Chapter 229 – A Very Tiny Betrayal

• We all stay up very late that night, gathered around a fire pit just off to the left of the pool. I’m curled up next to Kent, his arm around me on a little outdoor loveseat as my family laughs and chats around the fire. As the night grows darker and the stars start to come out, I find myself thinking about how grateful I am for Kent, who is so secretly thoughtful about details he never takes credit for.
• For instance, this fire pit was ready to go, fully stocked with wood and lighter fluid, and even marshmallows and little sticks to roast them on, because I mentioned once – months ago – that I liked them. And everyone’s favorite drinks are already here on ice. I mean, he, Jerome, and Daniel were all easy – they all drink the same whiskey - but my dad’s American beer and Janeen’s rum and diet coke with lime? How the hell did he have that here, waiting for us?
• So, I curl up closer to him, and his arm tightens around me, and a little ball of happiness in my chest just grows and grows.