From The Streets - Chapter 17

“I don’t need to be here, they’re your grandparents.” Destiny giggled, “And your cousin.”

“I want you to be,” Sophie insisted.  “Besides, you’re Irish,” she teased.  “It’s just too bad Angela couldn’t make it.”

“Yeah, but when the CEO of Hot Topic asks for you by name for a shoot, it’s hard to say no,” Destiny laughed.

“True.” Sophie nodded. “What do you think about doing that other Cross shoot?”

“I think it’s a great idea,” Destiny said.

“We’ll have to kiss and stuff for the camera.” Sophie giggled.

“So?” Destiny kissed Sophie.  “We already did that on camera before,” she teased.

“I was just teasing.” Sophie said as Nicole answered the door as the doorbell rang.

“Mr. and Mrs. Price, welcome.” Nicole stated.

“Now none of that young lady,” June laughed.  “It’s June and Jim.”

“James or Jim work.” James laughed. “So where’s this Irish Princess of mine at?”

“Right over there,” Nicole grinned.  “I’m just the hired help,” she said jokingly.  “You’ve got another granddaughter coming over shortly too.”

“Nonsense on that one too.” June laughed.

James walked over and eyed Sophie up and down, and spoke in Gaelic when he finally did, “I approve.” he grinned and winked at Sophie, he was an intimidating man.

“Thank you Grandfather,” Sophie replied in Gaelic.

“Oh you speak Gaelic too, damn.” James laughed. “Thats it June, Katelyn’s done damn good for herself and if the rest can’t see that, they can spit in their own eyes.”

Katelyn laughed, “The clan leader has spoken.” she teased.

James looked at Sophie again, “That tattoo ya got there, sidhe clan eh?”

“Since I was nine aye,” Sophie giggled.  “I literally fell into their camp while exploring.”

“Good people they are, got a big contract with them.” James said. “The Republic is paying me a crap ton to help them settle.”  He looked at Destiny and then back at Sophie, grinning.  He asked in Gaelic, “She yer Lass?”

“Yes I am,” Destiny responded in Gaelic and grinned. 

“Oh an american Irish girl who speaks the old tongue, welcome to the family.” James grinned.

Destiny giggled.  “It’s great to met you both.  I’m Destiny McGrievy.”

“A Grievy to boot.” James laughed. “Hooligans the lot of your family.”

“Just like ours,” June laughed.

“I used to run with a bunch of McGreevy's in my youth.” James said.

“Hey Evie, come on in,” Nicole said from the voyer as she opened the door.

“Hi!” Evie said as she came in.  “My parents said they’d stop by soon, Dad wanted to get something “very Irish” first, whatever that means.”

“Evie, this is your grandpa James and Grandmother June.” Katelyn stated. “Mom dad, this is Lessly’s daughter.”

James laughed.  “Bloody hell, you’re the image of your gran made over.”

“Aye,” June laughed, “When I was a wee bit younger anyway.”

Evie hugged them both, “Dad also had to get something for Aunt Katelyn.  Again no idea what he’s up to.”

“Come in.” Nicole let someone else in.

A man’s voice spoke up, “Sorry about that, It’s soo bloody hard to find a good Irish shop around here.” he walked into the living room carrying a bag, pulling out a box and handing it to Katelyn, “Irish Chocolate, as an apology big sis.” he laughed. “And a bottle of 100 year old Irish whiskey for you Pa.” handing him a bottle.

“Ha!  Now that’s groveling,” James said jokingly.

Katelyn giggled and hugged him.  “What you should be apologizing for is living in my neighborhood and not telling me!” she teased.

“Aye, “Lessly laughed, “I’m an idiot for buying into the family’s hate though.”

“Na,” Katelyn shook her head.  “Melissa was poison.  Y’all tried to warn me.  Even if it did work out in the end, I shouldn’t have stormed off and shut the door on everyone.”

Lessly laughed, “Well I only got second hand information about all that.”

“So.” James said to Sophie, “I heard you met your Nan, me mum?  What’d you think of er?”

