Wolf with Benefits
Page 17

Toni knew shed not only have to find out exactly what classes the kids were taking, but shed have to start working on a schedule as soon as possible. When dealing with so many pups at one time, schedules were critical to managing the insanity. This, of course, applied to any large family. But a family of focused, driven little nightmares needed schedules the way breathing beings needed air. It was the only way to survive without unnecessary bloodshed or jail time.
And that was what Toni did best, wasnt it? She managed the schedules of her family, negotiating agreements and timelines, while threatening important body parts when necessary.
For instance, she already had figured out how she was going to end the argument, but Cherise suddenly charged past her on the stairs. Ill handle it, the twenty-year-old cellist promised as she ran by. Ill handle it!
Although she probably wouldnt handle it well. Cherise, the sweetest of their brood, was also the most sensitive next to Freddy. As it was, she was a borderline agoraphobic. Getting her out of the house was an unbelievable task. Funny thing was, those who booked her into concert halls all over the world thought her reluctance to travel was a negotiation tactic. It wasnt, but her agoraphobia at the very least paid well.
Still, if Cherise wanted to try managing their siblings, Toni wouldnt stop her. The way to learn was to do. Toni knew getting everyone handled today with little to no drama would not be easy, but she was ready and alert.
Morning, sis, Coop said as he fell into step beside her.
Hey, Coop. Did you get any sleep?
A little. Jet lag is kicking my butt. But you know me. I do love a nap, so Ill just sleep later.
Great rooms, though, right? Toni asked. I love my bed.
Together they headed down the second-floor hallway to the last set of stairs.
Me, too. But I have to admit, Coop continued, I expected to find Livy asleep under my bed last night. I think I was a little disappointed when she wasnt.
Toni stopped in the middle of the hallway and focused on her brother. Why would Livy be under your bed?
It wasnt a question Toni asked because she was concerned that her best friend, Olivia Kowalski, was found under her brothers bed. Livy was nearly as close to Coop as she was to Toni. So Toni didnt care if Livy was asleep under Coops bed or hers or Cherises. It wouldnt be the first time that happened, and it wouldnt be the last. No. That wasnt why Toni was asking the question.
Is that little bitch in Manhattan? Toni demanded.
You know, Coop said, turning to face her, shed probably be more likely to keep you up to date on her current locations if you didnt call her that little bitch.
I only call her that when shes clearly avoiding me. I texted her last night and told her what was going on. She didnt even call me back.
Livy hates talking on the phone. You know shes not good at it.
Of course I know that. I know all of her quirks and foibles better than anyone else. But if shes in Manhattan
She wont tell you that if youre just going to yell at her for not having an actual place to live while shes here.
Toni stamped her foot. Three times. It is not okay to just crash at someones house because they make the mistake of leaving the window cracked when they leave for a vacation. Who does that?
Livy does that. Livys mother does that. Livys entire family does that. All of Livys kind does that. If theres one thing we can all agree on, sis, its that her people are not like our people. So instead of ranting about it
Oh, forget it! I dont want to talk about this anymore. Toni pushed past her brother and continued down the hallway. Coop, taller than Toni, quickly caught up.
Are you pissed at me now? he asked.
Im pissed at the world right now. I should be back in Washington, starting a boring office job while I worry about what temporarily abandoned home my best friend has recently placed her camera bag in. I should not be stuck in Manhattan hoping to beg a job off the cousin off my mothers best friends mate.
Come on now, you know Ulrich loves you.
Shut up, Coop.
Her brother laughed and the sound of it made Toni smile despite the fact she didnt really want to.
Speaking of which, did you see Mom and Dad yet? she asked him.
Nope. They were sleeping by the time I went to bed.
I havent seen Mom since before I took Freddy to Aunt Irenes hotel room yesterday . . . which makes me nervous.
Why?
Dont know. Just feels like shes up to something. She wanted me out of the house for a reason last night. I mean, shed normally take Freddy over to see Aunt Irene herself.
You have a point. Hearing the latest argument from their siblings, Coops head cocked to the side as they hit the top of those last stairs and started down. Kyle and Oriana?
Of course. But Cherise is going to handle it.
She is?
She needs to try, Toni reminded him.
I wish her luck.
Look, it could be worse Toni began as she and Coop reached the last step, but Tonis words were cut off when she saw her mother. Dressed comfortably in loose jeans, a B-52s T-shirt that was older than Toni, and her favorite battered rehearsal tennis shoes, Jackie headed toward the front door. Normally this was nothing for Toni to notice or remotely worry about . . . normally. But now Toni understood why her mother had avoided her and Coop last nightbecause her mother wasnt alone.