Page 112 of On Her Team
Penelope groans. “Is it possible for you to speak with a normal voice?”
“This is my voice,” Mila declares.
“At a normal volume.”
“Stop being a fuddy duddy.”
“What’s a fuddy duddy?”
“You are, fuddy duddy.”
Mom sighs. “Girls! No fighting. It’s Mila’s birthday.”
Mila sticks her tongue out at Penelope, who returns her attention to her book. Mila doesn’t enjoy being ignored. She snatches the book from Penelope and rushes out of the room.
Penelope stands but Otis waves for her to sit down. “I’ll go. The two of you will end up arguing with each other.”
“Do you need help with dinner?” Gage asks Mom.
“You and Addy can set the table. There’s beer in the fridge if you want one.”
Gage grasps my hand and leads me to the kitchen. He tugs me into his arms and kisses me. I lean into him but he pulls away. I pout.
“Why are you stopping?”
“Because your family is in the next room.”
I wrinkle my nose. “Boring but true.”
Mom peeks into the kitchen. “Is it safe to come in?”
“Mom.”
She blinks. “What? I was young once, too.”
“You still are, Nora.” Gage winks at her and she giggles. “If I weren’t obsessed with your daughter, I’d ask you out.”
She swats him with a towel. “You’re a charmer.”
We set the table while Mom puts the finishing touches on dinner. She removes the mac and cheese from the oven and the scent of melted cheesy goodness floats in the air. Gage’s stomach growls.
Mom frowns. “I hope I made enough.”
I snort. “You made me get the extra-large holiday dishes out. I think we’re good.”
“Let me carry that for you.” Gage takes the pan from Mom and carries it to the table.
He barely has a chance to set it down before my siblings besiege us. He chuckles. “I’m not the only one who’s hungry.”
Otis rubs his belly. “I’m starving.”
“I want mac and cheese!” Mila shouts.
“I want my book back.” Penelope scowls at Otis.
He shrugs. “You can’t spend the day reading when it’s Mila’s birthday.”
My eyes widen in surprise. Usually, he doesn’t interfere in the squabbles between Mila and Penelope. Except lately, he’s been stepping up. Offering to babysit, making dinner, and mediating arguments between the two. Huh. My little brother is becoming a man.
