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“Describe the thing in one word.” Logan took my beer, opened it, and
handed it back with a suspicious look—as if he wanted to know if he
needed to call a lawyer.
“Yeah,” Colton said. “Quick before he takes off for a conference call.”
“Destruction.” I took a swig of beer. It was lovely. Cold and bubbly
with a souring blossom of hops. I looked at the label as if I could discern
why it was so wonderful from the name or ingredients. “Man, that’s good.”
Both of them stared at me as if an exotic animal had just strolled out
onto the patio.
“What’s going on here?” I asked. “You guys talking about something?”
“Ma’s doing Ma,” Colton said with a shrug.
“Is she okay?” I asked, tensing for potential bad news.
“It’s not just us for the anniversary party,” Logan said. “It’s now
extended family and friends. It’s what she does. Plan small, then invite big.
Drives Dad nuts.”
The beer wasn’t going to be exactly the right temperature for long.
Perfection was temporary, so I tipped the bottle into my mouth, taking big
swigs to enjoy it before it was gone forever.
“You sure you’re all right?” Logan asked.
I took the bottle away from my mouth with a satisfied sigh. “I’m fine.”
“Yeah,” Colton said. “You got this, like, wild jump-outta-your-seat
kinda look.”
He was right. I felt like a cheetah running across the plains at a herd of
gazelles, wanting to eat every one of them.
“You do,” Logan said. “Nice bath would do you good.”
“You’re right.” I put down the bottle and stood. “I’m going to do that.”
Logan grabbed the bottle by the neck and handed it up to me.
“Take it,” he said. “Our tub has room for it on the ledge.”
Our tub?
He could only mean his tub. In his room.
I took the bottle. “Good call.”
Logan grabbed my arm. When I looked at him, he nudged up his chin
and pulled me down to him. I kissed him, intending a little peck for his
brother’s benefit, but I lingered, unable to pull away. His lips were cold
from the bottle, sweet with drink, indulgently soft.
“See you guys later,” I said when we parted.
Logan looked at his watch and sighed. “Twenty-three minutes.”