Page 182 of Scatter the Bones

First thing I do—before unpacking, before even sitting down—is call Margot.

She answers on the first ring.

“Hey,” she answers, all soft and almost sleepy sounding.

Fuck, I needed to hear her voice.

“Hey, little lady death.”

A soft laugh rustles over the line. “Did you land okay?”

“Yeah. Just got to the hotel.”

“How is it?”

“Nice. Real fuckin’ nice. Glad I’m not the one paying for it.”

Another bit of laughter, then hesitation. “How does your leg feel after all that walking?”

“Fine. Little sore.” I ease back against the stiff hotel chair, stretching my leg out. “I miss you already. Really wish you’d been able to come with us.”

“I miss you too,” she answers, a bit clipped. “How was the private jet?”

“Fuckin’ nice. Kinda sucks ‘cause I think I have to fly back commercial.”

“Awww, you’ve been spoiled.”

“You miss me?”

“Of course,” she answers immediately. Matter-of-fact. No hesitation. Even though I’d been a bit of a dick, pestering her to take the time off and come with me to Vegas.

“Miss you too.”

“I really do wish I’d been able to go with you guys,” she says softly. I picture her curled up in her lounge chair with Gretel in her lap and a stack of books next to her. “You know that, right?”

“I know. Sorry I’ve been a prick about it.” I need to get it through my head, not everyone can just fuck off to Vegas for a week whenever they feel like it.

Silence hums for a beat. Did she hang up?

“It’s okay,” she finally says.

“How was your day?” I ask.

She sighs. “Helped a cantankerous family plan a memorial service. Handled two cremations with Paul and probably have a pickup later tonight.”

Jesus, that’s grim. “Sorry.”

“It’s what we do. But I feel better now that I’ve heard your voice.”

Damn that fucks me up. “Me too.”

“Be careful. I know you’re there to watch Griff’s back but?—”

“Honestly,” I hope this will ease some of her concern, “it sounds like I’ll be tagging along with Rooster, Shelby, and Molly so the girls can do some dress shopping.”

She breaks into giggles. “How fun for you. Well, tell the girls to send me pics.”

My chest squeezes. No jealousy. Margot knows I belong to her.

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