Page 41 of My Sweet Dollie, You Have to Love Me
“The worry of having to face your freak brother.”
My mouth dries at those words.
She’s worried about seeing me? The only person with whom she ever felt comfortable. That doesn’t even make sense.
Anxiety bubbles up my throat, but I swallow it down to listen to whatever else this dipshit has to say.
“But forget him for now. We’ll go to the prison and talk to him together and have this place sold before he even gets out.”
Oh, so they haven’t heard I’m home two years early for good behavior, under the condition that I meet weekly with my shrink and probation officer.
The quick kiss he gives her, with the slobber of wet chocolate-covered lips, rings in my ears. But her turning her head away sends a thrill up my spine.
I step back, avoiding her line of sight.
“I don’t want kisses right now.”
Good girl. You don’t want his kisses.
His lip print on her cheek makes me cringe.
“You just ate half of my cupcakes.”
“I took four.”
“And basically, told me they were average.”
“Lancie, don’t do this. I said they were fine. I know you find it difficult being back, but don’t take it out on me. You have way more than half left. Don’t be so spoiled.”
Her dipped shoulders and downcast gaze have my anger boiling.
“Maybe I am. I’m sorry.”
She isn’t spoiled. Her feelings are justified. So, why the fuck is she sorry?
My anger continues to boil.
I fucking hate Shane and would love an actual reason to waltz into the kitchen and hit him until his teeth ping out and roll under the cabinets.
But that wouldn’t please Dollie, who doesn’t want to see me for whatever reason, or my probation officer.
“It is hard being here.” Tucking a few loose strands of hair behind her ear, Dollie showcases an engagement ring but no wedding band.
A wave of relief washes through me after my stomach takes a quick dive.
It could be worse.
I hate Shane slightly less because nothing between them is legally binding. Not much, but slightly.
“Are you still okay to drive me back into town?” she asks him.
“Sure,” he shrugs.
“And you’ll ask people to try the cupcakes?”
He pauses and raises a questioning eyebrow.
“I just struggle with new people. You know that.” She doesn’t make eye contact with him.