“Aye, at my baptism at St. Margaret’s,” Sophie nodded.  “Being honest I thought she was Mum Kate’s mum at first glance.  What is she part leprechaun?” she giggled.

“Grandma my mum?” Katelyn laughed. “And that’s the family rumor anyway.”

“She’s doing something right,” Destiny giggled.

Lessly laughed, “So how is Nana doing anyway?” He looked at Katelyn.

“Ornery as ever.” Katelyn laughed.

“I got it,” Nicole said, about a second before the doorbell rang.  James looked after her as she entered the foyer.

“You got a bloody elfin here,” he teased.

“Right this way,” Nicole said warmly.  “Everyone’s meeting in the living room.”  She came back with a man and woman.  The woman shared Amanda’s hair color.

“Hi.” Greg spoke up, “You must be Katelyn’s parents? I’m Greg, Amanda’s dad,” they introduced themselves.

“‘Bout bloody time we got to met you.” James poke. “You got yerself a fine daughter with a strong head straight attached to her. She may not be Irish but she’s definitely got the blood fer it.”

“Worse,” Greg laughed,  “Norse and German.  Everything was a battle with her growing up.”

“Dad...” Amanda said through a polite, slightly gritted, embarrassed smile.

“It’s true.” Her mother stated. “You were definitely a handful.”

“If they really wanted to embarrass you,” Sophie grinned, “They’d ask when the wedding invitations go out.”

“I was about to.” Greg laughed.

“Thanks Sophie,” Amanda laughed.  “I’d throw a pillow at you if you weren’t still recovering.”

“OH yeah, you should be resting dear.” Amanda’s mother spoke.

“Nonsense.” James laughed, “She’s a Price, Price girls are tough as nails.”

“Besides, I’m sitting,” Sophie giggled. “That’s like resting.”

“Just keep her away from Walmarts for awhile,” Nicole said.

“Eh?” June asked.  “Why’s that?”

“Someone grabbed me and called me a boy.” Sophie grinned.  “As I was walking into the girls’ room.”

“Before I could even react,” Nicole said, “She had the poor bastard rolling around on the ground and clutching his crotch.”

“He won’t be calling anyone a boy again for awhile.” Sophie giggled. “Richie told me that I’m certified in Krav Maga.”

James laughed.  “Oh gods, that Israeli stuff.  She’s a Price alright. Yer Uncle Dawane is in the Irish Special forces, lifer he is.”

“How is Dew doing?” Katelyn asked.

Sophie leaned over to Destiny and Evie and whispered, “I didn’t even know we had an Irish special forces.”

“You don’t pay attention to Irish politics much huh?” Evie giggled.

“No politics really.” Sophie laughed, “I lived on the streets for a long time.”

“Oh that’s right,” Evie nodded.  “I was talking with some friends at school about trying to start a program like what you did in Ireland, for California, or at least here in LA. after reading your story.”

“Irish Special forces are the Irish Rangers, they are deployed over in Iraq right now.” James stated.

“If you get me a mailing address,” Nicole said, “I’ll make sure he gets some good cigars and coffee.  Least I can do for a fellow soldier.” she paused, “Wait Your son’s Dawane Pointsetter Price?  We did a bunch of Missions with Ireland’s Rangers.  I’m Nicole, former US Army Delta Force.” 

“Damn small world, Dawane wrote about you in a couple of his letters home.” June spoke.

James grinned.  “Is it true, about the six targets in one shot?” he asked.

“At least he didn’t exaggerate it, but yes.” Nicole laughed.  “Three of them were lined up getting orders, the other three just got in the way of the ricochet.  You couldn’t have planned it.  I think I had some of his famous Irish luck rub off on me,” she laughed.

“Can’t say I can think of anyone I’d rather have protecting my granddaughter,” June said proudly.

“Sounds like she doesn’t really need you though.” James laughed. “I’ve seen Krav in action.”

“That’s what I keep telling them,” Nicole giggled.  “But they keep me around anyway for some reason.”

