Page 124 of Crave

“Oh my god! She’s trying to kill me!” Luke says as he tries to get her off his back. “How the hell did you jump like that, you psychopath. Get off!” The more he tries to throw her off, the tighter she holds on.

Even though Zeus gives up and continues to cause mayhem in my parents’ yard, Vivian won’t let go of Luke.

“Jake, do something!” my mother yells.

I hand Sandy my drink, ready to take action, but all I can do as I look at the scene in front of me is laugh. It starts as a chuckle but soon develops into a full on belly laugh. The kind where you have to hold onto something for support before you fall over. I laugh so hard, tears roll down my cheeks.

My parents, realizing I won’t be any help, take action. Dad runs after Zeus while my mom calls to Lady.

“This is our family, baby,” Sandy says. “This party is going to be a disaster just like the one last year.”

“Yeah, but you’re leaving with me, so disaster averted.”

“You jerk!” I turn just in time to see Nicole slap JD across the face and walk back inside. JD smiles as he rubs his cheek. Luke stops trying to get Vivian off his back long enough for him to laugh at JD.

“You want me to get you some ice for your cheek, JD?” Vivian offers while giving JD what I think is supposed to be a seductive smile. JD ignores her as he follows Nicole inside.

“You’re trying to kill me, but you want to help him. Aren’t you afraid Zeus will come for you again? You know what? Forget it.” Luke hooks his arms under Vivian’s legs and runs directly to Zeus, Vivian screaming at him the entire time.

“I’m going to need your brother to stop torturing my cousin, but did she really try to flirt with JD while on Luke’s back?”

“Your cousin can take care of herself, believe me. Luke doesn’t stand a chance against her.”

My parents manage to calm the dogs, bringing some order to the yard.

“I’m going to get you a shovel, so you can clean this horseshit, Jacob,” Dad says to me.

“But this is Luke’s fault. He’s the one who brought the dogs,” I yell back. Dad ignores me as he yanks Zeus inside.

Luke is walking towards us, Vivian still on his back.

“Get off me!” He finally manages to shake her off. She stands on wobbly legs before standing up straight and flinging her hair.

“I’m going to go tell my aunt how you manhandled me, you barbarian!” She starts walking towards the house, Luke hot on her heels.

“Go ahead! I’ll tell her how you practically choked me to death!”

“I should probably tell Luke Vivi can do no wrong in my mother’s eyes, but he’ll figure that out on his own,” Sandy says.

“Come here,” I say pulling Sandy close. “The next three months will be the longest of my life.”

“Mine too,” she says.

“Because you love me.” It’s a statement, not a question.

“More than I love the drama that happens at every one of these parties.”

I laugh and kiss the top of her head, remembering how despite all the drama that took place when we met, we’re now engaged to be married.

“You love me,” she says to me, her eyes now locked with mine.

“More than anything.”

THE END

---