Page 74 of Frisco

Machete was still coming our way.

I took the time to enjoy this moment. I smiled at my sister, leaned in, and said, “This feeling? Concerned? Knowing you deserve what you’ve sown in life, this fear from you—I’m loving it. I believe in karma, sister. Do you?”

Her eyes blazed hate. But the sound of footsteps over gravel got closer, then stopped. Machete stood watching us both. “Babe.”

Claudia was all smiles then, rising and moving into his arms. “Hi, baby.” She tipped her head back for his kiss, and they made out for a moment before she stepped back, her hand still on his chest. “How was your thing? You guys do what you needed to do?”

He studied her. His face didn’t move, but his scrutiny was making my sister uncomfortable.

She stepped fully away, straightening one of her sleeves and pulling the shirt tighter around herself. “You want to sit with us? This is my sister, Kali.”

Machete nodded to me, holding out one of the beers, but his eyes remained on my sister. “Pleased to meet you.”

I took the beer. “Thank you, and you as well.”

My sister folded back down into her chair.

That’s when he switched his gaze to me. He lifted the beers still in his hand. “Gonna put these in the fridge. Be back.” He was respectful to me, but as soon as he said those words, his gaze went right back to my sister.

She ignored his gaze. As he went inside, I saw her cheeks had flushed, and I started chuckling.

“Shut up.”

I laughed.

“Shut up!” she hissed, smacking my arm.

I laughed harder.

“You’re such a bitch.”

“Karma,” I said quietly. “Kar-ma. It’s a thing. Trust and believe, sister. Trust and believe.”

“I hate you.” She slumped down in her chair.

We heard male voices, and Machete returned with another guy. He was younger. I recognized him as being with Shane earlier. He gave us a nod before he took the empty seat on my other side.

“Up, woman.” Machete stopped before Claudia.

She stood.

He sat down, hooking an arm around her waist and pulling her to sit on his lap.

I was glued to this scene. The main house could’ve exploded, and I wouldn’t have stopped watching.

My sister was enamored with him.

They shared a look, holding a moment, before she ducked her head. Her mouth curved up in a faint smile, and her cheeks pinked again. She moved in, settling against his chest, and I swear, she looked so comfortable she could’ve fallen asleep.

“I’m Stripes,” came a voice behind me.

I had to force myself to look away. The guy on my other side was holding up his beer. We’d met before, but it didn’t hurt for another introduction.

I gave him a small smile, clinking his beer with mine. “Kali.”

He nodded and sat back.

Stripes seemed content to drink and watch the party. Machete was the same. Claudia was quiet, seemingly content to rest in Machete’s lap.

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