“Want to go outside to see the beach?” Sophie asked Evie. 

“Sure,” Evie said.  She had seen it before, but she was getting stiff from sitting, and wanted to talk to Sophie and Destiny anyway.

“Sophie biffed it on the waves other other day and Nicole almost had a heart attack.”  Destiny giggled as they walked outside.

“I still can’t believe this is all real,” Evie laughed.  “I mean, I see celebs in our ‘hood every day so that’s no big deal, but finding out I have a huge Irish family, and one of my cousins is living right here is just so mind blowing.”

Sophie giggled, “I think it’s nice, you’re more than welcome to come visit.”

“Dad was telling me that he’s the youngest of the family, and that their oldest sister was the one that told the family to ignore Aunt Katelyn.”

“It was a big mess, something to do with something Melissa, the lady who Mom Katelyn went into business with, had said to her, so I don’t blame her.  Anyone who met Melissa would understand.”

“Bitch was crazy with a capital C,” Destiny nodded.  “Oh, I ought to warn ya, me, my cousin Angela, and Sophie’s cousins Casidhe and Ellen are over a lot, and our friends Megan and Juliette and Rebecca, at like all hours, so it might look like a house party sometimes, but it’s just us,” she giggled.

“I don’t think there’s many HOA rules here, most people who live here are extremely rich.” Evie giggled. “We lucked out, mom’s got friends.  God, look at that view.”

“Yeah,” Sophie said.  “When they sold us this house, they didn’t tell us the entire beach belonged to us.  We are so going to have to open it up for everyone to use.”

“Yeah, well you also own all that too.” Evie pointed to the open field that had a few trees in it. “Megan’s family bought it for Privacy reasons.  Keeps the paparazzi at bay. Are those real tattoos?” she asked.  She wanted to ask for awhile, but the way the light hit them just now caught her attention.

“Yeah of course.” Sophie giggled.

“God maybe i’ll run away to ireland and get me a few.” Evie giggled, “Mom says Hell no, and dad says when I turn 18.”

Destiny laughed and raised the back of her top to show her sidhe tattoo on her lower back.  “Mom was surprisingly okay with me getting this one.  I think because I told her how much it hurt and that I’d probably never, ever do it again.  They look good on Sophie though.”

“So are you two really just friends?” Evie giggled.  “Not that it’s my business, but I read in Teen Vogue that it was just a misunderstanding based on that super cute photo shoot.”

“Na,” Sophie giggled.  “We’ve kind of been dating for about a week.  We’ve got another photo shoot for Karen Cross, for her Kiss and Tell collection for Target next week, if I’m recovered enough for it.”

“Aww,” Evie giggled.  “That’s great.”

“By the way, I’m glad you’re a cool cousin.” Sophie giggled. “All my family seems pretty cool so far.”

“Yeah, I’ve only talked to Victoria online,” Evie said, “But she seems really sweet and fun.”

“Vicky is awesome.” Destiny laughed. “She was here for a weekend.  We’ll make sure you know next time she visits.”

“Oh please do!” Evie giggled. “I guess I never really told her where I live so she probably had no idea either,” she said as the girls walked a little ways down to where the picnic tables were, so Sophie could sit down.

“You know I like America.” Sophie said. “But my heart belongs to Eire.”

“Thought it belonged to me.” Destiny giggled.

“That too.” Sophie said.

Evie giggled.  “Oh my God you two are so cute.  Can I tell you a secret?”

“You can tell me anything, it stays between us.” Sophie said, “That's what family does for each other right?”

“I went out on a date with a girl last Friday, and...  I really, really liked it because there was no pressure.  She was really sweet and we just clicked, we saw a movie, and she drove me home, and didn’t try to kiss me or grope me or anything.  It was so refreshing.”

“Yeah, that’s what I like about dating Sophie.” Destiny said.

Sophie giggled.  “There are aggressive girls too, but aye, they’re rarer than aggressive guys. One of my Sister sidhe, she’s really aggressive, Anj calls her a Tigress.”

