Marley laughed. “Aidy, it’s barely nine in the morning.” She readjusted her sleep shirt to make it drape from her shoulder again. “We never get to look around my house. If my mom’s gone, my dad is here. This is the first time in forever they’re both out at the same time and we’re all around. I’m not passing this up. Plus, it’s gonna be hot out. I want to swim.”

“We got a new air conditioner, and my dad made homemade Popsicles last night,” Aidy countered.

A snorty, judgy giggle slipped out of me without warning.

Marley took it as bait. “Even your little sister knows how ridiculous that sounds.” She walked over and draped an arm across me. Claiming me. “Tell you what? Me and Ollie are staying. Right, Ollie?”

“Of course,” I said.

“Anyone else that wants to join us is more than welcome,” Marley added. “If you’re desperate for homemade Popsicles and AC, by all means, join Aidy. Sounds like a lovely afternoon.”

Teeny swerved around Aidy to grab her sleeping bag. She slung it over her shoulder, grabbed Bigs’s, and opened the door. “I’m taking my stuff home. Then I’m meeting Aidy at her house. Like I’ve told you a hundred times, my mom will know I went swimming if my hair is wet,” she said as she stared at Marley. “We’re not getting in trouble today. We’re supposed to get a puppy by the end of the week. Nobody’s messing that up for me.” She was so small, both bags covered her entire body. “Love you all or whatever. Goodbye.”

Bigs bowed his head and walked to the door. “See you guys later.” He stepped back to give Marley a hug. “Hope you find something,” he told her.

“Oh, I will,” she promised, looking Aidy dead in the eye.

The Campbell twins exited, leaving only Aidy, Harrison, Ruby, Nick, and me.

“Let’s go then, Aidy,” Harrison said. “I’ll make us breakfast.” He grabbed his bag and left without a goodbye, heading three doors down to my house.

Aidy didn’t follow. She cocked her head at me. “You’re really staying?” When I didn’t move, she clicked her tongue behind her teeth. “I’m going home and calling Mom and Dad, then. I’m not gonna get in trouble for you.” She swirled around and hurried out, leaving her sleeping bag behind.

“Such drama,” Marley said with a shake of her head. Her eyes lingered on the shut door. “Glad we’re done with them for now. Don’t need that dark energy clouding up my day. My little friends, let’s get down to the real business. We have much to do.”