“Yeah, about that . . .” Gavin said, thoughtfully staying near the door so they could all hear. “He wanted me to let you know that you’re a very special woman in his life, but he’s bummed because with so many people here, he won’t be able to spend any one-on-one time with you. He’s hoping to make it up to you by taking you out to dinner tomorrow night. Just the two of you.”

“Somewhere fancy?” Sonya asked hopefully. “Where they put the napkin in your lap and stuff?”

“Absolutely,” Gavin said.

“And I can order whatever I want?”

“Whatever you want,” Gavin said. “You in?”

“Of course. I’m hungry already!”

“Perfect,” Gavin said, steering her toward the back door. “I’ll just walk you to your car. He’ll call you later to firm up the deets.”

“Shee-it,” Emmitt muttered. “She’s going to make me take her for prime rib and lobster. You know how expensive that is?”

Piper’s face was pressed up against the slatted door, watching Gavin work his magic. It reminded her of something she’d forgotten. Her brother was not just great with people, but a master at it, in a way she could, would, never be.

He hadn’t been an asshole and a flake the past few years. He’d become an addict. And she was still shocked and upset with herself that she hadn’t seen his addiction, which was a guilt and shame she’d have to live with.

But he was slowly becoming himself again before her very eyes, and she felt so proud of him. Proud of both of her siblings. Only a month ago, she wasn’t sure she’d have thought of them as grown-ups, capable of leading their own lives. But things were changing. They were changing, and doing great while they were at it.

Not five minutes later, Gavin had disposed of two more of Emmitt’s girlfriends with smooth ease and then opened the pantry door. “Only one left in the house, Birthday Boy. Margaret. So you’re safe now. Time to let yourself out of the closet.” He grinned at the irony in that statement. “Come on in, the water’s fine.” He then handed Emmitt a schedule of the week sketched out on a birthday napkin so he could see all his dates lined up at a glance.

Piper couldn’t help herself. She grabbed Gavin and hugged him tight, until he made dramatic strangulation noises to be let free.

“What was that?” he asked.

Piper shrugged. “Maybe I’m proud of you.”

“Well, that’s new,” he said, trying and failing to not look pleased.

“Seriously, this is going to cost me a fortune,” Emmitt muttered, still eyeballing his schedule. “And you put Sonya and Danita on the same night! Are you crazy? I don’t have that kind of stamina!”