“Austen and I go way back. If there’s something he wants me to know, he’ll find a way of telling me without actually telling me. Until then, watch your backs.”
Chapter 7
CHRISTMAS EVE was turning out better than Cael had hoped. It might have to do with the fact he’d gone into it with little expectations other than to have a good time with his friends and family. He’d treat this Christmas like the last one. No pressure, just fun. He’d barely stopped smiling since Ash and Sloane had arrived at the house earlier in the day. They all hung out, drinking eggnog, munching on snacks, and having a great time. In the evening, Cael finished preparing a light dinner while Ash set the table. Sloane distracted Dex to keep him from eating the food before Cael served it. This had involved allowing Dex to tune the kitchen radio in to Retro Radio. There was air guitar and Ash threatening Dex with grievous bodily harm if he thrust his hips in his direction one more time. Tony watched his favorite Christmas movies in the living room, leaving them to their “shenanigans.”
Ash had been hesitant around Cael at first, but he loosened up later in the evening. He’d even kissed Cael’s cheek in front of Tony. Cael didn’t make a big deal out of it but took it more as a wonderfully pleasant surprise. Every little gesture from Ash was a sweet revelation. Cael and Dex were finishing the dishes when he heard it. He wiped his hands on a hand towel and turned to his brother.
“What was that?”
“What? I didn’t hear anything,” Dex said, drying his hands.
Cael was positive he’d heard something. “I heard a distinct ‘aw.’”
“You did?” Dex listened intently when laughter erupted from the living room. Dex’s eyes widened the same moment as Cael’s. “He wouldn’t.”
“This is Dad we’re talking about.”
“Oh my God, he totally would!”
Dex bolted from the kitchen with Cael on his heels. They ran into the living room, Dex coming to an abrupt halt and nearly forcing Cael to slam into him. Cael peered around his brother with dread. Their dad sat on the large couch flanked by Sloane and Ash, a photo album in his lap.
“And this Halloween they decided they wanted to dress up like Ghostbusters. It was also the year a certain someone decided he was going to take green Jell-O with him while he trick-or-treated. Little did I know it was so he could throw it at the other kids and declare them ‘slimed.’”
Everyone’s eyes moved to Dex.
“What? Who says it was me? It could have been Cael.”
Ash let out a snort. “Yeah, no one believes that. Dweebus.”
With a sniff, Dex folded his arms over his chest. “I was going for authenticity.”
“Right. Good to know you’ve been weird all your life.”
Cael’s eyes dropped to the next album in the lineup. He gasped and swiftly clamped a hand over his mouth. Ash smiled wickedly.
“What?”
Cael s
hook his head. “Nothing.”
Ash narrowed his eyes, and Cael made the mistake of glancing down at the baby blue album on the coffee table. Ash followed his gaze, and Cael made a dive for it, snatching up the album before Ash could get his hands on it. Cael dashed behind the couch where his dad and Sloane were sitting. Thanks for not helping, Dex. Dex took a seat on Sloane’s lap, pointing out pictures of himself and his dimples. Ash stood across the coffee table, clearly plotting his next course of action.
“What’s in the album?” Ash asked, getting that predatory look in his amber eyes.
Cael held it close to his chest. “Coupon clippings!”
“I don’t think so.”
“They’re his baby pictures,” Dex offered cheerfully.
Cael gasped. “Traitor!”
His brother gave a lazy shrug as he turned another page in the photo album. “You told Sloane about me and the vacuum cleaner hose, so now we’re even.”
“We are so not even,” Cael scoffed. “I told him that because you called me Chirpy in front of him!”
Their dad let out a bark of laughter. “Oh shit.” He looked at Sloane. “Cael told you about the vacuum cleaner?”