Page 119 of Thorn Kiss
It had to be.
I mean, back then, I hadn’t been acompletefucking idiot. We’d had one dinner before Avery, Mateo, and Levi had told us about their relationship where it’d been so painfully obvious I was still surprised Austin didn’t catch on.
Now that Evie and Avery kept smirking at me like two evil Cheshire cats—I,maybe, sort of understood now why she’d kept it a secret for so long.
I typed out my text to Madi, ignoring both of them. They could scrutinize all they wanted.
Me
Do you want to come over to June’s shop and help pack orders? We’re all pitching in to help out. I think everyone will be here.
She’s being stubborn.
Madi
Sure! Should I bring anything?
Patience? Beer? Coffee?
Me
Nope, just you is perfect :)
Madi
I’ll be over in a few, just need to find an umbrella
June left my side and disappeared into the flower cooler. I rubbed my jaw, torn between following her to ask questions and staying put.
“Oh,” Avery said in a tone full of trouble. “So. Mateo did mostly keep the bro-code.”
“Mostly,” I snorted. “Okay.”
“I’m just saying. In case you were worried.”
“The only thing I was worried about was making things weird,” I said dryly. “And right now, at this very second, they are. So I’d appreciate you not asking anything right now.”
“Hmm. Maybe. I did promise myself if you were ever in love, I’d give you just a bit of hell.”
“Avery,” I growled.
Evie held up her hands. “I’d like to request that if you’re a Whynot, you don’t bicker right now.”
“Make that request again when Austin gets here,” Avery said, narrowing her eyes on me.
I ignored the scrutiny of my sister and decided opening the pizza box and making Laura a plate was the best use of my time. June had yet to say another word as she hauled everything I’d need to make bouquets and arrangements out of the cooler.
“Here you go,” I said as I handed Laura her plate.
She grinned as she took it. “You’re always feeding me. I think you’ve made me more plates than my dad has.”
Ouch. “I doubt that. I’m glad you’re doing better, though.”
“Me too,” she sighed. “I’m glad Aunt June let me help.”
The back door burst open and I fought a laugh as a very soaked Levi filled the doorway. Mateo was right behind him, shoving him through.
“Well, look who decided to show up,” Avery said.
