Invitation to Love by Groovy Lee Page A

field was clear. Of course, Michael never noticed her. So, you can imagine
her shock when news hit that he’d fallen for someone he met in Florida, and
married her within a month. To be sure, she has her fangs out tonight, so
beware. She’s going to be all over him just to spite you.”
    Taryn
was amused by the sinister way he delivered those last two words. “Thanks for
the warning. I can tell she’s not interested in being my friend.”
    “You’re
the wrong gender,” one side of his mouth lifted quizzically.
    “Well,
that explains it.”
    When
they returned to the living room, Michael and Raven were seated together on the
couch. Taryn and Chris crossed over Remi and Rachel, who were sprawled on the
floor playing with their gifts, to get to the chairs. True to Chris’ prophecy, Raven
began cozying up to Michael as if on cue. So, Taryn was prepared when she
crossed her legs close to him, and shot her one of those vainglorious stares.
    Of
course, it didn‘t seem to bother Michael that she was practically buried in his
side, beaming and chattering in his face as if he couldn’t hear her if she sat
to the other end of the couch; Nor did he oppose the touch of her head on his
shoulder when she felt the need to laugh out. After an hour of it, Taryn
decided she’d had enough. Thankfully, it was time to put the girls to bed. She
stood and excused herself.
    “I’ll
help,” Chris jumped up and tagged along.
    “Thank
you for the gift, Uncle Chris,” Rachel said as Taryn tucked her covers around
her.
    “You’re
welcome, Petal,” he ruffled her hair.
    “Now,
come and put me to bed,” Remi pulled at his hand.
    Taryn
kissed Rachel good-night, and turned her night-light on as she left.
    “You’re
nice, Uncle Chris,” Remi said as she hopped onto her bed and scooted under her
covers. “You’re handsome, too; But, not as handsome as Michael.”
    “I
guess I shouldn’t be too offended then,” he tickled her under her chin.
    “I
can’t wait until school starts so I can show you off to my new classmate; Why
they’ll just beg to be my friends when they see I have a handsome daddy and
uncle; I even bet my teacher will give me good grades when…”
    “Remi,
sweetheart, what a mouthful,” Taryn straightened her pillow. “I think you’ve
said quite enough for the entire day.”
    “But,
Momma, I got a lot to say.”
    “Well,
Chris has heard enough. Now, say good-night and go to sleep.”
    “How
are you holding up?” he asked as they strolled down the hallway for the stairs.
    “Surprisingly,
I still have my sanity.”
    “You’re
a rare one. Most women would be pulling their hair out by now; Or better yet,
her extensions.”
    “Give
me time.”
    Taryn
was grateful for the new friend and ally she found in Chris. His support was
just what she needed as the evening wore on. It was midnight when he and Raven
were ready to leave. She quietly exhaled a moment of relief. Of course, when
they stood at the door to see them off, Raven just glided passed her with a
curt good-bye, kissed Michael on the cheek, and disappeared into the night.
Chris kissed Taryn’s hand, then leaned close to her ear and whispered that he
plan on taking a detour and discreetly toss Raven over the nearest cliff.
    “You’re
so bad,” she stifled the urge to laugh out.
    “I’ll
go and turn out the lights in the back. Would you mind taking care of the ones
up here?” Michael asked after locking the door.
    She
went about clicking out the lamps in all the front rooms. Tight nerves made a
minute seem like an hour as she stood at the bottom of the stairs waiting for
his return. Should she go on up alone? Or cope with the awkwardness of waiting
for him. Before she could mount the first step, he was back.
    “Dinner
was great,” he said as they climbed the stairs together.
    “Thanks.”
    “I
see you’ve won my cousin over. He’s really taken with you.”
    “Chris
is sweet. I can’t get over how much alike the two of you