Page 74 of Ruin

“Glad to hear it.”

Zeus comes over with Gigi still in his arms.

“Mommy, can we eat now?”

“Sure, Gigi girl.” I smile at her. “Why don’t you take our guests into the living room, and I’ll bring the food through?”

“I’ll give you a hand,” Zeus says.

“And I’ll grab the drinks,” Aunt Elle announces.

“Thanks again for inviting us,” Missy says to me as we all reach the door.

They’re leaving, as Ares has to be up early for practice. It’s well past Gigi’s bedtime, and she’s starting to tire.

“You’re welcome anytime,” I tell her.

“You’re gonna regret saying that.” She chuckles, and I laugh, opening the door for them.

But I can’t imagine ever regretting it. Today has been really great. I was totally worried for no reason.

We all got along great. It was like old times. At one point, we were even all out back, playing a game of football, as Gigi wanted Ares to show her how to play. Even Aunt Elle joined in.

It was fun.

But, now, Gigi’s saying she wants to play football.

Not sure how that will go over with Miss Hannah, her ballet teacher, but if my girl wants to learn to play football, then she can.

But, mainly, they doted on Gigi. And she loved the attention.

I have a feeling that my girl has each and every one of the Kincaids wrapped around her little finger.

Lo and Ares say their byes to Gigi, and I receive a kiss on the cheek from each of them before they step outside with Zeus.

Aunt Elle’s not here. She said her good-byes earlier. She had gotten a call about an hour ago and had to head into the station.

Missy drops to one knee in front of Gigi. “So, I’ll see you real soon, Gigi. And your mom has my number now, so we can FaceTime whenever you want.”

“I’ll set it up on her iPad, so she can call you,” I tell Missy. “But you do realize that you’ll probably get calls at six in the morning.”

“No problem at all. I’m usually up early.”

“You mean, up late and coming home at six,” Lo grunts from outside the door.

She rolls her eyes and says, “I have no idea what you mean, little brother.”

Missy is older by five minutes, and she doesn’t let Lo forget it.

She focuses her attention back on Gigi. “Can I have a hug from my gorgeous niece before I go?”

I love how she always asks Gigi for her permission before hugging her. I hate it when relatives force kids to hug and kiss them.

“Of cwourse you can, Aunt Missy!” Gigi giggles and launches herself at Missy, nearly knocking her over.

“Steady, Gigi,” I say.

“She’s fine.” Missy chuckles. “Best tackle hug I’ve ever received. We’ll make a football player out of you yet.”