Page 103 of Unleashed

Ruth

What if you make something new?

And the crack bars so Mariah doesn’t have a meltdown.

Maren

Fine.

Mariah

Yay! I’ll see everyone tomorrow at Maren’s house!

Maren

It’s not my house.

Ruth

Sure.

Brooke

We believe you.

Mariah

Lol.

32

Maren

“Ilove your place.” Lindsey’s eyes bounce around the entryway as she makes her way inside. “It’s so pretty.”

I want to tell her it’s not my house, but I also very much want her to know I licked Trevor—a few minutes ago actually—and he’s mine, so I just say, “Thanks.” I look down at the covered dish in her hands. “You didn’t have to bring anything.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t feel right showing up empty-handed.” She passes over the foil wrapped pan. “It’s nothing fancy. Just some angel bars.”

“Angel bars?” I peek under the foil, peering in at the fluffy, slightly crusty, pale squares. A citrusy scent wafts out of the opening, making my mouth water. “Those look really freaking good.”

Good enough I might not have to make the sweet and salty bars for every event anymore.

“They were my dad’s favorites.” For the first time ever, Lindsey’s smile dims. “He could eat a whole pan all by himself.”

I can’t imagine what it’s like to have fond memories of a parent. Don’t have the first clue how to converse with someone who does. So I change the subject. “Come in and sit down. I’m sure everyone else will be here soon.”

Lindsey follows me down the hall and into the kitchen, where I set her bars beside mine. Her eyes widen when she sees the other pan. “Oh no. Should I have made something else? I didn’t even think⁠—”

“Bringing dessert was probably the best choice.” I attempt what might be a reassuring smile. “These girls love sweets.” I go to the fridge to pull out the corn salad I made. “And what they don’t eat, the guys will.”

Lindsey traces a vein in the marble counter with the tip of one finger. “The guys?”

Sometimes I forget not everyone is as nosy as I am and makes it their personal mission to know all the things about all the people. “The owners of the company are all brothers.” I tip my head as I amend, “Plus their cousin, Walker. But he’s pretty much a brother.”

“Oh. That’s interesting.” Her eyes move around the kitchen. “And they all live here?”

“Yup.” I pull plates from the cabinet and turn to stack them on the island. “Well, not here, here. It’s just me and Trevor who live here, plus my sister.”