“I call her a nympho,” Destiny giggled.

Evie laughed.  “I kinda want to take the risk.  I mean I have guy friends, and I’ve dated maybe 12 guys, but this girl..  She’s a little older and God her accent,” she sighed.

“A little older huh?” Destiny said. “Older girls know what they want.”

“Yeah,” Evie nodded.  “She’s so laid back.  Oh, and um, she’s kinda a celebrity,” Evie blushed.  “I haven’t told Mom and Dad yet.  I know they’re okay with Aunt Katelyn, but it’s different when it’s your daughter, you know?  Anyways...  Sorry, I’m rambling.”

“It’s cool.” Sophie giggled. “One of my street partners rambles a lot.”

Destiny giggled.  “Mom’s sister, Angela’s mom, used to say that if you’re rambling it’s God’s way of making you get things off your chest or something.  She had a better way of saying it.  But yeah, talk away.  What kind of accent?”

“Oh, Australian,” Evie said.  “That’s probably giving her away though.”

Destiny and Sophie looked at each other.  “Rebecca,” they said in unison.

Evie blushed again.  “Yup.  But again, it’s not serious.”

“You should say something to your parents, but that’s my opinion.” Sophie said and hugged Evie.

“Main thing is not to focus on labels,” Destiny said.  “I’m not lesbian or straight or bisexual or whatever.  I’m me, and I’m in a lesbian relationship.”

“Same.” Sophie nodded. “It’s been pretty non sexual as well, which has been a great on the pressure thing.”

“Oh God yes,” Destiny giggled.  “I am so not ready for that, even if I wasn’t a model with all the pressure that comes with that.”

“And actress,” Sophie grinned.

“Hey Evie, what about you?” Destiny asked.  “I mean, you into acting or music or anything?”

“Nope, none of that.” Evie giggled. “I’m just a computer nerd.  That’s sort of how I met Rebecca.”  She cleared her throat, and did a spot-on perfect Tracer, “No Worries love!  Cavalry’s here!”

“Wow you nailed that.” Sophie giggled, “Destiny got me into that game recently.”

“Oh cool!  Me and Rebecca have been putting together an all-girls premade team if you want to join us.  My battletag is Evee, like, E-v-e-e and then a 1286.”

“You definitely don’t want me.” Sophie giggled, “I get killed too easily.”

“We don’t play to win,” Evie laughed.  “It’s just to have fun.  Oh what system are you on?”

“Sorry.” Destiny giggled, “I’m like uber competitive. I think it’s because I have older siblings.  We’re both on PC, but we can go console to join a premade.”

“Yeah I don’t mind buying a console..” Sophie giggled. “I'm not sure when i'll have time to play on it, the PC is just easier for schedule wise stuff.”

“Yeah, I bet.  Now that you can get an uber discrete graphics card in a laptop, it’s just easy to get a gaming laptop,” Evie nodded.

“Mom Amanda says my laptop is a custom job.” Sophie giggled, “It’s whatever, I’ve used the computers at the public library in Galway before.”

“I’ve got an Origin laptop myself,” Evie nodded.  “16GB DDR4 RAM and a 1070 discrete video card.  It’s beast.  I have a PS4 and a Switch too, but we Overwatch on PC for the same reason.  Rebecca carries her laptop everywhere.”

Destiny nodded, “I learned that along time ago when I first started modeling if you want to keep up with things to always have your laptop nearby. PC gaming isnt the best gaming, but it’s great for us that are always on the road.”

“Especially since Blizzard makes their games to run on anything,” Evie nodded.  “I ran World of Warcraft on a potato for a long time.”

“I’m trying to get Sophie into Wow.” Destiny said. “She plays Starcraft as well.”

“Rebecca insists she doesn’t have time to raid in Wow, and I’m like, I don’t even raid in WoW,” Evie giggled.  “I’d love to, I just can’t find a guild this late in the expansion that will take a noob, and my old guild quit at the end of the last expansion.”

