“No, Griffin. You’re going to stay here.”
“No, Mommy.” Griffin’s bottom lip trembled, and Kat stayed quiet to see what Briley or Leah would say. One look from Briley to Griffin and the tears stopped. Kat was shocked the first time she saw Briley’s mom face, but now loved the fact that Briley was a natural.
“Monkey,” Kat said. “When we get home, if you want to, you can come over and play with Stripes.”
Griffin scrunched up her nose and Kat knew what was coming. “Mittens?”
“Mittens can come too.” Mittens was Griffin’s kitten.
“Otay.”
When Griffin became upset, her words slipped a bit, but Kat was glad the crisis had been averted. She turned to Dylan. “What are you getting?”
“I always get a vanilla milkshake.”
“It’s a good choice.”
After the waitress took their order, Dylan spoke up. “Kat, if you don’t mind me asking, how did you get into the tiny house business?”
“I don’t mind. I was a CPA and still hold all my licensees and I do some freelance work on the side. You ever feel like something is missing? I felt like that for months before talking with Briley and decided to take a chance. I gave my notice to my firm, sold my condo, and moved here. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
“You said firm. Not a one-woman operation?” Dylan asked.
“No.” Kat rubbed the back of her neck.
“Kat’s modest,” Briley threw out. “She was set to make partner with the firm where she worked.”
Dylan lifted her brow. “Wow.”
“It’s wow now, but at the time I was scared to death. Briley is the one to take chances, but this is something I needed.” She smiled at the waitress when she gave everyone their orders and winked at Griff before diving in. After a few satisfying bites of ice cream, Kat picked up her phone, accessed the camera, and took several pictures of everyone.
“So good,” Briley said, then stuck her spoon into Kat’s ice cream and took a large bite.
Kat slapped Briley’s hand. “Hey, eat your own, or Leah’s.”
Briley gave a mock shudder. “Leah got lemon sherbet. Lemon, Kat. I love her, but her taste in cold treats sometimes are questionable. What about you, Dylan, do you have a sweet tooth?”
“I used to have a large one, but it’s tamed over the years.”
Briley furrowed her brow. “That sucks.”
Dylan laughed. “Not when you’re trying to lose a few pounds.”
“I think you look great,” Kat blurted out, then focused on her ice cream when she noticed Leah and Briley’s knowing smiles.
“Thank you,” Dylan said.
“I agree,” Leah said. “You look nice.”
Kat sat back while Briley and Dylan discussed their favorite recipes. She had a feeling this crush would be the death of her. At least that’s what it felt like. But it could be such a sweet death.
“Kat.” Kat turned to Leah. “Have you figured out what you’re going as for Halloween this year?” The smug look on her face only meant one thing, trouble. Shit, what did they have planned this year?
That got Dylan’s attention. “You dress up for Halloween?”
“Of course.” Briley high-fived Leah, then Kat, then dropped her hand when Griffin was too focused on her treat. “We all cosplay.”
Kat had to put the skepticism in Dylan’s voice to rest. “Yes. Last year, all three of us went to the toy convention. I was Indiana Jones, Briley, the Eleventh Doctor, and Leah, Captain Marvel.”
“For Halloween last year,” Leah said, “We all dressed up like the Incredibles.”
Kat turned to Dylan. “Leah has her and Evan’s costumes done. She’s working on Griffin’s now, then Briley’s. I’m not sure what I’m going as.”
“I haven’t dressed up since a child,” Dylan piped in.
Briley looked offended. “You should join us.
Dylan smiled. “We’ll see.”
When everyone except Kat and Dylan left to go to the arcade attached to the ice cream shop, Kat’s nerves stormed back in full force. It was easy to feel comfortable with Dylan a seat over, but now it was just the two of them. “So?”
Dylan took a sip of her water. “So?”
