Page 72 of Unraveled

I grinned, unfolding the chairs to go around the latest table. “You’re acting surprised. You know how your mom is. She’s probably baked enough to feed twice as many people than will actually be here.”

“Probably. But I know Bridgette’s bringing a huge thing of baked beans, your mom brought over a massive bowl of fruit salad, and the twins’ aunt is bringing a few trays of homemade tamales. Between that, the corn on the cob your dad’s grilling, and my dad’s barbecue, there’s not much for my mom to stress about.”

“Seriously?” I looked up. “Aunt Rosa’s tamales are the best. I tried them at Gabe’s wedding. If I could’ve broughtsome back…” I rubbed my stomach, and Tucker raised an eyebrow. “Seriously, man. Her Mexican food is to die for. Just like your mom’s cakes. I love when she bakes.”

“She did go all out on that. One for youandNic.”

“Shit. Really? Her dutch chocolate with shredded vanilla bean and strawberry puree glaze?”

“It’s sad that you can spit that out like that.”

“Uh, you mean the best cake in existence? Hell, yeah, I know what it’s called. That’s gonna be my fucking groom’s cake when I marry Annie one day.”

“Yeah, that’s a ways off.” Annie’s voice carried through the back door. “Hey, babe.” She pressed a kiss to my lips and set a couple of containers of lighter fluid by the grill. “Charcoal’s in the back of the truck, Tucker.”

“I’m guessing that means I’m playing fetch?”

“Yep, that and it’s too heavy. Izzy almost busted her ass getting it. And guess who showed up to stick it in the basket for her.”

“Annie,” Izzy hissed, coming outside next, a bag loaded with streamers and decorations in hand.

Tucker and I immediately exchanged a look, and his expression darkened. “Don’t even say–”

“Yep.” Annie popped the p, a hand going to her hip as Izzy sighed, already looking defeated. “Fucking Zane again. I swear, it’s getting to the point that we can’t let Izzy go off on her own.”

“Oh, my God, I’m not a toddler. I swear, Tucker. It was fine. I warned him with the restraining order and ended up finding out he’ll beawayfor college next year. Like hours apart from us. So, did it suck to run into him? Yes. Am I glad I got the info? Yes. I’ll tell you every detail I know you want to know later. Now, you need to go get that bagof charcoal while Annie and I start to decorate. Shoo.” She pushed Tucker and I towards the house, and I headed in, laughing while Tucker just looked thrown.

“Oh, man. I love seeing Izzy back to normal.”

“Definitely. What sucks is now we’re worrying about Annie.”

My face dropped. She seemed fine when they came outside, but if this morning said anything, I knew she was far from it.

Grabbing the charcoal, we brought it out back for Chuck and my dad, and they got started on the grills while Tucker and I dragged out the last of the tables and chairs. Between us setting up, the twins decorating, and the moms playing hostess as our families started to arrive, the next hour flew by.

We’d just finished and gone inside for drinks and to wash up when the doorbell rang. Tucker headed around to the front hall to get the door. “Hey.”

“Hey,” Nic greeted back. “Uncle Stef texted just to head over here?”

“Oh, yeah. Thanos crew’s already out back. Come on in.” He opened the door wider, and when Nic stepped in, my uncle followed. “You must be Nic’s dad. I’m Tucker, Jet’s best friend.” He held out his hand, and my uncle shook it.

“Dimitris. Good to meet you. Jet!” he added with a wide smile when he saw me. “It’s good to see you again.” He grabbed my hand next and pulled me into a hearty hug.

“You, too.” I grinned. “How was the flight?”

“Good. Good. Now, who’s this?” He looked past Nic and I to where Annie was coming around the corner from the kitchen.

She paused, her eyes widening as she took my uncle in, and I smirked. He did look a scary amount like my dad. It was no wonder Nic and I looked so similar.

I reached out for Annie’s hand, bringing her up to my side. “Annie, this is Uncle Dimitris. Uncle Dimitris, this is my girlfriend, Annie.”

“Hi, it’s great to finally meet you.” Annie smiled and reached for his hand.

“Hi, Annie. It’s nice to meet you, too.” My uncle glanced back at Nic as they shook, but he looked away.

Annie slipped her fingers through mine when they were done. “Tucker, Izzy said she’s running home to change. She got something on her top, and your dad needs help with the grill.”

“On it.”

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