Page 13 of The Goat in the Bedroom
As the excitement died down, the family naturally rearranged itself into smaller groups. I noticed how the women—Nana Kingman, Grandma De La Reine, Mom's sisters, Sara JayneJerry, Mrs. Moore, and Aunt Kik, all formed a protective circle around Jules, celebrating her choice and offering practical advice about living in LA.
“I've already got all my girls ready to look out for you, or show you the best places to shop,” Sara Jayne was saying, “I'm always looking for an excuse to hit Rodeo Drive.”
“And I know people in the psychology department,” Trixie's mom, who'd been our neighbor for years, added. “Have you picked a major yet?”
Jules's eyes lit up. “I'm going undeclared, but psychology sounds cool.”
I drifted closer, drawn by the easy way these women stepped in to support Jules's dreams. This was what I'd always loved about our extended family, the way they filled in the gaps, never trying to replace our mom but always letting us know we were supported.
Flynn appeared at my elbow. “They've got it handled,” he said quietly.
“Yeah,” I agreed, but I couldn't quite make myself move away. There was something comforting about watching Jules surrounded by all these mother figures.
“Plus, she'll have her brothers,” Aunt June pointed out, noticing our hovering. “Two strapping young men who can intimidate any boys who come sniffing around.”
“We'll be very intimidating,” I promised, which made everyone laugh.
“You two are about as intimidating as golden retrievers,” Jules said fondly.
“Golden retrievers can be fierce when protecting their families,” Flynn protested.
“Exactly,” she said. “Fiercely loyal and completely hopeless at actual intimidation.”
“The world doesn't need more intimidating men,” Aunt May said warmly. “It needs more men like you two. The kind who show up and care.”
The conversation continued around me, but my attention was drifting. This easy support network, this automatic safety net and it was exactly what I was going to miss most about home. In LA, we'd have to build this from scratch.
I didn’t even know if I knew how to do that.
I caught Artie watching me from across the patio, that same thoughtful expression on her face. When our eyes met, she didn't look away or offer a reassuring smile. Instead, she just nodded slightly, like she understood exactly what I was thinking.
Maybe she did.
The sun started to set, and the core family gathered around the fire pit. Chris cleared his throat, immediately commanding attention.
“Before we call it a night,” he said, “I have something for Flynn and Gryff.”
“Please tell me it's not another lecture about fiscal responsibility with our signing bonuses,” Flynn said.
“Actually, it's the opposite,” Chris grinned, pulling out his phone. “Trixie?”
Trixie opened her laptop with a flourish. “Boys, you know how Chris likes to buy houses.”
“His hobby that makes the rest of us feel financially inadequate?” I said. “Yeah, we're familiar.”
“Well, when you got drafted to LA, he may have gotten a little excited about investment opportunities.”
Chris looked slightly embarrassed. “I may have bought a couple of houses.”
Flynn and I exchanged glances. “That's... nice?”
“For you,” Chris clarified. “As your congratulations gifts.”
The silence was so complete I could hear the fire crackling. Finally, Flynn found his voice.
“You bought us houses?”
“As gifts?”