Dylan toyed with her glass of water as she got her thoughts in order. She turned from Kat’s penetrating gaze and locked onto the others, who were laughing in the arcade. With only her brief encounter with Kat and her family that morning, Dylan wasn’t sure what to expect. She knew they had money, but they weren’t snobby at all. They were all so down to earth it had instantly put her at ease. She had to admit she was pleasantly surprised. They were all likable and engaging. Especially Kat.
Dylan could see herself becoming friends with Briley and Leah, but that’s not at all how she saw herself with Kat and that scared her. More than she would ever admit. Watching Kat fidget next to her brought a smile to Dylan’s lips.
The dandelion that morning, while a nice spur of the moment touch, was different than the yellow rose. Intentional on Kat’s part, and one of the nicest things anyone had ever done for her, it filled her with warmth knowing Kat was learning about different flower meanings because of her.
“Thank you for being so good with Emma this morning.” That hadn’t always been the case with Emma meeting new people. Most saw Emma as a burden and always felt sorry for her and in turn for Dylan. It disgusted her what others thought about their life without even wanting or trying to understand.
Kat looked shocked by Dylan’s words. “You don’t have to thank me for that. She’s a great kid. Maybe we could all do something together sometime?”
Dylan cocked her head. “You seem to mean well, but Emma is my world and her well-being is the only thing that matters to me. So, I would like to hold off on you two spending any time together.”
“I would never—”
“Maybe not,” Dylan interrupted, “but I really don’t know you and,” she paused, “Emma gets attached to people quickly. She’s been disappointed in the past with people showing up and not sticking around.”
“I understand that. I’m not even going to insult you by guessing at how hectic your life is and I mean no disrespect when I say this. I can hardly keep up with Griffin or even Evan when we spend time together, so I can’t imagine how busy your life is.”
It was refreshing for someone to be so truthful with her. “It is busy and yes, her being disabled is a huge factor in that. It gets hard, but my mother has been my rock and if we didn’t live with her, I don’t know what we would do.”
“Family is so important. I missed Briley when we were apart, but moving here has changed my whole outlook, especially with her having kids now. I don’t want to miss a moment of it.”
“It was hard when Emma wasn’t in school, but now I don’t feel so bad when I’m at work, because I’m always there to pick her up.”
Kat leaned back in her chair. “Do you mind if I ask what happened?”
Dylan sighed, trying to find the words.
“If it’s too much.” Kat placed her hand over Dylan’s.
“No.” Dylan slipped her hand out from underneath Kat’s and didn’t miss the hurt in Kat’s eyes, but it disappeared in a flash. “I don’t mind telling you, but not here.”
“All right.”
“Really?”
Kat grinned. “It means we can spend more time together.”
“You have a way with words.”
“Trust me, I can be a mess at times, but I try and see the positive outlook on life. Try not to be negative or sad.”
“Doesn’t that get tiring?” It would wear her out.
“Not really. I think I’m naturally an optimistic go getter.”
“You go after what you want.”
“Most of the time, but usually not in my relationships. I always seem to hit a roadblock with women.”
“I find that hard to believe.”
“It’s true. The whole time I was helping Briley
overcome her fear and take a chance on Leah, I wished I could be like that. It’s not a problem meeting women, but finding that balance between a relationship, family, and my work can be a tough pill to swallow. From watching and talking with both Briley and Leah, I know what it takes to make a successful romantic relationship work and it’s a lot. Throw in kids and that’s twice the pressure not to screw anything up.”
“That’s the most refreshing and honest thing I think anyone has ever said to me. Thank you for your honesty. If I’m also being honest, I would love to be in a relationship; it gets lonely sometimes, but I don’t have the extra time to devote to the work it would take either. I know friendship takes work, but it’s something I’m willing to try with you. I genuinely like you and so does Emma. I don’t have a lot of free time, but you’re welcome to join us on some of our excursions after we get to know each other a little. I’m also not opposed to texting or talking at night.” She wasn’t sure where her bout of courage came from, but she wasn’t about to question it.
