Page 13 of The Fated Mate Bandit

Uncle Dagger has an ancient camper that he loans to family members whenever they can muster up enough cash for a road trip. Every summer of our childhood we took that old, rusted thing to a national park or state campground far away from the unrelenting heat of Southern Texas. It’s the reason the scent of mothballs and mildew make me feel nostalgic.

Cufflink: Why do you have the camper? Are you going somewhere?

Coin: On tour.

Sequin: On tour, as in a music tour?

Coin: Yes.

Sequin: With what band?

Cufflink: What about your job?

Coin: I have PTO saved up.

Sequin: WITH WHAT BAND?

Group chats are not the best method for wringing information out of Coin. Not that it stops Quin from trying.

Tinsel: I just talked to my boss, and I can make it. I’ll need a place to stay for the night.

Cufflink: We can have a sleepover in the camper!

Coin: We’re 23 years old. We don’t call them sleepovers anymore.

Cufflink: Speak for yourself.

Sequin: I’m coming too or Coin is never going to tell me who he’s going on tour with. Will you pick me up on the way, Tin?

Tinsel: Sure thing, Quin.

Cufflink: If Quin is coming, then that means he can bring cinnamon rolls. And cookies. And maybe Chime…

They argue about whether Chime should be there for whatever sensitive conversation Coin has in mind and how much food Quin should be expected to bring. I can’t help but feel excited, like I do every time my brothers can manage to gather together. It’s a rare thing these days.

The only problem is that my brothers are going to show up at my house in less than seven hours, and once Quin sleuths out who Coin is going on tour with, he’ll want to know about my houseguest.

Cufflink: Guess what I found dumpster diving last night?

Sequin: What?

Link sends us a photo of large stuffie in the shape of a turkey. It’s realistic enough that it might be taxidermy, but I’m not sure. It's an unsettling thing to be uncertain about.

Coin: Tell me that didn’t used to be alive.

Cufflink: It smells a little like formaldehyde, so I think it was at some point. Cool, huh?

I shake my head and laugh.

Silver: Some things should stay in the dumpster, man.

Sequin: Don’t bring it tonight, okay? It might give Chime nightmares.

Coin: It might give me nightmares.

Cufflink: Does this mean you’re bringing Chime?

Lucas emerges from the bathroom. His hair is wet, and he’s wearing the faded Air Force T-shirt I loaned him, along with a pair of sweatpants that swallow his small frame.

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