Page 133 of Come Back to Me

“No!”

“Then, what’s the problem?”

Zee eyes me, making it known that she’s still unhappy with me being Butch Cassidy. In all honesty, I’m surprised she hasn’t confronted me about it. Which makes me think Tee has her on a short leash.

“Seeing as Callan took the rest of the breakfast muffins, may I have a cookie?”

Luck pushed, she graces me with a gimlet stare, but it’s Tee who grouses, “He used ‘may’ and not ‘can,’ Zee. He deserves a cookie.”

Zee sniffs. “Grammar police.”

“Grammar marshal,” Tee corrects, but her eyes are back on her phone.

It’s crazy to think this is a milestone passed, but the encounter has me hiding a smile. A smart move because Zee slides the platter of decorated cookiesatme. “You can have one.”

Because there’s a warning in there, I nod at her. “Thank you.” To Tee, I ask, “You still good with coming to check on Mrs. Frobisher?”

“Sure. What time?”

“Eleven.” I clear my throat. “If you unblock my number, I’ll let you know if today is or isn’t a bad day for her.”

Her eyes lock on mine, but she doesn’t give me a clue if shehasblocked my number or not.

“Didn’t realize you were into fishing, Cody?” is her answer.

“A wise man tries.”

“A wise man knows when to back off.”

Holding up my hands, I retreat. “See you at eleven, unless I hear from Bast.”

“Fine.” She dips her chin. “I need the bathroom.”

I make to leave too, but not before a rolling pin whacks me in the back. “Holy fuck, Zee!” I’m not ashamed to admit that I shriek.

That hurt.

“You deserve that and worse.” She points her piping bag at me. “Colt told me he discussed the situation with you. I don’t see you fixing anything. You’re on notice. You hear me?”

“You could have killed me, woman!”

“Not for want of trying.” She sniffs. “Fix. It. If I hear her playing Moonlight Sonataone more goddamn time, the rolling pin won’t get you in the back, but the head.”

“I’m working on it! And that’s a threat of murder?—”

“I might look sweeter than syrup, but Tee’s supported me through blizzards, boyfriends, and burials.” She brandishes the piping bag at me again. “You’ve been warned.” Then her gaze turns limpid when the restroom door opens before she hisses, “What are you still doing here?”

Like a smart man, I lift my hands in surrender and get the hell out of Dodge.

Letter

Tee,

I’ve always aspired to be nothing like my father, but after how I treated you, a part of me wonders if we’re cut from the same cloth.

I guess I’m writing a letter you may never see because after talking to you this morning, I’m desperate.

I need to get my feelings out somehow and I’m at a loss, so this is my solution.

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