“That’s…” Kat ran her fingers through her hair, “great. I would really like that. I don’t have a lot of extra time either, but I can make time for you and Emma in the future. I have standing dates with Griffin and Briley once a week, and Evan and Leah once a month, but besides that, I’m yours.”
Dylan knew what she wanted to say but didn’t want to stray beyond friendship right now. “Sounds good.”
“So,” Kat said.
“We have plans to go to the zoo this coming Saturday, but I can meet you after for maybe an hour. I try to spend my days off with Emma.”
“I would like that. I can’t even count how many times I’ve been to the zoo with Griffin since I moved here. And I don’t want to take time away from you and Emma.”
“I can spare an hour. Meet me at Brew and Bake at two.”
“I’ll be there.” Kat smiled shyly. “It’s all right to text?”
“Yes. That’s all right.”
“Okay.” Kat stood and offered her hand to Dylan, who took it and enjoyed the feel of Kat’s hand in hers. “Let’s join the others.” She puffed up. “I don’t want to brag, but I’m good at arcade games.”
Dylan arched her brow. “If you didn’t want to brag, you wouldn’t have said anything. But I do believe I can give you a run for your money.”
“Maybe, maybe not. You have to watch us Anderson women. We do like winning. Briley more than me.”
“Is that right?”
Kat leaned near and Dylan’s heart thudded hard at the closeness. God, she smelled good. “I’ll let you in on a secret. I have, in the past, let Briley win because I know she’s a sore loser. Don’t tell her I said that, though, she’d flip, but she is my little sister.”
“Your secrets are safe with me.”
“I had a feeling they would be.”
Kat led her through the crowd and into the arcade. They quickly located the others, but Kat didn’t let go of her hand until Griffin noticed her and demanded to be picked up. Dylan felt it was going to be far easier than either one of them expected to find the time to spend together. Surprisingly that wasn’t as scary as she thought it would be.
Kat hummed as her feet pounded the pavement, Briley keeping up pace beside her. They were on their last mile, and she could tell Briley was starting to feel it. “You doing okay, Bri?” She ignored the glare Briley shot at her and grinned.
“I…yes.” She huffed. “I’m good. I don’t normally run this many miles.”
“It’s good for you. We’re almost there.” Ten minutes later, Kat stood over a sprawled-out Briley, who had flopped onto the ground with a growl the moment they reached Kat’s yard. She pushed her foot up against Briley’s side. “Don’t growl at me.”
“That sucked.”
“Don’t be such a baby. Keeping in shape is good for you.”
“I know.” Briley held her hand out and Kat grasped it and hauled her to her feet. “Next time I’ll do better.”
Kat patted her back. “That’s the spirit.”
Briley accepted the water Kat offered and downed half of it. “So, Dylan?”
“What about her?”
“You like her. Don’t lie. I can tell.”
“I do like her, but neither one of us has time for dating, but we’ve agreed to try and be friends.”
Briley frowned. “You’re okay with that?”
“I am. They’re going to the zoo today, but afterward, Dylan and I are going to have coffee.”
“Good for you.” Briley smirked.
Kat rolled her eyes. “Yes. I figured it’s time I made friends outside of your friends.”
“I think it’s great. Have fun today.”
“You too.” Kat fell back against the door when she shut it behind her. She’d never admit it to Briley, but that last mile had gotten to her. The only reason she added it on was to grate on Briley and it had almost backfired.
It was only seven, and she wasn’t supposed to meet Dylan until two. Plenty of time yet. After a leisurely shower, she fixed an egg white omelet, then settled down on the couch to watch some TV She smiled when she caught sight of Stripes crawling onto the couch, dressed in a red and white hoodie. Briley must have dressed him before they left for their run. He settled around her neck.