“You know,” Megan spoke up, causing Sophie to jump.

“Bloody Aussie ninjas I swear,” Sophie said.

Megan giggled out loud.  “Sorry.  I was just going to say Sarah’s sister Annie and her friends all play those online games.  That’s like, four there, Rebecca would be five, you three would bring it up to eight, Angela’d be 9 right?  How many did you need?”

“At least ten,” Evie said.

Juliette spoke up, “Well if you don’t mind two completely clueless idiots who’ve never played an online game before I guess we could make 11.”

“Just... how long were you standing there anyway?” Evie asked cautiously.

Megan grinned wide.  “Oh we came along about the point when you were swooning over Rebecca.”  She winked.

“Don’t worry Rebecca already told us.” Juliette giggled. “She tells us everything.” she winked.

“Yup,” Megan laughed as they sat down.  “Hope we’re not interrupting anything.  We saw cars in the drive so we snuck around back.”

“Not at all.” Sophie said, “Guys this is my cousin Evie.” 

“Great to metcha,” Megan said as she reached across the table to shake Evie’s hand.

“Actually I’m glad you stopped by,” Sophie said, pointing at the field.  “What kind of trees are those?”

“Irish Pine mostly.” Juels said.

“Yup,” Megan said.  “See that one stumpy tree at the end?  That’s a lemon tree.  I don’t know how the pines never chased it out the way they tower over it, but those lemons are divine if you like lemonade.”

“I was thinking about giving the property to the community.” Sophie said.

“Can I make a suggestion?” Megan said.

“Sure.” Sophie said back.

“Don’t.” Megan giggled.

“Why’s that?” Sophie asked.  “Neighbors that bad?”

“No, but it’s easier to keep the signature harpies at bay with this much property.” Megan stated.  “You can give people permission to picnic here or whatever, but if someone gets hurt or, God forbid, drowns out there, you’d be held liable.”

“Oh.” Sophie said softly.

“It’s not a bad idea, Megan had thought about it too when she lived here.” Juliette said, “That’s how she knows about the drowning thing.”

“Yeah,” Megan nodded.  “I badgered my dad about it since we were literally never here anyway, and that’s when he told me about the legal issues.  You’d have to sell the property, and then you’d have to deal with the aforementioned autograph harpies.”

Sophie nodded.  “Well, we’re at least going to host some epic beach parties.”

“Just make sure you get permits from the HOA first.” Megan said, “They’re good about allowing that kind of thing, but you have to get permits first, so your guests can get passes for the gate.”

“Oh yeah that makes sense,” Sophie giggled.  “I get a feeling they’re already sick of the number of people I have coming and going daily.”

“Nah, as long as they have a pass,” Juliette said.  “I’m actually shocked they even still have an HOA here.  Like most HOAs are total pricks, but Sandalwood Retreat HOA genuinely just wants the community to be safe and a nice place to live.”

“Yeah, it’s great here,” Evie nodded.  “There’s a literal garage band two houses down from me, nobody ever complains as long as they tone it down after 9.”

“Speaking of music,” Sophie said, looking around.  “Who’s playing guitar?”

“Your grandpa on Katelyn’s side.”  Nicole spoke up, setting down glasses of soda for everyone.

“That’s pretty,” Sophie said.  “Never heard an acoustic version of Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye.  Thanks Nicole,” she added brightly.

“Just came out to check on you girls.” Nicole grinned.

“We sort of snuck in,” Megan laughed.  “Didn’t want to interrupt the family reunion.”

“I saw.” Nicole grinned and held up her phone, showing the cameras that were around the property.

“Aww,” Juliette whined, “You got my bad side,” she teased.

“What bad side?” Megan said. “I think both your sides are good.” she teased and goosed Juliette.

Juliette squealed and giggled, jumping slightly.  She kissed Megan on the cheek.  “You are so sweet.  What did I ever do to deserve you, besides six years of a TV series together?” she teased.

“Well, that, and you make bangin’ good tuna salad sandwiches,” Megan shot back.

