them finish, returning with a chair from another room. Then, when she sharply rapped her nails onto it, their twinned confusion stuck to Celene. Ruining the fun yet again. Her legacy.