Page 118 of Emergency Exit
She breathed out a sigh of relief. “You used to yellTeam Valkyriewent you went off jumps on your bikes. It made me happy. Drove the neighbors nuts, but I always liked it.”
“We’re still Team Valkyrie,” said Forest.
Rose reached out and ruffled his hair.
“And it still makes me happy. OK, it’s cold, and I’m going back in. Vivian says she’s going to make Chloe and I fancy mocktails!”
“We’ll be in soon, Mom,” said Rowan, holding open the door. He shut the door behind her, and there was silence on the balcony for a moment.
“Sometimes I feel like bikes and baseball were only yesterday,” said Rowan, looking through the glass at the party.
“Tell me about it,” said Forest.
“Sometimes I forget that things have changed at all,” said Ash. “Sorry, I haven’t been talking to you. I think I forgot that we grew up.”
Rowan laughed. “Keep on forgetting. I’ll try and do the same.”
“Not me,” said Forest. “I think Chloe is right. Being grown up is a gift. We’re lucky we made it.”
“Oh, barf,” said Ash. “Is Chloe going to turn you into some sort of philosophical weirdo?”
“If I’m lucky,” said Forest.
“That’s your brother,” said Ash to Rowan.
“Most definitely,” agreed Rowan.
“So,” said Forest, standing up. “To sum up this meeting of Team Valkyrie, Ash is not the weird one. Or if he is weird, then it’s well within the spectrum for our family. Rowan’s preferred plastic surgery is to subtly appear to be an alien. And I am blinded by yoga pants.”
“That last one is completely normal,” said Ash.
“And not really a revelation,” said Rowan.
“Yup. Rowan’s right. Nothing’s changed,” said Forest. “Let’s go back in.”
“Um, guys,” Ash said frantically, realizing he’d blipped a critical life update. “There is something else.” He fumbled in his pocket to get the velvet box.
“Oh, God, you guys can’t be pregnant, too,” said Forest.
“Wait, what?” Ash looked at Forest in shock.
“I mean… Fuck.”
Rowan laughed in a great big bellow.
“What do you meantoo?”demanded Ash. “Is Chloe pregnant?”
“We’re not telling anyone yet. It’s early days,” said Forest, while Rowan continued to laugh and clutched at the balcony railing for support.
“You know,” said Ash, unable to resist, “I don’t want to quoteRowan giving me the birds and bees talk, but there’s these things called condoms.”
“Yes, well, we didn’t always get to that,” snapped Forest. “Besides, it’s been four years since she had sex, and while it hasn’t been that long for me, it’s been a damn hot minute. We’re out of practice with all the extras.”
“Four years?” repeated Ash in disbelief.
“What part about her being a Buddhist nun are you people not getting?” demanded Forest.
“I was focused on the kung fu,” gasped Rowan. “I hadn’t gotten that far.”
