Page 2 of Fever

“He didn’t.” Disbelief won’t let me face reality.

“For me and Andy.”

“How does he know you’re dating Andy?”

“I told him.”

“You’re BFFs now?”

“We’re gonna be in-laws, dear.”

I gape at her.

“Leah, I know a thing or two about men. This one is not going anywhere. He will pursue you to the end of his days.”

“Is that not alarming to you? I have a stalker.”

She shrugs. “Well, you never told him no.”

I gasp. “I’m trying to avoid him.”

She tsks. “Is it because he’s green?”

“Oh my God, no. It’s not ’cause he’s green.”

“Mm-hm. You’re avoiding him, all right. Child, please.” She lifts a palm. “You look at him like you wanna lick him. I’m doing both of us a favor.”

“My name is Feveeeer,”he sings at the top of his lungs.“I will never leave her.”

“My name is Feveeeer. I am the ultimate achiever.”

Enter the thudding beat.

Mom taps her foot.

“My name is Feveeeer. Orgasms I deliver.”

Mom chokes on her coffee, nearly spits it out, but swallows at the last moment and starts laughing.

“Don’t encourage him.”

The drum beats get louder, and he’s definitely got the rhythm going now. It’s a full-blown concert, and he’s the star. If I look out the window, I’m sure the neighbors are out there.

I hear clapping sounds.

Yup, there they are, clapping along with his drumming.

“Here comes the encore,” Mom says and bobs her head.

“Christ.” I try to push past Mom, ready to march out there and strangle him.

Mom won’t move out of my way. “Hold on, girl. Wait for it. Here it comes.”

“My name is Feveeeer, I make the pussy quiver!”

Mom throws back her head and laughs. She turns and leaves, rolling her suitcase behind her, and waves at me while walking down the hall. The front door shuts behind her, and I rush to the window. Mom pats—pats!—the Hordesman on his bald head and mounts a hound behind a Horde male. I can’t believe my eyes. We have a perfectly fine vehicle in the garage. But no, my mother rides a hound, arm wrapped around a Horde male. A big grin on her face, she waves at me again.

I march though the hallway, turn left before the kitchen, and open the front door.

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