Page 32 of Glitch

I don’t regret it if I get Lacey as a result, but Mama would kill me if she ever found out.

I sigh as I try to get out of bed, but Lacey holds on to my arm.

“Kinda need my arm if you want breakfast in bed, Sugar.” Her head pops out of the covers, and the way her hair looks around her head is screaming for a brush.

“You might want to check your hair.” Her eyes widen, and she pats at her head.

“I’ll get the coffee going. You take a quick shower and meet me in the kitchen.” I kiss her nose and stand, pulling my jeans on comando and leaving them unbuttoned.

I step out of the room and hear a beeping noise.

I follow it to the flashing microwave. Thank God for small miracles. The power is back on, and that makes breakfast much easier. I thank my father every day for teaching us how to cook over an open flame, but man, does it take time.

I start the coffee pot and open the fridge.

All the organic stickers hurt my eyes. I shake my head, grab the eggs, and search for bacon.

“What are you looking for?” I glance over the door, see Lacey standing in my shirt, and forget how to breathe.

“Um, bacon.” She smiles and pushes me out of the way.

She then reaches inside the fridge and tries to hand me a package of turkey bacon.

“What the fuck is that?” She rolls her eyes and tosses it on the counter.

“Healthy bacon.” I arch an eyebrow at her.

“Darlin’, if you want to eat fried fat, healthy isn’t an option.” She giggles and walks over to the counter, picking up a sheet of paper I hadn’t seen.

I watch her face as she reads it, then puts it back down.

“Well, I guess this is easier.” She sighs and sits on the stool as I move around the kitchen getting what I need to start the food.

“Want to talk about it? Feel free to tell me to butt out. I’ll understand.” I crack six eggs in a bowl and start mixing them aggressively.

I want so bad to read the note but it’s not meant to me.

Don’t pry Kooper.

My mother’s voice rings in my ears as I start the bacon in a large skillet. I’m trying not to mama! I swear I am, but it’s hard, dammit.

“It’s sad really. Just says it’s over between us, and I was right all along. Basic gaslighting bullshit that I’ve been ignoring way too long. If she needs me to be the bad guy to feel better and leave us alone, then so be it.” I like the sound of that word in her mouth.

“Us?” I smirk up at her as I pour the eggs into a pan to start cooking and pop the bread into the toaster.

“After last night, I assumed,” I raise my hand when I see her start to worry.

“Lacey, stop. I want nothing more. Us sounds fucking perfect. I’m not going anywhere without you and the baby.” Her hand flies to her stomach, which chooses to growl loudly.

“Demanding little thing.” I laugh as I serve her up a plate and pour a mug of coffee for her.

“I should properly slow down on these. They aren’t allowed if I am pregnant.” I roll my eyes.

“Mama ate and drank whatever she fucking wanted, and we kids are fine. Don’t let these doctors make this experience miserable for you. Nature knows what she’s doing.” Lacey smiles, and I can’t resist her any longer.

“I need a kiss Darlin’.” I lean in and take her lips in mine.

I kiss her stupid and then back away, turning her to her food.

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