Page 94 of Married to Number 22
Then goes carefully blank.
As though she’s storing all of this to sort out later.
Before I can think that through, figure out how best to help with that, my mom zips back to tornado duties.
“Smitty, take the karaoke machine outside and set it up. Aiden, your dad just texted me that he and your siblings need help unloading the car. Bri and Luna, you’re relieved of duty. Go be social.”
Luns and Bri exchange a look?—
“And being social meansnothiding in the library,” my mom chides. “It means eating, drinking, andsocializing.”
Their twin scowls at being thwarted has laughter bubbling in my chest.
But before I can let it free, the doorbell rings again.
And…it’s back to work.
Thirty-Six
Luna
“I want it that waaaay!”
I wince at the sheer volume of Smitty, even as my amusement wins out.
How does the man know every single line to the boy band classic?
I have no clue…and yet, he’s rocking it.
“This makes no sense,” Bri says softly.
“What doesn’t?” I ask, turning my eyes from the horror show that is Smitty’s rendition and glancing over at Bri.
She’s scowling. “He’s making a fool of himself, and he doesn’t care.”
My lips twitch as Smitty wraps up the song and tries to pass the mic to Gray—a man who definitely isn’t interested inmaking a fool of himselfwith or without a microphone. When that doesn’t work, he hands it over to Joel, who takes his time selecting a slow rock ballad that has everyone bopping their heads and tapping their feet.
“I think the best part of Smitty—and let me preface this by saying I’m still getting to know him—is that he is unequivocally himself and doesn’t care who knows it.” A beat. “Kind of like Kathy.”
Bri tilts her head to the side, studying him, then turning her head to Kathy, who’s relinquished her party prep kingdom in the kitchen and is now sitting in a chair next to Carrie, the two of them cackling about something as they each enjoy a glass of wine.
Bri glances back down at Joel, who’s trying to coax Aiden into taking a turn, taking her time processing my words.
Then she smiles.
It’s small, but it’s there.
At least until Smitty starts heading our way.
Then her face goes blank and she inches behind me.
Damn.
I hate that for her.
But I don’t bring her instinctive action up, just smile at Smitty as he comes over, trying to smooth over any awkwardness.
Despite that, he notices Bri’s hesitation, and I watch his entire demeanor change—slowing his pace, gentling his movements, quieting his voice.
