Page 41 of Do It Yourself
“Perfect timing, Mabel girl. Come on, time to eat everyone.” Mama’s invitation distracts me enough to stop a mini spiral.
Focus on family.
I drop Henry onto his feet. “Race you.” I announce, faking him out like I’m about to sprint towards the table and Henry’s eyes widen before he scurries to the table, barely slowing down to stop himself from crashing into Elle and Patrick who are trying to sit down.
“Woah little man, where’s the fire?” Elle drops to her haunches, and wraps her arms around our nephew. Henry is one of the only other people, outside of Patrick, who can make Elle smile whenever he’s around. She’s definitely gotten better but she’ll always be our grumpy sister.
“No fire, Aunt Eee. Break’ast.” Henry’s so serious as he wiggles out of Elle’s arms and climbs up to a chair. His cute little head barely crests the table. I look around the room, looking for something to help boost him up in his chair.
“Come here buddy.” Anika’s soft voice pulls my gaze to her. I watch her walk over to her son with a booster type seat that allows Henry to reach his plate. Once Henry’s situated, I let my gaze follow around the rest of the table. I can’t stop my eyes from finding Jude but I do stop myself from smiling at him just in time. Paul throws his arm around my shoulders and starts walking me to the breakfast spread.
“Come on, big sister. According to Mama we’re going to need to carb-o-load for all her plans.” I walk with my brother and do my best to keep myself from peaking over at Jude every second. Having Paul next to me is a strong reminder of why I can’t let him in more than I already have. At least until I can get more information on why Paul feels the way he feels.
“I can’t wait.” Lola says as she joins us at the island.
I don’t even pay attention to what I’m putting on my plate, I just need to get something on it so I can go sit down. Shufflingover, I internally curse. Sitting arrangements are going to be awkward as hell.
It’s astounding to me that Anika actually joined the family but just because she’s here doesn’t mean she’s going to want to sit anywhere near Paul. I shouldn’t want to be near Jude, and Paul would probably set a fire if Jude tried to sit next to Anika. Patrick and Elle are, very understandably, going to want to sit next to each other. Mama and Lola have no bad blood with anyone in our small group but it’s no secret that Mama wants nothing more than to attempt to fix whatever is broken between Anika and Paul and because she’s the ultimate shit-stirer. I can predict that she’s going to be trying something to get them together sooner or later.
Patrick and Elle sit at the end of the table, across from Henry who’s giggling uncontrollably at the silly face Patrick is making.
Anika’s sitting next to Henry, the rest of the side empty for now. I decide to sit next to Elle.
Close enough to Jude to settle my nerves but not too close to attract any kind of suspicion. I take the long way so I can run a finger against his back before I take my seat. Mama and Paul join the table, Mama next to Anika and Paul between her and Lola. Paul sets a plate in front of Henry and he dives right into his breakfast.
“Go on, I’ll keep an eye on him.” Mama says softly to Anika. She offers her a barely perceptible nod before pushing back from the table. Elle, Patrick, and Jude make the moves to dish up as well. “Judey, scoot over when you sit back down. You don’t need to be so far away from the family.” Mama calls over her shoulder.
I don’t know if I want to kiss her or kick her shin under the table. Instead I just look at her, widening my gaze and letting out a little huff, putting on an act of annoyance.
Chapter Thirty-Two
JUDE
Thankyou, Mama D.
I’m not surprised that Mabel doesn’t want to bring attention to what happened between us and I’m fine with it. I sat as far away as possible to give her the room I would any other time we ate together. I don’t have to put on as much of a show, I’ve never hidden my interest in Mabel.
When my little siren ran her finger over my arm, I was barely able to stop my shiver that runs down my spine. Or the twitch in my pants. I’m grateful for the glare Paul shoots me as I round the table. It’s like a bucket of cold water and any arousal is momentarily gone. I’m quick to load up my plate so I can get back to my new seat next to Mabel.
Friendly chatter fills the room as everyone discusses plans for the day but I don’t do much to contribute after sitting down and tucking in. Mabel’s chatting away with her sisters about wedding plans and I can’t stop stealing glances.
The legitimate joy on the trio of sisters’ faces as they discuss Elle and Patrick’s upcoming nuptials is fun to watch. I’m listening intently and almost jump out of my seat as something warm presses against my calf. A quick glance reveals it’s Mabel’s leg pressing against mine.
To hide my small smile, I grab my cup of juice and take a deep drink and press my leg against Mabel’s. Just a small pressure to let her know I’m here and I’m picking up what she’s putting down.
Or I hope I am.
I’m taking it as reassurance that even though she’s back to acting how she used to, she’s still here with me. My focus is split between finishing my meal and relishing in the feel of Mabel’s body pressed against mine.
“No way! Twin telepathy is a thing, you’re handing them the win if you put them on a team together!” Patrick sounds like someone threatened his woman’s honor or something. His indignation and drive to get a fair divide is almost comical.
We’ve been trying to pick teams for some type of game day that Mama D planned without telling any of us. I’m not sure why she didn’t plan teams like she planned everything else. That would have been helpful.
“Fine, fine. Girls against boys?” Lola offers, ever the peace maker, but I know Paul’s not going to agree to being on a team with me.
“You don’t want to be on a team with me?” Elle crosses her arms and scowls at her fiance, like he’s the one who suggested it.
“Of course I do! How about Mabel, Paul and Anika on one team. Me, my sweetheart, Lola and Jude the Dude on the other?” Mama D already announced Henry would be her partner in keeping track of the score and announcing rules. Henry was more than excited to be in charge.
