Family Ties

“Paul’s always talked to himself. So I guess it’s only natural for him to talk to his dick too.” She glanced at me.

“So, big brother, what’s he have to say for himself?”

“Not much. He has a one-track mind.”

“You can say that again,” Christy murmured affectionately.

“Speaking of which,” I said, and shifted her toward me a bit. “Much better. Room to grow and all that.”

Erin rolled her eyes and changed the subject. “So, Christy, what’re your plans for Christmas?”

“With my family in San Diego.”

“Will you have a chance to come visit us?”

“I don’t know.

“You know I do. Let’s check your ticket when we get home. You might be able to cash in the Knoxville-Atlanta portion. You can ride home with me and then just fly direct to San Diego.”

“That’d be awesome,” Erin said. Then she barged ahead without thinking.

“What about New Year’s? We go skiing every year. Maybe you can join us.”

“Didn’t you tell them?” Christy said to me.

“We’re going skiing with Trip and Wren,” I said.

Erin’s face fell. “Oh.”

“I know. I just thought… it’d be nice to have her along.”

“We’re trying to take things slow. Besides,” I added with a significant look, “I don’t think she’s ready for a week with our family and all its… um…

Erin actually flinched when she realized what she’d almost done. She recovered immediately and said, “Oh my God, no kidding! We’d probably drive her nuts.”

“What kind of traditions?” Christy asked.

“Just silly games and stuff,” Erin said, seemingly off-hand.

“I hope so,” Christy said, completely distracted. She gave me a searching look. “I was a bit worried at first, but after this weekend…”

Erin lit up at the prospect of details. “Ooh, what happened?”

“I told you we’re taking things slow,” I said, and she nodded. “Well, it’s the first time we’ve spent the night together. As a couple, I mean.”

Erin’s eyes widened. “Are you serious?”

“Oh, I’m used to the deep end,” Christy said.

Springboard and platform.”

“You know what I mean,” Erin said.

“Yeah, I do.” She grinned at me. “Paul used to think I was a goody-goody. But I’m really pretty adventurous. I mean… I’m sitting in a hot tub without a swimsuit with a bunch of nudists.”

“That’s pretty adventurous,” Erin agreed.

“Still, we’re taking baby steps,” I told her with another significant look.

Erin nodded—to what I’d said aloud and what I hadn’t.