Us After You by Claudia Burgoa

Author:Claudia Burgoa [Burgoa, Claudia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

31

Sage

The next morning, I wake up to the smell of fried bacon. I slept through the night. If Mae woke up while I was out, I didn’t hear her. It’s the first time in a long time that I go to bed after midnight.

I always like to read before I fall asleep. Last night, I followed my usual routine, except, instead of reading in bed, I went to the music room where Hannah, Tucker, Ethan, and Rocco played music for a long time.

They’re so talented. I wouldn’t have thought that what they played was brand new music or that they’re recording it. Hannah agreed to write some lyrics for it.

Ethan promised to drag Zeke to the studio so they could add the drums. Rocco remained silent and only played along. He didn’t speak at all.

Once Alex said, “It’s time to go to bed,” he went to his bedroom.

I send a quick prayer to God and to Sienna that, yesterday, he hit rock bottom, and he’s going to get better.

When I arrive at the dining table, everyone, including Rocco, is already eating breakfast. He looks different. Or maybe the same as he used to look before Sienna died.

“Good morning,” I greet everyone.

“Morning, sleeping beauty,” Tucker says, handing me a plate. “Coffee, tea, or juice?”

“Coffee,” I say, looking at the kitchen counter where they have serving plates with bacon, waffles, eggs, and fruit. “This is better than a restaurant.”

“Did you think I was joking when I said they should open an inn?” Tucker places a mug with coffee on the table. “Sugar, crème, milk, or dark?”

“In the mornings, I always drink my first cup black, the second with some milk and a teaspoon of brown sugar. After ten, I only drink tea—with a teaspoon of honey,” I tell him, and I’m not sure why I’m giving him more than he asked for.

Embarrassed by my answer, I pretend I didn’t speak and grab some bacon and fruit.

“We’re visiting my parents,” Hannah announces. “Are you going to Sunday family dinner, Tuck?”

“No, I’ll cook something for us. Sage isn’t leaving until eight—I’m taking her back,” he states, then looks at me. “Is that a good time?”

I nod in response.

“The fridge has everything,” Alex says.

“Except sausage,” Nana adds with disappointment.

Tucker and Ethan make gagging noises.

“Ugh, you two need to grow up,” she says exasperated.

“We?” Tucker says, offended. “You’re the one telling us your man didn’t give you sausage for breakfast.”

She looks at me and warns me, “I hope you don’t mind his thirteen-year-old sense of humor. Everything he says ends up sounding—dirty.”

“That’s impossible,” I say skeptical.

“You’ve been warned,” Ethan reiterates and looks at Hannah. “I’m pretty sure that’s just Tucker’s humor. There’s no way a teenager can come up with nonsense the way he does.”

“Don’t worry,” Tucker reassures me. “We’re not at that stage of our friendship.”

I’m puzzled about these stages, and I hope I can get to the point where he won’t stop mid-sentence and tell me exactly what he’s thinking.

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