Thirteen Summers

fifty-six

THIRTEEN SUMMERS
tw: mentions of purging and eating disorders.

By lunchtime, the office building felt less quiet and more alive.

Caleb and Josie followed Roman and Cameron into the restaurant on the top floor, the elevator ride up familiar and routine.

Floor-to-ceiling windows wrapped around the space, sunlight pouring in and reflecting off polished tables.

Same place. Same view. Same comfort.

Caleb slid into the seat beside Josie without thinking, their knees brushing lightly. She didn't move away.

A waiter appeared with menus they barely glanced at.

"You know what you want?" Caleb mumbled.

Josie nodded. "Yeah."

Roman ordered first, easy and unhurried. Cameron followed, precise as ever.

Before Josie could speak, an excited voice rang out behind them.

"There you are!"

Caleb barely had time to turn before someone wrapped their arms around him.

"Madison-" He groaned.

She laughed, bright and gleeful, kissing the top of Josie's head first, then Caleb's cheek.

"My babies." She greeted them, happily. "I missed you."

Caleb immediately wiped his cheek. "You're disgusting."

She grinned. "You love me."

Josie smiled softly. "Hi."

Madison squeezed her shoulders. "Hi, sweetheart."

She straightened and waved at Roman and Cameron. "Hello, my darling brothers."

Roman smiled. "Madison."

Cameron nodded. "Hello, Madi."

Madison dropped into the chair across from the twins, practically vibrating with energy. "Why are we eating up here?"

Caleb frowned. "Because it's lunch time?"

"No." Madison said, pointing dramatically. "We should go to the other restaurant. The one on the lower floors. With the really good pasta. And that...that bread."

Caleb blinked. "The garlic knots?"

"Yes!" Madison said. "Those. They're life-changing."

Roman shrugged. "This one's fine."

Madison turned to Cameron hopefully. "Come on. You know it's better."

Cameron didn't budge. "This one is fine."

She opened her mouth to argue again, then stopped at his tone.

Firm. Calm. Unmovable.

She sighed, flopping back in her chair. "You're no fun."

Josie's shoulders loosened just a little, which didn't go unnoticed by Caleb.

The waiter returned, and Josie ordered what she always ordered, voice steady. Caleb ordered his usual too, not even thinking about it.

Madison leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "So." she said brightly. "How's suspension going?"

Caleb groaned. "Ugh, you know, it's suspension. Apparently, I'm still expected to do work."

"It's not a vacation, Caleb." Cameron commented. "You did a bad thing and now you're being punished for it."

Caleb rolled his eyes discreetly.