Page 95 of The Wrong Play

We blinked at him.

“Andthenshe asked if I ever wondered what people dreamed about right before they died. And THEN shelaughed. Not a normal laugh, either. Like a movie villain laugh. Like she had a body in her closet just waiting for the right moment.”

I wrinkled my nose at that. It wouldn’t matter soon enough because I planned on moving Riley in with me as soon as possible, but thinking of her watching my girl was unacceptable. Only I was allowed to watch Riley sleep, obviously.

Matty had my full attention now.

“Go on,” I told him.

He scoffed, like I wasn’t being super magnanimous.

I gave myself another pat on the back because my continued use of that word was excellent. Realbig brainmaterial. And they called Parker the smart one.

Scoff.

Matty ran a hand down his face. “So, at this point, I’m thinking I need to get somewherepublic, fast. I suggest we go grab some food because, you know, normal people do that.”

He sucked in a breath, eyes still wild. “Joke’s on me.”

Parker and I exchanged glances. “What happened?” Parker asked, like he already regretted it.

Matty threw his hands up. “She orders a glass of milk—with ice—stares at it for a full five minutes without drinking it.”

“Where did you take her?” I asked.

Matty stared at me aghast. “Does it matter?”

“I’m just saying…I wouldn’t exactly call you a foodie,” I noted.

“This coming from the man who thinks corn dogs and milk are a complete meal.”

“Says the person who’s never tried it. Trust me, if you’ve tried it, you would be talking differently. Ice-less milk, of course, though.”

“I took her to Ashwood Cafe. Are you appeased?”

“Appeased. I like that word, Matty-kins. Good job.”

“Me too,” Parker said with a grin. A supportive king right there. “But also, someone drinking ice with their milk is a sign of a monster.”

“True serial killer behavior,” I added so I could be supportive too.

He side-eyed me like he didn’t believe me.

“Continue.”

“I tried to keep it light. Make conversation. I asked her what her major was. She answers, ‘I study the way people fall apart.’”

Parker made a choking sound.

“She said this as the waiter showed up. He looked at both of us like we were nuts.”

“Probably prevented him from spitting in your food,” I offered.

Matty rolled his eyes.

“I ordered chicken?—”

“As one does when there are no corn dogs around,” I interrupted again.

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