9781250209153

starting to remind me of either Tally or Irene. I can’t buy a gift for either
one of them, though for vastly different reasons.
We slip into the warm, bustling tavern that is The Chimney just as the
lunch hour is winding down. Thora spots us and signals to the hostess to put
us in our favorite booth, the one by the jukebox. We slide into the highbacked
booth and have a basket of fried pickles delivered within two
minutes.
“Thora’s the best,” Danielle says, devouring the snack. “She always
knows exactly what we want.”
“She’s people-smart,” Daphne says astutely. “That’s what Mom says.”
“How did I miss that gene?” I ask.
“You’re people-smart,” Danielle says. “Maybe not, like, on a Thora
level, but you’re pretty sufficient.”
“A ringing endorsement. Thank you.”
Danielle shrugs. “Irene is the only person I know who’s actually on par
with Thora.”
I say nothing, trying to keep my expression neutral.
“Is that why Thora doesn’t like her?” Daphne asks.
I look around. “Did she say that?”
“Um.” Daphne’s ears turn red—a gene my sisters and I most definitely
share. “I mean, I think she’s just protective of you.”
“Thora doesn’t like anyone I date,” I grumble.
As if on cue, Thora appears out of nowhere, carrying two nonalcoholic
piña coladas for Daphne. “Did I hear my name?”
“No,” I say, avoiding her eyes.
“We’re talking about Scottie’s love life,” Danielle says. I glower at her
across the pickle basket.
“Ah yes, her love life,” Thora says.
“Why do you have to say it like that?” I ask.
“Because I’m not sure it involves actual love?”
My face burns. I grind my teeth and try not to lose my temper.
“Not even with Irene?” Daphne asks. Her smile becomes mischievous.
“My friend’s sister showed us that video of her kissing you at the
Emporium. It was so romantic.”