Page 14 of The Wayward Son

“I would guess Missoula’s crime rate is lower than Spokane’s.”

“You’re probably right.”

They arrived at the store and the woman behind the counter gave Sawyer a smile. “Hey. It must be time for laundry again.”

He laughed. “Am I that predictable?”

“I’m afraid so.”

He looked at Jade. “Get whatever you want.” He went to a selection of nuts and picked out a bag of unsalted cashews, then joined Jade, who was in contemplation in front of the chips.

She looked at him. “It’s so hard to decide.”

“Fritos.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. You used to love Fritos.”

She smiled. “I did.” She picked up a bag. “Fritos it is.”

They went to the cashier, and he paid with a twenty and got five dollars’ worth of quarters in this change. He smiled at the woman. “Thanks. Denise.”

“See you next week.”

“I’ll be gone next week. I’ll see you when I get back, though.”

“Have a good night, Sawyer.”

They left the store, and Jade took his arm again. “First name basis with the corner store cashier?”

“I like to be friendly.”

“Hmm. She was totally flirting with you.”

“She was not. Besides, she has a boyfriend. A motorcycle riding, full-beard, shaved head, intimidating guy.”

“You’re intimidated by him?”

“Me? No. I’m not intimidated by anybody.” He nudged her. “Except maybe you.”

“Little old me?”

“Yeah. You didn’t get mad at me very often. But when you did, I was totally intimidated.”

“Good. Keep that in mind.”

Chapter five

"That did kind of hurt."

“Oh, my gosh. You weren’t kidding.” She held the door open, and Sawyer carried the laundry basket into the small, dingy room. There were four washers and four dryers, with coin slots to make them work. The washers were all empty, but there was a load of laundry in one of the dryers.

Sawyer watched the clothes tumble in the dryer. “Well, someone got their laundry into the dryer without being violently murdered.”

“Stop.” Jade went to a washer and opened the lid. They’d combined their laundry into one basket, which seemed like a good idea in the apartment, but now she thought it might get a little awkward. Not that she had sexy underwear or anything. When she went shopping, she got pretty basic stuff. But still. Herpanties and bras mingling with his boxers and t-shirts. Maybe that was a little too intimate for their best friend status.

She looked at him. “Do you separate your colors?”

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