“I’m going somewhere today, Stripes, but I’ll play with you tonight, buddy. I’ve been busy, and I’ve made a few new friends. I think you’ll like Emma. I’ve only met her once, but she seemed great.” Earlier, he ‘d eaten his breakfast of lamb hearts before she’d went for a run, so he was content with a quick cuddle. Before she left for the coffee shop, she would give him some minced beef to hold him over until Briley swung by to feed him later. He was a good companion and she was glad she’d added him to her family. He was free to roam during the day, but at night he preferred to sleep in her office in his hammock. She’d tried having him sleep with her, but his constant nipping kept waking her up. She wasn’t high maintenance, but she did enjoy a full eight hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Just as she finished drying her plate, a text message arrived. Her smile dropped when she read it.
Dylan: Not going to the zoo today. Emma had a bad night.
Kat: I understand. If you need anything, let me know.
A few minutes later she received another text.
Dylan: I can still make it at two. Emma insisted.
Kat: Only if you’re sure?
Dylan: I am.
Kat: I can’t wait.
Dylan: Okay. See you at two.
Kat: I’ll be there.
Kat sighed and slid down to sit on the kitchen floor and smiled when Stripes raced toward her. She wasn’t sure what a bad night entailed for Emma, but it couldn’t be anything good. It was eight and if she stayed home, she’d be bored out of her mind. Today was a rare Saturday that she didn’t have to do anything for work. Scooping Stripes up, she got to her feet. “How about we visit Griffin today?” After what she was sure was a nod from Stripes, she slipped his harness on, then clipped the leash to it.
The walk across the street was quick and, not five minutes later, she pulled open the backdoor of Briley’s house, walked in, and unclipped Stripes so he could run around.
Leah turned from the sink. “Didn’t expect to see you this morning.”
Kat picked up a towel, helping her dry. “Zoo was cancelled. Emma had a bad night, but Dylan said we’re still on for two. So, I thought I would see what you losers were up to and spend the day here.”
Leah smirked. “Briley and Griffin aren’t here.”
“Oh.” She thought maybe Evan had taken the truck when she didn’t see it in the drive.
“They left a few minutes ago but will be back soon. Something about a surprise.”
“Briley and her surprises. Now she’s recruiting the kids to help.”
“Not all the kids,” Evan said, walking in. “She had this certain gleam in her eye, and I was sure I did not want to be a part of whatever she had in mind.”
“A gleam.” Leah sighed. “That’s not good.” She leaned back against the counter. “Did she say anything else?”
He held his hands up. “No. Well, she was bouncing around a bit and being giggly.”
Kat shared a look with Leah. That was a bad sign. “It’s too late to do anything about it now.”
“God help us,” Leah threw in.
“Evan, what are your plans for today?” Kat asked, while he bent down to pick up Stripes.
“Nothing really. Just spending the day at home. It’s one of those days, you know?”
She did know. All too well. The last year pressed hard on him, after his mom and step-mom were killed in a car accident. “So, how about I kick your ass at Mario Kart, then?”
“How is that supposed to make me feel better?”
“Family time.”
“I guess.”
“Get it ready. I’ll be down there in a minute.”
“All right.” He kissed Leah on the cheek then walked out.
Leah smiled sadly. “He’s been up for a while. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like I do enough.”
“Leah.” Kat pulled her into her arms and rested her chin on the top of Leah’s head. “You do so much. It’s cliché, but it does take time. He’s adjusted well, and he continues to do so. If he ever stopped being the Evan we know, then it would be time to worry, but now, he’s still grieving.”
Leah squeezed her waist then stepped back, wiping her eyes. “You Anderson women always know the right thing to say.”
“We try.”
“You do more than try. I am so glad you and Briley came into our lives.”
“Me too. I’m going to head down if you need us.”
“Try not to throw the controller this time.”
“I make no promises.”
Leah’s laugh followed her out of the kitchen. She headed to the basement apartment where Evan had moved after his moms’ accident to give him a sense of freedom. The scene that greeted her was the cutest thing she’d ever seen. Evan was seated on the couch, with Jackson, his Yorkie, curled up on his left side, Mittens sprawled across his lap, and Stripes curled around his neck, watching the T.V. screen. She lifted her phone and snapped a photo before settling beside him on the couch.
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