Page 54 of Refurbished

“Hello, beautiful people.” Everyone greeted her enthusiastically. The woman ran a multi-billion-dollar corporation, yet was the best mom ever. There was nothing she wasn’t willing to support me in while still being a mama bear. I remember when the first boy I kissed called me a slur. The following day, my mom made the kids’ dad cry.

“This was amazing,” West said as he leaned over and kissed her cheek.

“Thank you. Enough of that, though. Why don’t I see you at the house more often? You all need to come over, and I will make a lasagna.”

Tyler giggled. “Count me in. I love everything you cook.”

I realized that since I started dating Eion, I hadn’t spent time with my friends, and tonight reminded me of that. I thought about when West first started to see Tyler. We didn’t see much of him for a few months, but he did come back to us. Eion was clearly comfortable with them, and I hoped that would lead to us doing more group activities. Plus, we now had Zachary, who could help with the animals, giving us the chance to go out without worrying about rushing back to the Sanctuary. “Mom, why don’t you pick a weekend in the next few weeks, and I will round up everyone?”

She grinned so big. “You’ll bring the little one, too?” Her question was directed at West.

“She wouldn’t forgive me if she found out I saw you without taking her. Nana Mella is one of her favorite people.” West said. His brother and niece were part of this little family we had created. Everyone excused themselves and headed home for the evening. I was glad we were staying at the hotel, which allowed us to drag our tired bodies upstairs as soon as we wrapped up.

“You two look exhausted.” She gave Eion a little side hug.

“I am. But it was amazing. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for this.”

She laughed a little. “It was fun. Next year will be better. I had to throw this one together.”

He looked at her, surprised, and I couldn’t help but smile at him since I had mentioned she would make this an annual thing. “I can’t wait,” Eion said, clearly tired. He knew he had been beaten by the best, and arguing with my mom would be useless. The best part was that she would continue these events whether we were together or not, because she did this for the Sanctuary and Eion, not for me.

“I know we planned brunch, but I don’t think I will be able to make it.” She glanced across the room where Tom waited for her. This was an image I really didn’t need in my head.

“Oh. Ok. Gah, Mom.”

She smiled at me. “By the way, I only have preliminary numbers from the checks that were pulled out of the box, but we are looking at more than enough money for your nursery, and all the other planned upgrades you want to make to the Sanctuary, plus a whole lot more money for things you didn’t propose.”

“Seriously?” Eion looked at her, shock all over his face.

“Yes. I’ll give you actual numbers later in the week. Anyhow, Tom is waiting for me. Call me Monday. I plan to be busy until then.” She kissed my cheek, and did the same to Eion. We watched her walk over to her date and take his arm.

“She’s going to eat him up and spit him out,” Eion said quietly.

“Yup.” I took his hand and headed toward the elevator. I am ready to get you in bed.

“Baby, I have exactly enough energy to get upstairs. No hanky panky tonight.”

“You, sir, have a dirty mind. I literally meant tucking you into bed.” Eion rested his head on my shoulder, and I petted him gently. Barnaby made a quiet woof, having worked hard all evening. We were a tired family; it did feel good not to have to rush home to the animals, but it felt weird, too. Centaur

In our room, Eion went to the bathroom, and I grabbed my phone.

ANGUS

Everything good there?

ZACHARY

We are all fine.

He sent a picture of himself and Walter. His laptop was playing Zootopia.

ANGUS

Are you watching movies with Walter?

ZACHARY

Yes?! Is that okay?