“You never saw me. I wasn’t here.” She waves her hand as though she’s trying to pull a Jedi mind trick on us, and somehow, it works because neither of us will tattle.

I crack up, and Dad rolls his eyes. Grandma pats me on the shoulder, then waltzes out as quickly as she walked in.

“Grandpa showed up earlier. Trust me when I say he ate a stack of pancakes with extra, extra syrup,” he tells me with a shit-eating grin.

“Oh God,” I let out. “They’re cheaters! Both of them.”

“Not technically, just found loopholes. And they wonder where Jackson gets this shit from!” he exclaims. A bell dings at the front desk, so he hurries to fill his cup full of coffee, then leaves.

As I’m washing my hands, my phone vibrates. Once I dry them off, I pull my cell from my back pocket.

Rowan: See you tonight!

I laugh.

Maize: I said maybe!

Rowan: You will be there, or I’ll kick your ass.

This makes me laugh.

Maize: Aww. How sweet. I’d like to see you try, though ;)

Rowan: I’m serious! Plus, who knows, you might meet a new man at the bar tonight. You just never know.

Maize: Oh pleaseeeee. We all know the only guys I’ll see there are the regulars and ranch hands.

Rowan: Don’t be a Debbie Downer. They’re coming around nine. Be there or be scared. You deserve to let loose and have a little fun!

Maize: You know I’m an old lady and get up early.

Rowan: So it’s time to change that. See ya there!

I send her a thumbs-up, something she hates, then I grab all the dirty rags and place them in the wash before telling everyone bye. Rowan doesn’t like to take no for an answer, but I don’t want to commit just yet. I’m so tired I might fall asleep before the sun sets.

Once I’m home, I kick off my shoes and relax on the couch. I close my eyes, knowing I need to shower because I smell like a mix of food and sweat.

“Are you sleepin’?” Kenzie asks.

I open my eyes and glance at her because I didn’t even hear her come in. ”Not yet, but if you would’ve left me a little longer, I might’ve been. Mondays are always so exhausting.”

She gives me a half-smile. “Okay, just wanted to let you know I’m leaving. Get your ass rested so you can hang out with me until close.”

I groan because she’s just as relentless as Rowan.

She nods, then checks the time. “See you later, sis.”