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Which knowing Brian and the time clock he’s on, will be in another ten minutes

Laney and I set the table and help Mom move the bowls and platters of food The kitchen is small, with a round table that seats five It’s always crae e eat Still, all of us crah, and eat good food will always be some of my favorite memories

We’re all seated and passing plates to be filled when Brian bounds up the stairs He moves to me first, bends to kiss my cheek, then does the same to Laney “And how are my two prettiest sisters today?”

“We’re your only sisters,” Laney points out

“Well, if I had other sisters, you tould be the prettiest,” he assures us with a charh Brian’s the funny one Alith a sood intentions in his heart It’s why, despite our frustrations, he’s still very much loved

For the next half hour, the clanking of utensils on plates hter Dad passes out another round of beer, but I decline I never drive after drinkingher intention to stay and watch the four PM Steelers game with Dad and Brian I’d love to do the same, but I have some reports to catch up on this afternoon

“Have another beer,” Brian encourages ame with us”

I shake ations, but Laney totally throws me under the bus “She probably has plans with her new man”

Utensils still halfway to oes deadly quiet as all eyes turn to lare

“A new etting in that range where I should be getting serious and start thinking about e Not that she thinks a worandbabies and she does believe people should be

I’e yet True, Laneyin the same place at the same time

But given ho our relationship is, I’e us as a couple, it will jinx the whole da

“Who is this boy?”an octave deeper as he prepares to show his overprotective side