“Yeah, your the only one that eats them.” Juliette giggled.

Nicole spoke up suddenly, apparently to someone she spotted on security camera, “They’re back at the back on the beach,” she said.  “But you can come through the house if you want. Don’t worry about the guests.”

“Nah,” Rebecca’s voice came through the phone, “I don’t wanna interrupt.  I was just looking for a place to find some inspiration.”

“Get your butt over here or I’ll hold your girlfriend Evie hostage.” Sophie grinned.

“Oh, hell, well if you put it that way,” Rebecca laughed as she came around the side of the house with the most beat up guitar case Sophie had ever seen, strapped to her back.  It still looked perfectly functional, but the leather covering the steel case was worn through in places, patched over with hologram stickers of flowers.

Evie waved to Rebecca, “Hi Becca. Did you know Sophie is my cousin?”

Rebecca grinned and started to sing as she put down her guitar case and sat down next to Evie, “It’s a small world after all, it’s a small world after all...”  She giggled, dodging a swat from Evie and Destiny.  “Had no idea though I did know you were in the same neighborhood.”

“Yeah.” Evie said, “I did give you address didn’t I?” she giggled, not really asking.

“Though I wasn’t completely sure since you asked me to let you off at the gate instead of bringing you on home,” Rebecca winked.

“Yeah,” Evie said sheepishly, “I didn’t tell my folks I was going out with a girl, just that I was going out with friends.  I’m sorry.”

“For?” Rebecca shrugged.

“Not telling them.” Evie sighed. “Maybe I should while there’s family around to defend me?” she grinned.

Rebecca laughed.  “Well...  I mean technically we ran into your friends at the movies, so we did see a movie with friends, so it wasn’t really lying to them.”

“Yeah but you asked me on a date not a double date.” Evie giggled.

“True,” Rebecca laughed.  “Honestly I was shocked you said yes.”

“How could I not accept the only person to give me a run for my money?” Evie giggled.  “Plus the way you made that douchebag that was trolling me rage quit.  I’ve never heard an entire voice chat explode in applause before.”

“Damn,” Destiny laughed.  “I’m sorry I missed that.”

“Oh, it’s on YouTube,” Rebecca grinned.  “Youtube.com slash RebeccaSingsIt, under Gaming playlist.  I don’t upload a whole lot of actual singing now that I’m under contract, but they let me do some freebies once in awhile,” she shrugged.

“I actually was at your site last night.” Sophie said.  “That concert where you debuted with Selena Gomez doing that punked up Let It Go was freaking epic.”

“Did you watch to the end?” Rebecca grinned.  “I got Meggers and Jules on stage for Kiss the Girl.”

“Yup.” Sophie said, “Just didn’t want to spoil it.  That was really sweet, what you did for Fiona’s little sister too.”

“Excuse me.” Destiny giggled.

“You’re excused,” Rebecca grinned.

“For?” Sophie asked. “Oh god!” she fanned the air away.

“See, E,” Rebecca whispered loudly.  “Celebrities fart too.”  Evie laughed and swatted Rebecca’s arm.

“God in heaven what the heck did you eat?” Sophie giggled.

“Sorry,” Destiny giggled out.  “I had authentic Mexican last night.  I’ve been holding it in since I got here.”

“Gah, you could have been nice and let it out before you got here.” Sophie giggled.

“That's okay, Sophie let one out last night I thought someone was with her laughing.” Nicole let out.

“That was my squeaky shoe,” Sophie protested, trying not to burst out laughing.

“No, no it wasn’t.” Nicole laughed, “I walked by and smelled it, your shoe doesn’t smell that bad.”

“Ohh yes it does,” Sophie giggled.

“Well,” Evie said, “Now that we have an excuse to vacate the premises I guess I’ll go talk to my parents.”

“Want me to come with you?” Rebecca asked.

“Yeah, if you don’t mind.  I want them to met you.  I mean even though it’s nothing serious and even though you could get called away to do a tour or something I want them to know that guy or girl, I have good taste,” Evie giggled.

