Page 91 of Rise Above

“It’s just not a word to use lightly.” My heart was

still racing as I tried to respond to my brothers. “DJ, she’s from Katy. So, she’s actually here to have Thanksgiving with her own family.”

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Mom’s eyes met mine, looking up from her baking

for the first time since I walked in. “Invite her over Saturday.” It was a command.

“Mom, this is her first time home in a number of

years. Don’t you think she wants to spend it with her family? It wouldn’t be fair for me to ask her to come over and spend time with a bunch of strangers.” I left out the part that I desperately wanted her here. Aife calmed me down, and my family only excited me.

Mom narrowed her eyes at me, calculating my

words carefully. She had an uncanny ability to read her boys. We all hated it when she directed her gaze at us. Mom wanted to be in every aspect of our lives. I didn’t think it was a bad thing, but it could be a very frustrating thing.

“Just ask, Talon James.” Mom pointed her spatula

at me. “It never hurts. In fact, why don’t you call her right now and see if she is available?” A small smirk made its way onto her face.

“Yeah, go on.” AJ encouraged our mother. He was

always one to rile any of the family up.

Sighing, I pulled out my phone and hit Aife’s

number. The phone rang four times before she picked up. Nerves hit me, forcing my jaw to clench.

“What’s up, Talon?” Her voice sounded tight,

strained. I wanted to ask but not with my family around.

“Hey, I have a question for you.” I rubbed a hand

over the back of my neck. “You doing anything Saturday?”

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It was better to just ask the question than to play a

game. My family had all eyes focused on me.

“Packing to fly back to Chicago early Sunday.

Why?”

“My family wants to meet you if you have time.”

For some reason, my cheeks had flushed pink. This was embarrassing.

“Tell me where and a time,” she said sweetly. “I’ll

be there.”