I don’t know how either of us do it, but somehow the awkwardness dissolves as Joel directs orders on us about what should go where. The cat joins us too, hissing at me, everytime his eyes fall on me, but somehow always purring when Jude nears him. By sundown, we have arranged and rearranged the placement of the decorations on multiple pieces of papers, and yet Joel is not yet satisfied with any of the plans.
“He’s a perfectionist, this one,” Jude whispers, leaning into my side. “Just like his sister.”
I snort, shaking my head. “I hope you’re talking about Lily because I’m definitely not, and never have been, a perfectionist.”
Jude hums thoughtfully. “Let me recall those science projects from high school.”
A grin tugs at my lips as I roll my eyes. “Those don’t count.”
We gather the la
