False Enemies

Chapter 9

"So how many of them are there again?" I asked, stuffing my hands into the pockets of my leather jacket.

"Six." Drew said and I groaned. She threw me a glare.

"It's not that many." She said. "Really."

I huffed out a breath. "Are they nice?"

Drew hesitated. "They grew up in a difficult background. They see some things differently than we do." She reminded me. "But... yeah, they're mostly nice."

I hm-ed.

"I really like them, you know." Drew went on. "They can be funny."

"But not the way your brothers are?"

She glared at me again. "No." She nearly growled it. "My brothers aren't even funny. Damn you for suggesting that."

I chuckled. We turned the corner and the building serving as the meeting point came into view. Six small figures were already there, huddled together in a small group, guarded by a single tall silhouette. I wasn't sure if she realized it or not, but Drew's step quickened when she spotted the kids.

"Andy!" A high-pitched voice exclaimed, followed by others. Two of the kids rushed forward, each clinging to Drew.

"Hi, brats." Drew hugged them back. "Are we all here?" She raised her head.

Keith, who stood a bit off to the side with his hands stuffed into the pockets of his jacket nodded. His gaze brushed over me briefly but he didn't indicate me in any way. If he was surprised to see me here, he didn't let it show. "We are."

"Great." Drew drew back from the kids. "Everybody, I brought you someone new today. Everyone say hello to Lily."

A collective hi Lily sounded. I smiled and gave a small wave as six curious pairs of eyes focused on me.

"All right, the time is running. As usual, we've got two cars so I need y'all to divide. Who's riding with me?"

Four hands shot up into the air.

Drew pouted and planted her hands on her hips. "Sorry guys but today I brought Lily, which means I've got only three free seats. One of you needs to go with Keith." She told the kids and I held back a snort. The kids preferred to go with Drew rather than Keith? Shocker.

"So who's going to step down?" Drew asked hopefully when neither of the kids reacted after a short time. This time, no one lifted their hand. No one wanted to budge.

Drew turned her distressed gaze to me. Her brows rose in a silent question and my eyes widened. I knew what she was asking.

"No." I mouthed at her, shaking my head.