The two of them share a familiarity that you only expect from couples that have been together for a long time. He keeps his arm draped over the back of her chair for much of the meal, and she automatically passes him the pepper when our entrées arrive.
“You have to try this,” Pike says, cutting a bite of his steak and setting it on my plate.
His gesture makes me feel warm inside, realizing that he and I are on our way to developing that same familiarity.
After an amazing two-hour dinner, we say goodbye to everyone and Rue, Pike, and I get into his SUV. He keeps his hand on my knee for most of the drive home, and once we’re there, he parks and walks us up to the front door.
He hasn’t met Nolan yet, so I don’t invite him in, even though Nolan better be sound asleep since it’s after midnight.
“It was great meeting you, Rue,” he says. “I hope to see a lot more of you.”
“You, too,” she says. “And thanks again for dinner.”
Pike gives me a quick kiss and says, “Good night. I’ll text you when I get home.”
“Good night.”
Rue and I go inside, where we find the babysitter reading a book on the couch.
“Nolan sacked out at around nine thirty,” she says, getting up. “We had a great time.”
I thank her and make sure to pay her before she leaves. After I lock the door behind her, Rue and I both kick off our shoes and sit down on the couch.
“Did you have a good time?” I ask her.
“I had an amazing time. I loved the game and everyone we had dinner with was nice and welcoming.”
I’m both happy and relieved. My sister will always be important to me, no matter what we disagree upon. We’ve gotten much closer since I moved in with her, and I want to keep our relationship this way.
“So, you’d go out with us again?” I ask.
“Anytime.”
“Maybe with Dane at some point,” I say, grinning.
“If you ever bring him up in front of other people again, I’ll mix Nair with your shampoo.”
“I like how understated you are, Rue. So undramatic.”
She stands up. “I’m going to bed. I’m exhausted.”
“I’d better get to bed, too.”
I follow her down the hall, and she stops in front of her bedroom door, turning to me.
“I like him,” she says.
With that, she goes into her bedroom and closes the door behind her. I smile, because coming from Rue, that’s high praise.
Epilogue
Two Months Later
* * *
Pike
* * *
“But why would anyone want tomatoes on a hot dog?”
Rue has been making the case against Chicago-style dogs since I started up the grill half an hour ago. I’m just enjoying my Corona and letting Indie handle the right side of the argument. After getting to know Rue better, I’ve realized she’s an absolute trip as long as I don’t take her too seriously.
“You just have to taste it,” Indie says. “All the flavors come together in the most amazing way.”
Rue shakes her head. “We might as well throw some cucumber on there, too. Maybe some mayo. A little steak sauce.”
“I’ll make you a believer, Rue,” I say. “Just wait.”
“As long as you keep inviting me over so I can use your pool, you can cook anything you want and I’ll be happy,” she says, lying back in a lounge chair to get some sun.
Indie smiles over at me and I wink at her. She’s brought Rue and Nolan over to swim a couple of times already, but today is the first time our families are meeting each other.
“So sorry we’re late,” Kylie says, walking out to the patio through the French doors. “I got busy unpacking and lost track of time.”
My mom and Jasmine walk out behind her, and Mom heads over to Rue, arms open wide.
“Indie! I’m so thrilled to meet you.”
“That’s her sister, Rue, Mom,” I say. “This is Indie.”
Mom laughs at her mistake, never one to be embarrassed, and hugs Rue anyway. “Goodness, you two look so much alike.”
Indie meets her halfway and Mom hugs her, too, saying, “You’re even prettier than you are in all the pictures I’ve seen.”
“I’m so happy to be meeting you guys,” Indie says. “And really looking forward to getting to know you better.”
“You’re sweet. And definitely too good for my brother,” Kylie says in a teasing tone, also hugging Indie.
Jasmine made a full recovery a couple months back and is the picture of health. She’s back to being an energetic, happy kid again. It took some time for her to get back to full strength after her illness, but as soon as she got there, Kylie put her house on the market. It hasn’t sold yet, but as soon as the school year finished in Kansas City, I convinced Kylie and Mom to let me buy them a home here. Once Kylie’s house does sell, the proceeds will help provide her some financial security.