Page 102 of Moth to a Flame

Purposefully ignoring Vince.

This silence is awkward. Neither one of them seems like they’re going to do anything about it.

It’s my job, then, to break the ice. I’m grateful for the distraction, for being able to do something nice for Landon. Sure beats the constant, underlying thoughts of a certain parole hearing.

Offering Vince a smile, I ask, “Can I at least get you something to drink?”

Relief washes over him. Strange. “No, Regan, thank you. Actually, you’re one of the reasons why I dropped by.”

“Other than to scold me for skipping school?” Landon chops the cucumber, his head hunched, his tone sardonic. “Sorry, Daddy. I’ll be a good boy next time.”

“Yes, I came to see her.”

“Heard you the first time.” Landon slams both hands on the counter. Oh God, I recognize that voice. The fire bursting from him. “You came over to see my girl.”

I can’t help it. I burst out laughing.

“What?” Both men snap their heads in my direction.

“I’m sorry, I just…” I brush my knuckles under my eyes, swiping at the unshed tears. “First, Joyce. Now your best friend. Please, Landon, tell me you aren’t serious.”

He purses his lips into a thin line.

Then he smiles.

“Anyone care to fill me in?” Vince’s eyes dance between Landon and me.

“He’s jealous.”

“What the actual fuck.” Vince stands up abruptly, walks over to Landon, and stabs a finger at his chest. “You think I, out of all motherfucking people, would make a move on your girlfriend?”

“Fiancée.” Landon’s gaze lands on me while he’s talking to Vince. “And what the actual fuck yourself, treating me like I’m a child.”

“You got engaged?” It’s comical how Vince’s eyes go huge. “Without telling me? Without a ring? The fuck. I’m in the wrong movie. This isn’t you. No offense, Regan.”

“None taken.” If Rosemary dropped weird-ass out-of-character bombs on me, I would’ve reacted exactly the same.

“Also.” He turns to me. “Are you? Okay, I mean. Is this some kind of kidnapping, forced marriage situation?”

“Jesus fuck, man, is that what you take me for?”

Vince whips his head to Landon, leveling him with aare you serious right now?look.

“I’m here of my own free will.” I go over to the fridge, pulling out two bottles of water for Landon and me and one beer bottle for Vince. Poor guy looks like he could use a drink.

“Thanks.” He empties half of it with one gulp.

“You’ll always be okay around me,” Landon growls when I give him the water.

“I know.” I rise to my tiptoes, pecking his cheek. He growls again.

Vince takes his half-full beer bottle and returns to the stool. “Does she know everything, though?”

“That I’ve been stalking her?” Landon returns to chopping the vegetables. He’s done with the cucumbers, starting on the carrots. “Or that I’ve been tracking down the assholes who messaged her? If that’s what you’re asking, then, yes, she knows.”

“I do.” About other things too. Like the eyeballs and the toe we keep in the den.

Oh, right. We can’t have Vince going over there today. Good thing I remembered on time.

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