Accidentally Family (Pecan Valley 1)

“Are you implying I’m not tech savvy?” Charity asked. “Because I’m not.”

Honor was laughing, too.

“Your lips are purple. Both of you.” Nick shook his head, nodding at their drinks. “Like, bright purple.”

Her aunt smiled widely, making sure they all saw just how purple her lips were.

Honor covered her mouth. “Really?” She dug around in her purse for a compact mirror. One look had her groaning. She rubbed her teeth with her fingers, bared her teeth, then frowned. “Awesome.” The color wasn’t budging.

“Really.” Nick nodded.

“It’s a good color, right?” Charity teased.

“You wear it well,” Honor agreed. How could her aunt make it look adorable when she looked like she was recovering from some seventeenth-century plague?

Nick shook his head. “I’m not sure anyone can wear that color well.”

Her mother nudged him and held out her hand for Honor’s list. “May I?”

Honor slid her phone across the table as a shout from the other side of the shopping center food court drew her attention. Gaming Central was crowded, kids of all ages pouring in and out of the arcade. Nick had spent most of the time they’d been shopping there—escaping the boring stuff, as he put it.

“Is the computer bag going to work?” Her mother smothered a yawn.

“It’s perfect, Mom.” Honor nodded. Considering her grandparents had bought her a way too expensive computer for her graduation present, she needed something to keep it safe. “I have everything I need. Thanks for today.” It had been Charity’s suggestion. She needed her college stuff, and everyone was on edge, so they’d hoped a day trip outside of Pecan Valley might be the distraction they all needed.

Her mom probably should have stayed home and napped, but knowing her mom, napping wouldn’t happen.

Nick was still a little tense and snappy, but he was trying—and she appreciated the effort.

“I’m getting some coffee.” Her mother stood. “Anybody want anything?”

“Ooh.” Charity peered around Nick. “They have those big molasses cookies, don’t they?”

Nick started laughing. “I’m a fan of sugar and all, but I’m thinking the cookie sandwich, bag of gummy fish, and your purple slushee have to meet some sort of quota.”

Charity’s eyes went round. “Oh my God, I did eat all of that, didn’t I?”

Nick leaned closer to their aunt. “And the double cheeseburger meal—”

Charity covered Nick’s mouth. “I’ve got it, Nick. No, thanks, Filly, I’m good.”

Honor laughed. It was true. Aunt Charity had been eating the entire time they’d shopped. For someone as tiny as she was, her appetite was impressive. Okay, for a three-hundred-pound rear tackle, her appetite was impressive.

“I feel like a bear on the verge of hibernation.” Charity shook her head.

Nick opened his mouth, but Honor kicked him under the table.

“Not a word from you.” Charity pointed at Nick. “Here, take my money and go play your games.” She shoved some ones his way.

“Paying for my silence?” Nick asked, standing. “I’m not going to argue. Let me know when you’re ready to leave.” He headed off, blond curls bouncing.

“I’m glad you made him come, Aunt Charity.” Honor watched her brother. “He needed a break from reality.”

“I’m not sure gaming on his couch at home versus gaming in an arcade is really all that different, but I’m glad he came, too.” Charity sighed, her gaze narrowing as she peered over Honor’s shoulder. “Um, isn’t that very tall man-boy with the dark hair talking to your mom your boyfriend?”

Honor froze.

“He’s got a whole crew of equally large, muscular friends with him.” Charity shook her head. “Is it a club or something?”