Page 24 of Cursed Luck
“Eddie, our mates are the most precious things in our lives. The magnetic pull and the need to see them happy runs deep. Now, it’s time for you to quit dicking around and show her why the goddess paired you two together.”
“Thanks, E, I appreciate it.”
“That’s what I’m here for. Don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us. Now I’ve gotta go. Get your woman, brother.”
Edward ended the call and opened a web browser. The search for food arrangements gave him two results, and both were fifty miles away. He hung his head and groaned. After a minute of self-loathing, he searched tutorials and created his plan.
Later that evening, he entered his apartment on a mission with a bag full of fruit in his arms. He kicked off his wing-tipped shoes into the closet and turned on lights before setting the bag on the counter.
After showering and slipping on a pair of basketball shorts and T-shirt, he returned to the kitchen with his tablet in hand. He half-listened to the news as he opened the email he had sent to himself filled with useful links. Edward removed each of the items from the bag and set them on the counter.
Honeydew melon, watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, pineapple, apples, and grapes sat neatly in a row. What had seemed like a great idea and easy to do suddenly overwhelmed him. He understood the logistics of how to prepare and skewer each item, but how he would get them into the foam ball and basket was beyond him.
He raised his arm to wipe the beads of sweat off his temple. “I’m in way over my head.”
Placing both hands on the counter, he let his head drop as he considered his options. He retrieved his phone from where he had dropped it in his undressing and scrolled through his contacts. He pressed the call button and listened to the ringing as he waited.
“Eddie? Everything okay?”
“Yeah… Um… Debs, is there any way you can come over and help me with something?” he asked his sister-in-law.
“Of course, honey. I can be there in twenty,” she said.
Before she could end the call, he said, “If you have any cookie cutters, can you bring them with you?”
“Uh, yeah, sure.”
He ended the call and washed his hands and the fruit he could. By the time his doorbell rang, he had managed to clean the grapes, apples, and strawberries and had skewered five sets of four grapes. He set down the knife he was preparing to use on the apples and then washed his hands.
Opening the door, he found both Debbie and Junior sharing looks of concern. “Hey, guys. Didn’t expect you to come too,” he said to Junior as he kissed Debbie’s cheek.
“Is it a problem I came?” Junior asked.
Edward felt his face warm. “No, absolutely not. I… uh, just didn’t expect it.”
He followed them into the apartment after locking the door and found Junior reaching for an apple.
“Don’t think so. These aren’t for you,” he said, snatching the apple mere inches from his brother’s mouth.
“Why not? No way you’re going to eat all this fruit.”
Edward washed his hands and the apple again and said, “If anything is left after we’ve finished, you can have some. Until then, not one damn fruit is going in your mouth.”
Debbie cleared her throat. “What’s all of this?”
Edward set the apple back on the counter and waved a hand over the fruit selection. “I was hoping you’d help me turn this into a beautifulI’m sorryfood arrangement?”
Debbie grinned. “Absolutely. This is going to be so much fun!”
Junior groaned. “I’m not sure about fun, but damn if they aren’t making me hungry.”
Debbie smacked her husband’s arm before walking toward the sink. “Order us some food, you big baby. This is why I told you to stay home. Nosey big brother,” she said and shook her head.
“Hey, it’s not every day this one calls any of us for help. I was curious!” Junior griped.
“Well, he didn’t callyoufor help. He calledme. Next time, keep your ass at home,” she replied, a smile teasing the corners of her mouth.
Edward was used to these two. Debbie loved and adored his big brother, but she didn’t put up with his shit. Edward loved her the more for it. She was probably the only person Junior backed down to, and it was one of Edward’s favorite things to witness.
