Page 64 of Redd

Sitting up, I gripped my knees and exhaled hard. “I can make them.”

Vicki snapped her head in my direction, gawking at me like she had just seen a ghost. I knew Redd didn't want me to talk his sister, so I looked at him when I spoke. Hoping he would sense the innocent nature of my offer.

“I don't mind, I'd be happy to do it. I watched my mom make them a bunch of times.”

Vicki turned to Redd, a small smile emerging on her lips. “Can she make them, Redd? I'd really love to have something other than pasta for once.”

“I make other things.”

“Sandwiches don't count, and neither do frozen meals.” Turning back to me, Vicki's face lit up with excitement. “You can really make them? You know how?”

Looking to Redd, I waited for some signal that I could speak to his sister. I didn't want to just stare at her like a mute, it felt wrong. And this was a mindless conversation, I couldn't see any reason for him to disagree with me.

But I wanted him to know I respected what he had asked of me. He didn't want me talking to his sister, and even if she was willing to tick off her big brother—I wasn't.

I didn't want to make him angry or upset, I didn't want to give him a reason to push me away. I needed him, and that need stirred something inside me, melting the block of ice around my heart.

Blinking, he gave me a quick grin and a subtle nod.

“Yeah, they're not that hard actually. I can teach you, then you'll know how if you ever want to make them again.”

Clapping her hands together, Vicki lifted praying fingers up towards Redd. “Please, Redd, can she make them for us? Please, please, please?”

Scrubbing his jaw, he smirked. “I don't know, I think an apology might help me make up my mind.”

“I'm sorry, I'm so sorry for being a bitch—”

“Vicki, the mouth.” Giving her a stern look, he furrowed his brows.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to swear.” Holding out her hand, she gripped his shoulder. “Can she, can she make them?”

Pursing his lips, Redd eyed me through the mirror. “What do you need?” Rattling off the list of items I needed, he shook his head. “Alright, we'll make a quick stop at the store. Vicki, I'll have you run in and grab the stuff, can you remember what she said?”

“She? Doesshehave a name?” Twisting to grin at me, she looked back at her brother. “I'd really prefer to call her something other thanshe.”

Redd turned his lips down, crooking his jaw. He was debating if he should tell her or not, if he should give her a nugget of information about the mysterious woman he brought home.

After a long second, he angled his head, side-eyeing his sister. “Bijou, her name's Bijou. But—” Holding up a single finger, he spoke with firmness in his voice. “You are not to mention a single word to anyone about her. Understand?”

“What? Redd—”

“Not a word, Vicki, I need you to just agree and listen to me on this. As far as you're concerned, she's not here. Got it?”

Thinning her lids, she tilted her head in wonder, but she didn't argue about it. There was no doubt she had a lot of questions, and for the moment, she kept them to herself. Shaking her head yes, she glanced at me then back at Redd. “Okay, I got it.”

“Bijou, when we get to the store, I'm going to need you to get back down.”

“Yeah, I know.” Pushing my back against the seat, I rubbed my thighs.

Vicki kept shifting her eyes between Redd and myself, but she kept quiet, despite what she was probably thinking.

Redd passed her some money, and she tucked it into her palm. Climbing out of the car, she closed the door and Redd watched her closely until she disappeared into the store.

“I'm sorry, I know you didn't want me talking to her, but I—”

“It's fine, I think my expectations for that were a bit far fetched.” Watching me through the mirror, he slipped his arm between the seats and started to rub my knee. “I just don't know how to answer her questions. I can't tell her what happened.”

“I understand, how the hell do explain that to a child?” A little chuckle escaped my lips, as I rolled my eyes. “That's not a conversation you'd ever expect to find yourself in.”

---