“Man, you are brutal,” Ford says as he stretches his arms behind him. I keep my eyes on my phone.
“Being the older sister, it’s my responsibility to make sure I keep my brother in line. You are aware of the older sibling responsibilities?”
“Far too familiar. But I think your relationship with your brother is better than what I have with my siblings.”
“You really think your relationship with your siblings is that bad?” I ask.
He looks out toward the ocean. “We used to be close. Really close. There are times I remember laughing so hard with them that we’d all be on the floor, clutching our stomachs. And we’d get away with mischief around the house, like taking Dad’s stash of gummy bears and trying to toss them in each other’s mouths. The one who missed the most had to replace the gummies we ate. Just . . . small things, you know? And now, well, it could be better. I know it could be way better, but I’m not sure what to do. We all seem to be stuck in our own lives. Beau and you make the time to hang out.”
“We also only have each other,” I answer as my phone dings.
Ford nods toward my phone. “What does he say?”
Opening the text, I read it out loud. “‘The history between me and Palmer is going to stay that way—between us. Sorry, sis. Not dishing any info on this topic.’” I glance up at Ford. “Damn it. It’s got to be good if they’re both not saying anything to us.”
“Think it would be wrong to get Palmer drunk again?”
I laugh. “I mean, I think that needs to be our last resort.”
Ford stands from the wall. “Want to jog back with me?”
“Jog back . . . or race back?”
His eyes sparkle. “You know you can’t handle this speed.”
“I think you might be surprised. Last one to the bed-and-breakfast has to buy dinner.”
“You know I’m buying dinner on the business, right?”
“Yeah, because you’re going to lose.”
And then I take off, pushing up the hill, letting my legs propel me forward. When I glance over my shoulder to see where Ford is, I catch him closely behind, his eyes attached to my ass in my short spandex shorts. I quickly look forward, a blush staining my cheeks.
TO: Ford Chance, Cooper Chance
FROM: Palmer Chance
SUBJECT: The Party
What has been done for the party? Obviously the cake and invitations have been fixed, but what other things can we check off the list? We have less than a month and we really need to make this party amazing. Mom was telling me how excited she is about it . . . and grateful. It needs to be good.
TO: Ford Chance, Palmer Chance
FROM: Cooper Chance
SUBJECT: Everything is taken care of
TO: Ford Chance, Cooper Chance
FROM: Palmer Chance
SUBJECT: Re: Everything is taken care of
Cooper!! Stop doing that. Seriously, you’re just being a pain in the ass.
And when you say everything is taken care of, what exactly is everything? Because I had to go change the cake. Your choice of butterscotch and fudge? Might as well hire a clown and balloon artist for entertainment.
Also . . . what did you book for entertainment? In your invitation, you said there would be “fun.” So, what’s your version of fun?
TO: Ford Chance, Palmer Chance
FROM: Cooper Chance
SUBJECT: Re: Everything is taken care of
Funny you mentioned it, I did hire a balloon artist.
And don’t worry, your buckets of wine will be there. I have a crane dropping in a bathtub of fermented grapes just for you.
Oh and P.S. I went back to Cake It Bakery and changed the cake again.
TO: Ford Chance, Cooper Chance
FROM: Palmer Chance
SUBJECT: Re: Everything is taken care of
I don’t see how you find this so funny. Don’t you care about Mom and Dad at all?
We need to make this spectacular. We need to blow their socks off. We need to show them how much we love them.
TO: Ford Chance, Palmer Chance
FROM: Cooper Chance
SUBJECT: Re: Everything is taken care of
I think you’re failing to realize something, Palmer. I show them how much I love them every goddamn day by showing up at their house for dinner because they want to see one of their kids. I take care of them and the house. I help them with their projects even if they seem simple and mundane. I show them I love them through being present, not through some party. Check yourself before you start shooting off what needs to be done.
TO: Cooper Chance, Palmer Chance
FROM: Ford Chance
SUBJECT: Re: Everything is taken care of