Page 21 of A Package Deal

Marlo snorted. “Ain’t that the truth. Can’t even handle a dead body.”

I did a double take at that bizarre comment. Marlo was Paisley’s exact opposite in every way. I focused on Paisley instead, mostly for safety reasons.

“Hey, you want to have lunch with us tomorrow? There’s five of us women that get together and maybe between us we can think of some subs to help you.” Paisley looked so excited I wanted to say yes.

I hooked my thumb over my shoulder. “Oh, I would, but I have a little one.”

Paisley brightened further. “So do we!”

Georgia chose that moment to shove between me and the doorframe, staring up at the ladies. To my surprise, it was Marlo who squatted down and held out her hand.

“Hello, princess. Do you like chocolate?” Georgia nodded and put her hand in Marlo’s. “Then you’re going to love what we just gave your mama.”

Georgia’s face lit up as she quickly looked up at me.

“You should bring her,” Paisley said. “We bring all our kids too and the owners of Grass are so nice, even though we make a mess.” Then she looked down at Georgia. “I have a daughter your age. Her name’s Aster.”

Georgia gasped and tugged on my leg. “Mama! Tha’s my friend! Ashter!”

I smoothed Georgia’s hair away from her face and looked at Paisley. “Big bouncy light brown curls?”

Paisley nodded. “That’s her! This is Georgia? I’ve been hearing so much about her!” She reached out and put her hand on my arm. “Now you have to join us tomorrow!”

I knew making friends would be good for business, but as friendly as these two were, I still felt out of place. Like I’d never be cute enough, smart enough, at ease enough to fit in.

“That would be great,” I heard myself say, cringing internally. Georgia squealed and Marlo showed her how to fist-bump before they said their goodbyes and left.

Georgia tottered around the house, babbling about Aster and our plans together tomorrow. I had butterflies in my gut about meeting new people, but there was no going back now. Instead, I found the box marked Em-clothes and dug out a sundress I hadn’t worn since before I had Georgia. Hopefully it would still fit.

At the very least, it took my mind off Warrick’s offer and my ex’s sudden appearance.

Pure chaos. That was what lunch turned out to be, and while that would normally drive me insane, the ladies were so kind I couldn’t help but hope they’d invite me back. We had eight kids between us, all six years and under. Food did, indeed, litter the floor beneath our feet, but as a whole, we tipped outrageously to make up for the cleaning that would have to happen after we left. Diego, the owner of Grass, waved me away when I told him that if he brought a broom, I’d be happy to sweep everything up.

“I am a father, I understand these things. Children are messy, and one day, they’ll learn to clean up their own messes. But today is not that day. Let them be kids a little longer.” He patted my shoulder. “Also, will you swing by later this week? I have a project on our restaurant that I need a general contractor for.”

I assured him I’d stop by. Keva, one of the other ladies who’d showed up for lunch today, reached over to squeeze my hand. “I hear you need more female subcontractors.”

I nodded. “I hired some men, but they turned out to be pretty worthless. I thought I might have better luck with women.”

“You are indeed in luck. I meet a lot of women in my business, both here in Blueball and in Hell. I’ll ask around for you.”

“Thanks. I have yet to make it to Auburn Hill, but hear it’s a cute town.”

Audrey, a tiny thing with long blonde hair and a million-dollar smile, laughed. “It’s cute, but not as cute as Blueball. My brothers all live in Hell, so this is a long-standing argument.”

“I think a lot of the women move to Hell just to gawk at those brothers of yours,” Rainey drawled, the youngest of the group. She had a newborn on her shoulder. The women all twittered, agreeing with her.

“It’s the silver-fox affect,” Audrey said. “Though we have some of those here in Blueball too.”

“Have y’all seen that Wolfe brother who’s back in town?” Paisley said loudly, wiping food off Aster’s face.

“Warrick, right?” Marlo asked. “They were several years ahead of us in school. I didn’t know them back in high school, but I remember his parents being awesome. They’d let us pet their farm animals. Like our very own free petting zoo.”

My face grew warm at the mention of my new client.

“But I’d like to know them now,” drawled Keva, making the ladies all laugh.

“You’re married, woman. Keep your hands to yourself,” Audrey said, giving her friend a wicked look.

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