“No need to get huffy, Son. I was just curious.” The gleam in her eyes didn’t bode well, but she said nothing more as they worked together to make brunch. He reheated the quiche he’d prepared the night before then put bacon in the oven to cook. His mother chopped fruit and filled him in on all her friends and what she’d been up to since their dinner the week before last.

“And then Michelle told me that the girls’ trip we all had planned needed to be rescheduled due to Ed’s surgery. The hospital moved it up, and they decided to take it. Now next weekend, which a bunch of us had planned, is open.” Cynthia sighed. “I was really looking forward to our time on Bainbridge Island too.”

“Why can’t the rest of you go without her? Do another girls’ trip later.”

“That’s what I said, but then Mimi thought Michelle might get her feelings hurt. I mean, it’s not Michelle’s fault they keep moving Ed’s surgery date. And his shoulder’s in a lot of pain. He needs it done. If they don’t jump on this new time, he might not get in until much later.”

“I know, but it seems ridiculous Michelle would expect all of you to cancel just for her.”

Cynthia frowned. “For a man who has regularly helped people handle their relationships, you don’t understand. We’re a tight group. It wouldn’t be the same without Michelle there.”

“Look, I’m not trying to mess up your girl gang.”

“Patronizing, are we?”

He grinned. “Heck no. You’ll kick my butt if I even think about talking down to you.”

She harrumphed.

“I’m just sorry you’re having to miss out on a planned vacation.” He had an idea, one that would get back at his sorry twin for blabbing about Justine. “You know, this might be a terrific opportunity to bond with Auggie, just you two.”

His mom brightened. “I hadn’t thought about that.”

“I know Auggie has been super busy lately with work and that competition that’s coming up. She could probably use the break. Besides, when’s the last time you guys had some good old fashioned mother-daughter bonding? She can take a weekend to be with her favorite mom.”

Cynthia grinned. “Her only mom, you mean.”

“Nah, I mean favorite.”

They sat down to eat and continued to talk about what Cynthia and Auggie might do together, as Auggie was a little hyper on even her down days. Between the food, the idea of his sister having to calm down for a weekend, and the joy on Cynthia’s face at the idea of spending time with her daughter, Xavier had a terrific time.

He wasn’t at all prepared when his mom asked him to invite Justine over for their next family dinner.

“What? Why?”

“You sound a little panicked there, Xavier.”

He cleared his throat and drew on his trademark calm. “Not at all. I just hadn’t expected the shift in conversation. You want to meet Justine?”