Page 72 of Snow, Ice, and Spice
I tell her of course and she darts off to the table by the foyer to feed him. I’m in the middle of refilling the kids’ drinks when my phone buzzes with a text from my cousin Austin. It’s a group text with my brothers, Austin, his twin sister Millie, and his husband Declan.
Now that we’re all in the same city for once, it’s about time we get Karaoke Cousin Night going again, don’t you think?
I smile. Karaoke Cousin Night was a thing we all did ever since we were kids growing up on the same block together. My brothers along with Austin, Millie, and I would go over to each other’s houses once a week and sing karaoke while our moms gossiped and played cards. As we grew older and moved away for school or jobs, we couldn’t do it as often, but whenever we’re all in Denver, we make it a point to get together.
Millie: God, yes. I need an evening with adults
Gage: I’m in
Tyler: Me too
Gage: I’m bringing Becca btw
Austin: Duh, of course she’s invited. She’s family
Millie: Gage, will you pretty please ask Becca to bring some ice cream for me? I’m dying for more unicorn swirl
Gage: Sure
Declan: Who can host? I know Austin and I usually offer, but we’re redoing the floors and our place is a disaster zone
Millie: I’d offer up my place but Evelyn goes to bed at like 7, and you know how loud karaoke gets
Gage: Becca and I can host if you don’t mind squeezing into a cramped space, our apartment is kinda small
I glance around Ingrid’s place. It’s more than enough room. I just need to clear it with Theo. I walk over to him.
“Hey, I have a favor to ask you.”
He smiles. “Anything.”
I give him a quick explanation of Karaoke Cousin Night. “Would you mind if I had them over here to do it? My family’s going to goad you into singing karaoke too.”
“Of course they can. This is your place too. But I have to warn you: I have a godawful singing voice.”
“No one is worse than my cousin’s husband. Declan sounds like a mountain lion in heat when he sings. It’s never once stopped him from participating though.”
Theo laughs. “Okay, I’m in.”
I text my family.
Me: If you don’t mind trekking to the mountains, we can have it here
Everyone replies that they love that idea.
Tyler: Will Theo be there??
Me: LOL yeah. He lives here too, remember?
Tyler: Oh hell yeah! Theo Thompson is gonna be at our family karaoke night!
Austin and Declan send laughing emojis
Gage: Are you done fanboying?
Tyler: Shut up, buzzkill
I roll my eyes before tucking my phone back in my pocket and checking on the kids. Theo and I walk them back down to the pond to finish out the day. He peers over at me, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
