Page 77 of One Bad Idea
I was nearly finished with the notes when a loud knock sounded at the door. I looked up and saw Darla glaring at me through the glass.
Damn it.
Still, I tried to smile as I called, "Come on in."
She pushed open the door and said, "I'm not coming in. I'm just letting you know that I'm leaving for the day."
On instinct, I glanced toward the clock and felt my eyebrows furrow. It wasn't even four o'clock.
Darla said, "What, you're checking up on me?"
"Sorry, what?"
"I saw you look at the clock."
Oh, for crying out loud."Was I not supposed to?"
She pursed her lips. "Well, I can't say I'm surprised."
I sighed. "Okay, what am I missing?"
"I’m just saying, I know you're a tattle-tale."
"A tattle-tale?" I had to laugh. "What are we? In grade-school?"
She crossed her arms. "Did you, or did you not tell Jaden that I was causing a ruckus?"
"I didn't tell him anything."
She gave me a look. "You sure about that?"
"I just mentioned that you were here –andonly because he asked."
She gave a little sniff. "Likely story."
I'd had just about enough. I pushed myself up and said, "If you've got a problem with me, why don't you just say so?"
"Alright," she said. "I've got a problem with you." She gave me a smug smile. "There, you happy?"
"Thrilled."
"Yeah, and you're a little snot, too."
Isodidn't want to argue with her. "Listen," I said, "I know we got off on the wrong foot—"
"You're telling me," she snapped. "And just so you know, my daughter's not a 'horrible person.'"
"Okay, fine, I'm sorry, but what she didwaspretty terrible."
Darla lifted her chin but made no reply.
I tried again. "She lied to me about my friend. I was worried sick. Don't you think that's at least alittleterrible?"
"No," Darla said. "WhatIthink is that you and your friend are all hot and heavy for my boys."
I blinked. "Your boys? You don't mean—"
"Who? Jax and Jaden? Yeah, that's exactly who I mean."
