Page 38 of Grim

“Hey. It’s going okay. Um, Grim’s not here.”

“Yeah, I know. He’s ah... he’s taking care of something.”

“Oh, I hope everything’s okay.”

“It will be. So, how have you two been doing?”

“Okay. And you?”

“Can’t complain. I was just out and about and thought I’d come by and check on my girls.”

There was something about the way he said ‘my girls’ that didn’t sit well with me, and I wasn’t sure why. Skid was a nice guy—handsome, too, especially with his shaggy blonde hair and smoldering, dark eyes. But that was about as far it went. Even so, I liked him and was glad he’d stopped by. “It’s been quiet around here. We just got back from the grocery, and...”

“Oh, man. I was going to do that for you, but...”

“No, it’s fine,” I interrupted. “I was glad to get out for a bit.”

“So, the car is working good?”

“Yes. It’s great. I don’t think it’s ever run as good as it does now.”

“Good, good. I’m glad to hear that.” He leaned back against the kitchen counter. “So, how’d it go last night?”

“Okay. Better than I expected.”

“So, he cooled off?”

“Eventually, but it took him a minute. Regardless, I still feel bad about it all. I shouldn’t have gone through his stuff like that. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“That was on me,” he argued. “I’m the one who told you that it was alright to do it. The heat should’ve been on me. Not you.”

“Well, it’s all a wash now. Grim seems to have let it go, but I’ve learned my lesson. I won’t be meddling with things that aren’t mine anymore.”

Skid glanced around the house and smiled when he spotted one of the pictures on the wall. “He left it all up.”

“Yeah, but he hasn’t really had time to put it away. I was thinking I might just put it all back and be done with the whole thing.”

“Do whatever, but I think it adds a little charm to the place.”

“I do, too, but it doesn’t really matter what I think. It’s not my house.” I shrugged. “But I get to stay here for a bit, and I’m very grateful for that. Actually, I’m grateful for a lot. Grim has been so sweet, and...”

“Woah. Wait a minute... Did you just say sweet?” Skid scoffed. “Are we talking about the same guy here 'cause there is nothing sweet about the Grim I know. I mean, don’t get me wrong. He has his moments, but all and all, he’s one I’d never wanna go up against.”

“I feel you there.” I walked over and opened the fridge. “Can I get you a drink or something? We’ve got coke and juice. There’s beer, too.”

“A coke will be fine.” I grabbed us both a can and offered him one. “Thanks... So, where’s Luna bug?”

“She’s in the living room watching TV.”

“Mind if I go say hello?”

“Of course.”

He gave me a nod, then made his way into the living room. Luna was sitting cross-legged in front of the TV, and she was so enthralled in her show that she didn’t notice Skid when he sat down on the floor next to her. He gave her a little nudge as he said, “Hey, kiddo. How’s it shakin'?”

Luna glanced up briefly, her face lighting up at the sight of Skid. "Hi, Skid!”

“Hey.” He gave her a warm smile as he asked, “Whatcha watching?”

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