Since Fox allegedly hates Malcolm, she isn’t too keen on playing nice with him. Her next words to him could set the tone for the entire trip. He’s already on the defensive. What would surprise him the most?

The answer comes to her almost immediately.

Joy lifts her chin and says sweetly, “Happy Birthday.” Without waiting for his response or reaction, she turns around and strides into the kitchen.

“Oh!” Summer taps Malcolm’s arm with one hand and points with the other. “She’s here! Hi!”

Before Joy knows what’s happening, she’s trapped in a bear hug, and wow, Summer is strong. Uncomfortable, Joy pats her on the back with stiff hands. She smells like oranges—a balanced mixture of sweet fruit and bitter rind.

Summer releases her and steps back, all smiles. They’re the same height, eye to eye. “Sorry.” She glances at Malcolm, then back to Joy. “Sorry, I’m a hugger.”

“You don’t say.”

“I love your outfit.”

Joy chose to wear a black velvet pinafore pocket dress with copper buttons running down the front. She paired it with a white blouse with flowy sleeves, a wide brim black sun hat, and black heeled boots. Not exactly camping attire.

Summer continues, “I’ve heard so much about you. I can’t believe we finally get to meet.”

“I wish I could say the same,” Joy says, while staring at Malcolm. Her upbringing won’t allow her to be rude to Summer right off the bat—not without her starting it first. Grilling Malcolm, however, is fair game.

Backing up a step, he holds his hands up in resignation. “Oh, Joy”—he points past her—“this is Summer’s friend Fox.”

“We’ve met. He seems lovely,” Joy deadpans.

Summer laughs beatifically. “Sounds about right.”

“Since we’re all here now, we should get going.” Malcolm checks his watch and mutters, “Six minutes behind schedule.”

Fox sighs loudly, rolling his eyes. He leaves the kitchen first with Summer on his heels. She tosses a bright smile at Joy as she goes, bouncing on the balls of her feet with each step.

“She’s certainly excited,” Joy remarks dryly.

Malcolm kisses her cheek. “You’re going to love her.”

Joy decides to take this excellent moment of closeness to grab the back of his shirt and say, “I should rip out your kidneys with my bare hands and then feed your liver to a bear, because I know we’re going camping, you inconsiderate asshole. You know how much I hate that.”

“Violence? Wow.” Malcolm snickers as he pulls her into a hug. “Thank you for coming.”

Joy stares up at him, into the eyes she’s known and loved for ten whole years. “Don’t thank me yet,” she says honestly.

Outside, Fox is bent over and waist-deep into the trunk of Malcolm’s silver Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.

“My bags are still in my car,” Joy says.