“Thanks I never really thought of myself as good tasting before.” Rebecca winked.

“Some people like atomic sour balls,” Megan called after her.  Rebecca turned around, walking backwards and raised both hands like she was about to flip Megan the bird, and instead, raised her ring fingers, revealing a skull ring on one hand, and a gargoyle on the other.

She waited in the kitchen, grabbing a can of canned iced tea for herself while Evie went to bring her parents.  She grabbed a pencil and notebook that someone had left lying around, turned to a clean page, and started writing as she sang to herself.

“I’m still afraid of loving you, not sure what to do.  I’ve never felt like this before...  No, that’s not right.”  She scribbled it out.  “Nice melody though.”  She started humming it again, trying to write some more lyrics out.  “Now, what rhymes with ‘burn’...”

“Yearn?” Emily, Evie’s mom suggested.

“Hey that’s good!” Rebecca said, scribbling something down.  She stopped, looking sheepishly up at Evie and her parents.  “Hi.”

“Mom this is Rebecca.” Evie said. “She and I had a date the other day when I said I was going out with a friend.”

The pair shared a glance.  Emily spoke up.  “Young lady, you know I don’t approve of dishonesty.  If you were going out on a date, sweetie, you should have just told us.”

“Yes momma.” Evie frowned.

Lessly nodded, “Especially so we can make sure you have enough money.”

“Rebecca wouldn’t let me pay,” Evie giggled.  “So I told her if we have a second date, I am so paying for everything.”

“It’s really no big deal,” Rebecca laughed.  “I had a friend who knows the movie theater owner so they gave us half price on the tickets.  Oh, we went to see the Emoji Movie - I am so sorry for that.”

“I enjoyed it.” Evie giggled. “I was so worried you would be mad at me for having a date with a girl.”

“You can’t help who you fall in love with.” Both Lessly and Katelyn spoke at the same time.  Lessly grinned at his sister.  “Katie’s brought home girls that would turn your hair white.”

“Mostly just to mess with the siblings,” Katelyn laughed.

“Aunt Kate I’m glad you heard everything because I gotta ask you something too,” Evie said.

“Sure thing.” Katelyn said.

Evie walked over to Katelyn and pulled her aside, away from her parents and Rebecca.  “It’s kind of a weird question, but um...  Is it okay to date a girl because you like being with her and she treats you right, even if you’re not sure if you... like her like her?”

“That’s the best reason in the world.” Katelyn said. “You can learn if you like her as you go along.  But don’t let her get away just because you’re afraid you’re not conforming enough to a label.”

Evie grinned brightly and hugged Katelyn.  “Thank you!” she said, as she rejoined her parents, talking to Rebecca.

“I actually like a lot of your music,” Emily said.  “But I grew up on Radio Disney and The Cheetah Girls, that sort of thing,” she laughed.  “It’s my secret shame.”

“I actually know Raven.” Rebecca laughed.  “We met at Disney World when I got roped into doing an impromptu live concert at the Pixie soda shop.  She’s as sweet in person as you’d expect.”

“Oh I’ve heard about those Pixie renovations,” Lessly laughed.  “We should take Evie before she gets too old to enjoy it,” he said jokingly.

“Have you ever met Britney Spears?” Emily asked Rebecca.

“Nope, I haven't gotten to meet her.” Rebecca laughed. “But I've also met Miley Cyrus.”  She stage whispered, “She scared me a little,” she giggled, adding, “But she’s mellowing out.  I mostly just hang out in my own little bubble though.  My friends are my friends because they’re down to earth, maybe more than I am sometimes. The only real celebs I hang out with are here.” 

Sophie giggled, “All my friends that aren’t here are in Ireland.”

“Oy, what are we?” Casidhe grinned as she peeked around the corner,  “Chopped liver?”

“Nope,” Sophie laughed.  “You’re family.  You automatically count. Even if your not in the immediate area.”

“Watch those two,” Rebecca grinned.  “They’re going to be up-and-coming on the indie music scene real soon.”