“It’s not harassment, it’s called persistence. Now, I assume this little guy didn’t drive himself here?”
“Darby’s in my office signing papers.”
At her name, Jackson’s eyes light up and he grabs two bottles of water, heading to my office.
Devin’s little fists grip my hand as he continues chomping. “Buddy, next time you want to spit your food on a two-hundred-dollar shirt, aim at Jackson.” I let him hold the banana to grab a few napkins. As soon as I release it, he gets excited, shoves the whole thing in his face, and screeches in delight.
My phone rings and I grab it, knowing it’s time for Poppy’s call. “Hey.”
“Hey, are you busy?”
Devin answers for me with another squeal. “If you consider watching this heathen demolish his snack busy, then yes.”
My phone rings again, this time with her facetime request. “Let me see.”
I flip the screen, and like a professional, Devin takes a break long enough to flash his grin.
“What is that?”
“It was a banana.”
“He’s adorable with goo everywhere. It looks like he tried to share with you.”
I wipe my shirt and attempt to clean him up, but he struggles. “This looks like a job for Darby when he’s finished.”
“She’s going to strangle you.”
“Won’t be the first time. How was your class?”
“Dante killed me today.”
“I guessed the ballerina would have taken him down.”
“Yes, but he signed us up for something more modern and funk. My legs are dying.”
“She’s whining because she showed out,” Dante shouts in the background.
His voice gets Devin’s attention and he lunges for the phone. When he sees her face close-up, he cackles. She laughs along, which encourages him further. Mushy banana goes everywhere.
I pull the phone away, “Buddy, she gets me excited, too, but I don’t make a mess.”
“Go handle him, we’re headed to training.”
“Call me tonight when you get home.”
“The countdown is on. Less than a week.”
“Thank God. Pips is driving everyone crazy,” Dante teases.
“The countdown is on,” I agree.
“Tell Darby hi.”
“Bye, baby.”
“Let’s do our best to clean you up so your mom doesn’t strangle me.” I move to the sink, wash him off, and head back to my office.
Darby and Jackson are mid-conversation when we walk in and her eyes sweep over Devin.
“I didn’t give him a chocolate muffin.”
“Next time, I’ll send you with provisions.”
“Did you have questions on the forms?”
She shakes her head, handing over the file. “Exactly as you explained.”
“Oh look, everyone’s here!” Ashlyn chirps, strutting in with a bright smile. She’s decked out in her designer clothes, including shoes that cost more than my first car.
“I arrived early to see your new office,” she explains, coming straight to me and laying a loud kiss on Devin’s cheek. “Hey, sweet boy.”
He holds firm on my collar but reaches for her red hair. “No, Aunt Ashlyn has a big meeting and can’t have baby mess hair.”
Jackson stands. “Ashlyn, good to see you. Thanks for coming in.”
“I’m excited to be here.”
She glances around the office approvingly. “This looks great.”
“Thanks.” I wink at Darby.
“I’m glad to catch you.” The sing-song, sugary sweet tone of Ashlyn’s voice fires a warning in my brain.
I manage Ashlyn’s financial portfolio and we speak at least once a month, not to mention we see each other weekly. Her ‘catching-me’ isn’t ever a problem.
“What’s up?”
“When do you and Poppy fly in from Vegas?”
“Late Wednesday,” I tell her something she already knows.
“Great, how about y’all ride to Kiawah with Miller and me on Thursday?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“I want my vehicle.”
“We’ll ride with you then. It’s silly for all of us to have cars.”
“Ride with Jill and Warren.”
“They don’t have to be there until Friday.”
“Neither do we.”
“Yes, you do. You need to be there Thursday night for the bonfire.”
Darby nods her agreement. “It’s a small gathering at the beach house.”
“How many fucking parties are included in this weekend?”
“Does it matter?” Darby throws back. “It’s a wedding, we’re celebrating.”
“I didn’t reserve a room for Thursday.”
“Scottie has it handled.”
“No,” I repeat.
“Come on, Evin, we want to see Poppy. You can’t keep her all to yourself,” Ashlyn pushes.
“You’ll be with her all weekend.”
“It’ll be crazy, and Thursday will provide a more intimate atmosphere.”
I narrow my eyes at my sister, feeling more to this story. “What’s going on?”
She side-eyes Ashlyn, then throws her hands up. “Fine. We want to see her, but more importantly, we want to make her comfortable.”
“She has me. I’ll make sure she’s comfortable.”
“You’re being a caveman.”
At this, Jackson laughs and my head swings to him. He’s rocking back on his feet with his arms crossed and face full of amusement.
“You enjoying this?”
“Yeah, two beautiful ladies piling up on you is entertaining.”
My phone alerts an incoming message and Darby’s eyes drop to my pocket. “That’s her.”
It’s not a text from Poppy; instead, there’s a video from Dante with a message—‘Pips lit it up!’
“Ooh, Let’s watch it,” Ashlyn suggests, spying over my shoulder.