Icing on the Cake

~72~

It wasn’t necessarily shocking that Mali brought Brock with. I tried really hard not to snarl at him. I tried really hard to be cool.

“How is parenthood?” Mali asked us.

“It’s challenging.” Calum said. “And relations with Julia haven’t been great.”

“Have you talked to Mom and Dad recently?” Mali asked. Her and Calum had a conversation while I tried not to snarl at Brock, but felt like he was staring at me.

“Not as soon as I should have.” Calum said back. “Want to find a day to go over together?”

“Yeah, but before we pick a day for that, I have big news.” Mali said. “That’s why I wanted to come over.”

“What’s up?” Calum asked.

“Brock and I are engaged!” Mali said.

My first reaction was OH GOD DO NOT SUGGEST A DOUBLE WEDDING!

“Oh my God that’s awesome!” Calum said.

“That’s great!” I said, trying to sound as least-fake as possible.

Calum got up and gave Mali a hug.

“And I have a favor to ask of you two.” Mali said.

“What’s that?” Calum asked.

“Can we use your place, this patio and the pool area, for an engagement party?” She asked. “It’s just our house isn’t very big.”

“Of course!” Calum said. “Want to do it this Saturday night?”

Notes