This Could Be Us (Skyland, #2)(125)

“Get your little musty self up to that shower.” I wrinkle my nose, laughing.

I set the chicken on the dining room table and tell Lupe to go upstairs and change since she’s wearing booty shorts and some tiny top that should have been retired or passed on to a younger sibling years ago. I take the next twenty minutes making sure the table is ready.

“Everything looks good,” Inez says from the arched entrance to the dining room.

I turn to consider her, schooling my face into a neutral expression. Lupe and Lottie have taken the situation with Judah in stride, but Inez and I have, seemingly by silent mutual agreement, not discussed it much at all.

“Thanks.” I set rolls on the table and cover them with a tea towel. “I made your fave fried chicken.”

“The one you cook in the oven?” she asks, taking a tentative step into the room.

“Yup.” I walk back into the kitchen and grab the mac and cheese. “This is one of the few things Adam and Aaron actually like. They’re kinda picky eaters.”

“He’s been okay?” she asks. “Adam, I mean? He’s on north campus, so I don’t see him much, but I heard he’s back at school and seems to be better.”

“Yeah. He’s doing great.” I smile and nod to the refrigerator. “Could you grab that pitcher of lemonade for me?”

“Sure.” She walks to the fridge, grabs the pitcher, but doesn’t move. “I just wanted to say…”

I brace for whatever criticism she has to level at me. Let’s get this over with before Judah and his family arrive. We stare at each other, my own dark eyes blinking back at me from a face so much like mine, so much like my mother’s, that my heart softens.

“What is it, baby?” I ask, setting the mac and cheese on the counter while I wait.

“I’m sorry I was such a jerk.”

The wording makes me smile. “Is your sister making you apologize, by any chance?”

Her mouth loosens into a grin. “Lupe did threaten me with bodily harm if I screw things up for you tonight, yeah, but I was gonna apologize anyway. I just… I still miss Dad.”

My smile disintegrates at the mention of Edward, but I stand in place to hear her out.

“I know what he did was wrong,” she continues. “And I know Mr. Cross was just doing his job. I wish things were still the way they used to be, though.”

I don’t respond because I wouldn’t choose the ease of that life with the lie Edward perpetrated to maintain it. I wouldn’t want the empty facade he and I shared over the authentic love and respect and passion Judah and I have. I would not go back. I only want to move forward, and I won’t pretend otherwise, even for my daughter I love so much.

“But I know things won’t ever be the same,” Inez says after a few seconds of silence. “I guess I just wanted you to know I’ll be nice to Mr. Cross and his family.”

I stretch my arms out and she rushes into them, burrowing into my neck. “Thank you, honey,” I tell her, kissing her hair. “I love you, okay?”

“Love you too, Mom.”

The doorbell startles me, and I jump, pressing my hand over my heart.

“Oh, my God!” Inez points to me and laughs. “You are so nervous.”

“Shut it.” I laugh, too, and swat at her shoulder. “Take that macaroni and cheese to the table and make sure everything’s ready.”

She walks back to the dining room, and I draw one last calming breath before I walk to the foyer and pull open the door. Judah, Aaron, Adam, Tremaine, and the man I presume is her husband, Kent, all stand on the porch.

“Hi!” I say, stretching my smile and hoping it still looks natural. “Please come in.”

I step aside, and they file in one by one.

“So nice to see you again,” I tell Tremaine, whose smooth skin and neatly coiffed two-strand twists render her in long lines of elegance. I’m in awe of Tremaine, all she’s done and sacrificed for her boys. The badass lawyer, soon-to-be partner, and obviously such a great friend to Judah.

“Good to see you too,” Tremaine replies, gesturing to the man who stands a few inches shorter than she does. “This is my husband, Kent.”

“So nice to meet you.” I extend my hand for a quick shake. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Same,” Kent says. “Thank you for having us. I’ve seen what you can do in the kitchen online. Very much looking forward to tasting for myself.”

“Oh, don’t get your hopes up,” I tell him. “It’s nothing fancy.”

“Don’t believe her,” Judah says. “Even her grilled cheese is fancy and delicious.”

I roll my eyes but smile my gratitude. “Hi, Aaron. Hi, Adam.”

“Hi,” Adam says, giving a small smile.

Aaron smiles a little, making brief eye contact, and it feels like a reward to me, like it always does. Both boys carry backpacks, which I know hold their cubes, fidget toys, headphones, and anything else they might need if things get overwhelming.

“Well, everything’s ready in here.” I lead them to the dining room and ask them to take a seat. “I’m gonna grab the girls. Be right back.”

I leave the dining room and am at the base of the stairs ready to call my daughters down when I’m grabbed from behind and kissed on the cheek.