Page 128 of Lyrical

“Good chance if they’re coordinating costumes.”

She bolted for the door and held it open for them. “Hmm. A little too old for trick-or-treating, don’t you think?”

“Never too old, Mom.” Daniel came inside, smiling and bringing his sidekick with him. “Hey, Aunt Perry.” He waved, then grabbed a couple candy bars and stuffed them in his pocket. “This is Sophie.”

Jills and I exchanged glances. It was the first girl we’d seen him with since Cassie. Her instincts not to interfere had been spot-on. It only took a few more weeks before Daniel found out on his own, and as much as it’d hurt him, it would’ve been even worse if his mother had been involved in the breakup. It didn’t take too long to repair their relationship after it all went down. We didn’t know all the details, but unfortunately for psychoslut, she’d gotten a little careless with her computer. She had enough incriminating shit on there to make him question her loyalties. Maybe she was dumber than we thought. She should’ve known better living with a smart-as-hell IT guy, but thank fuck she didn’t. Knowing Daniel, he’d been far too gentle when kicking her to the curb, but she’d get it hard in the ass in the end. Her kind always did.

“Hi, Sophie,” Jills said. “Nice to meet you. You two look great, by the way.”

“Thanks, Mrs. Hudson. It’s so nice to meet you too.”

“It’s Nolan now, but please, call me Jillian.”

Chase came back into the room, “Monster Mash” jamming in the background. “And this is Chase,” Daniel said. “My mom’s husband.” I noticed she didn’t even flinch at the word ‘husband,’ and if I’d noticed, then Jills had a thousandfold. Sophie was already starting off way ahead of the game.

“My aunt, Perry.” I waved and Sophie smiled. I had a good feeling about this one, but she still needed to be checked out. “Now that introductions are made, I need to run and get that tie.” He squeezed Sophie’s hand. “Be back in a sec.”

“You’re already wearing one,” Jills said.

“Yeah, but I need one to match Sophie’s dress.”

We exchanged another glance.Definitely a couple.

Daniel headed for his old room, soon to be the baby’s. He had his own place but still hadn’t cleared out everything from the closet.

“So, Sophie,” I said. “Where’d you and Daniel meet?”

“At work. I was already there when he started so we’ve been friends for a while.” I don’t think it was my imagination when I saw her face darken.Friends, my fat ass.

“Ever been arrested?”

“Aunt Perry,” Daniel shouted from the bedroom.

“Go back to your ties,” I shouted back. “We’re just having a friendly chat.”

“Um, no,” she said.

“Even worse, have you ever taken any drama classes?” I lowered my voice so Daniel wouldn’t hear me.

“Drama classes?” Sophie appeared confused as all getout, and Jills gave me a warning glare. Hey, I was just doing my auntly duty. Wouldn’t want any history repeating itself.

Daniel came back with his tie the right shade of blue. He kissed Jills on the cheek and grabbed Sophie’s hand. “Thanks, Mom. We have to head out right away, but we’ll see you later.”

“Have fun. Let’s all get together soon.”

“Definitely.”

After goodbyes, Jills watched them leave. Either that or she was gazing longingly out the door for more trick-or-treaters. She knew the flocks didn’t usually come until later, but that didn’t stop her from wishing. She loved this shit a little too damn much.

“She seems nice,” Jills said. “Cross your fingers this’ll be a good one.” She turned to face Chase. “What did you think?”

“I think… I think I can’t stop staring at you in that dress.”

“Jesus, you two. Enough with the eyefucking already. I’m in the room.”

She giggled and he gave her a kiss. “I think I’d better go fix that spider web outside. I noticed part of it falling down earlier.” Another lip-lock. “Can I get you anything first?”

“I’d love some pumpkin tea.”

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