Page 36 of Worth the Want

“Hey, Indie!” Rhett calls from his position at the dress-up station.

“Hi, Rhett. I love your crown.”

“Thank you,” he says, then curtsies, causing her to giggle. In all the years since middle school, I don’t remember ever wanting to be the reason a girl giggled. Until now.

“Hey, Knox. Thanks for the invite,” she tells me while Hazel drags her past me over to the present table. I nod at her and take a sip of my beer.

“It goes here,” Hazel tells Indie, pointing at the table.

“Oh my goodness. This is the coolest party I’ve ever been to.”

“It’s my birthday!” Hazel shouts.

Indie laughs with her. “It’s your birthday!” she shouts back.

“Will you jump with me?” The face she gives Indie is one I’ve been met with many times. It’s nearly impossible to say no to, I’d say even harder when you aren’t used to it.

“Hey, Hazey. Why don’t you give Indie a minute to say hi to everyone? I’ll send her in to play with you soon.”

“Okay!” she agrees easily, smiling as she runs into Alder’s arms so he can jump into the bounce house with her.

Indiana places her present with the others and turns to face me. “Hi.”

“Hi. I’m glad you came,” I tell her honestly, moving closer to her.

“I wanted to. There’s no way I could say no to an invitation from the birthday girl.” She looks to Hazel then back at me. We just stare at one another for a few seconds.

“Hey, Indie!” We turn to see Winnie and my mom coming out of my house, holding platters of toppings for the burgers and hot dogs my dad is grilling. He waves at us, wearing his new apron proudly. This one reads “It’s All Fun And Games Until Someone Burns Their Weiner.” It’s pretty tame for him, probably because this is a children's birthday party. Whatstarted as a prank apron has turned into a full-on collection at this point.

“Hi! I feel like I haven’t seen you in days,” Indie tells Winnie.

“I know! I was getting used to seeing you every day.” Winnie sighs. “I’ll see you tomorrow, though, right?”

“Absolutely! Reporting for duty.” Indie gives her a little salute. It’s awkward and adorable.

“What’s going on?” I ask.

“The Spring Festival. I’m helping Winnie prep all the items for Thistle and Sage’s booth. I’m making all the new signage.”

“Wait!Youmade all the new branding?!” Florence has appeared seemingly out of nowhere with three presents in her arms. Indie moves to help her with them, guiding her to the table to set them down.

“I did. Winnie hired me on as a part-time manager but also for some branding and web design,” she tells my sister.

“Yeah? How would you feel about helping me with some branding for the hotel?”

“Really? I would be more than happy to. I already have so many ideas.”

“Are you trying to poach my employee?” Winnie asks.

“Not poach—share?” Lo suggests.

They grin at each other. “Deal,” Winnie agrees.

“Do I have a say in this?” Indie chimes in.

Both girls look at her. “No,” they say in unison. Indie just laughs.

“Did I show you the pictures she took for the website?” Winnie asks, practically buzzing with excitement.