Page 25 of Stick Play

“No, not funny at all.”

“You’re visualizing it, aren’t you? Me on a small kids sled with my knees at my chin and then ‘punching’ myself in the face.”

“No, but I guess technically it’s kneeing yourself in the face.”

“I’m going to get you a cinnamon roll. They always make me feel better.” Zoe darts into the kitchen and when she’s out of ear shot, I reach for Gina’s arm.

“You’re fucking laughing,” I say my voice low, for her ears only as I pull her toward me. Her hair falls forward, framing her beautiful face, her eyes bright with laughter as she bites her lips to keep them from curling upward. Jesus Christ, it’s all I can do not to kiss her. But with everyone watching, that would send the wrong message and forget about the kids getting the wrong idea, my dad would cling to that like dryer lint to cotton.

“How about we get the kids upstairs. I actually think they could all use a nap.”

Zoe comes running back with a plate of cinnamon rolls. “Here you go Ash, this will make you feel better.”

“Thanks,” I grumble and accept it. I carefully bite into one. “You’re right, Zoe. I do feel better.”

Gina waves her hands. “Okay, kids, time to head upstairs.”

“Why don’t you go ahead, too?” Carla suggests. “Andre and I can finish up here, and lock up.”

“Are you sure?” she asks, already going for the ties on her apron.

Carla leans in. “I think you have your hands full.” She gives a playful wink full of mischief. “And if they aren’t, they should be.”

“I’m right here,” I say, and Carla lets loose a laugh and throws a tea towel over her shoulder as she walks away.

I catch Gina’s eye. “I thought this was supposed to be a secret.”

“It is, she’s only speculating.” I look around her.

“She’s not the only one,” I grouch.

Gina follows my gaze, and grins as my dad plays some game where he holds his thumb up and index finger out on one hand, doing the opposite on the other and switching. The kids keep trying, only to fail, cause it’s damn hard and took me forever to get it.

“I like your dad. He’s really nice.”

“Yeah, well, be careful or the next thing you know he’ll be wanting to walk you down the aisle. He likes to meddle in my life.”

She laughs. “Nope, not going to happen.” She crinkles her cute nose.

“I should have left him in Colorado.”

“You don’t mean that.”

“I know.”

She laughs. “Come on, let’s finish these upstairs.” She picks up the plate of cinnamon rolls. “Come on kids. Time for a nap.” They all grumble about not wanting a nap as Gina ushers them toward the stairs. She stops and glances back as I walk toward Dad, who’s tugging on his coat and hat. “Grant, would you like to come up for a cinnamon roll?”

I groan under my breath, and Dad smiles at her. “That’s a lovely offer, Gina, but I must get going, though. I have an errand to run.”

Gina makes her way up with the kids, and Dad grins at me. “I can see why you like her.”

“Dad, I’m helping out a friend. She was stuck in a bind.”

“A bind? Like with ropes?”

“Oh, my fucking God.” His playful grin tells me exactly where his mind has gone and no I’m not going there with my dad. Sometimes I wonder who the adult is in this relationship.

Dad puts his hand on my shoulder. “No need to cuss, son. I get it, you were helping her out with the kids. Lovely kids they are, too.”

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