Page 38 of Stella
“Don’t be late.”
When Dad leaves me to my own devices, I decide to whip out my phone and text Kai.
Me
What do you think is going on with Dad and Indi?
Kai
Who the fuck knows
Me
Language
Kai
Probably announcing what we’ve all been dreading
Me
Do not say the words, you’ll jinx it. And what would be so wrong with them getting pregnant?
Kai
Uh, a 21 year old age gap
Me
As long as they’re happy, that’s all that matters
Kai
I agree, but let’s not think about how old Dad is gonna be when a new kid graduates. Ew
Me
You’re just mean spirited. I miss you
Kai
Miss you too. See you at dinner
Me
You’d better be there
Kai
Wouldn’t miss it for the world
9
STELLA
I cursethe day Cash was born. I’ve spent all day cleaning like a freaking maid, and when Giggs, Rodeo and the newest recruit, Wheels, all come bounding in at once to check on my work, I do not miss the grins on their faces. Oh, so they’re a bunch of wiseguys, huh? I wave the mop at them as they laugh at me. “I’ve just had this down the men’s urinal, come any closer and I’ll wipe your faces with it.”
They move back, making different faces of disgust. “You been at it all day?” Giggs pulls his bottom lip in a baby motion and adds the sound effects to go with it. “Poor baby.”
