Page 85 of Beautiful Small Things

“Just enjoying my morning while Bea buzzes around,” he says, then laughs at his joke. Even Bea rolls her eyes at him.

I wish all of the women who think he is “so attractive” could be subjected to his terrible “dad jokes” for just one day. I would be forced to hear far fewer comments about how “hot” my dad is.

“You just seem oddly happy this morning,” I tell him, my eyes narrowing suspiciously.

“Is it illegal to be in a good mood?” he asks.

“No, but there’s something creepy about it, and you know I don’t use that word often,” I reply, causing him to chuckle. “Have you talked to Jem?”

“Yes. We spoke last night,” he tells me. That creepy look is back on his face, but more intense and with a wider, more maniacal smile.

“She sent me an email. She told me about her time in New York.”

“She really hated it there,” he replies.

“She missed us.”

“Yes, she did,” he says, setting his phone on the counter. “Are you done with all of your questions for the letter of recommendation yet?”

“Almost,” I answer. “I still don’t know how you got her back, though.”

“I gave her time and space,” he replies.

“Really? Because that doesn’t sound at all like you,” I observe.

“No, it doesn’t. Actually, I bothered her daily, and I used my secret weapon.”

“What secret weapon?” I ask.

“Well, you,” he answers. “We wore her down. My charm and your cute baby rolls finally sealed the deal.”

“So glad to be of service,” I say with a salute.

“You brought us together, Kiddo. Twice,” he says with a wide smile.

I return the smile because, although we are not a conventional family, our version is perfect to me.

I decide to go over to Orion’s before our family gets together later tonight to celebrate. My cousin Calliope answers the door. Now that I have admitted to having a substantial crush on Orion, it’s a little strange.

“Hey, Iris,” she says, wrapping her arms around my waist.

“Hi, Callie. How’s it going?”

“Good. Are you here to see Orion?” she says, skipping in front of me into the house.

“Yes,” I reply, trying to tamp down my excitement.

“Orion is a jerk,” Callie says with a sneer. Their interaction always makes me laugh. Being an only child, I’ve never had to share my space with someone close to my age.

“Why? What did he do?” I ask.

“He purposely tries to annoy me,” she says with a huff. “He makes fun of my music and my friends, and today he told me Mom and Dad found me at the circus.”

I can’t help but giggle. It’s so absurd. “Callie, you know that’s not true. Why do you let it get to you?”

“I try not to,” she whines. “But he’s so good at being a jerk!”

“I understand, Sweetie,” I say. “Boys are good at that. But he’s your brother and he loves you.”