Page 28 of Single Teddy
A loud, piercing sound shook me awake, and as I sat up, the book fell on the floor.
“Did I fall asleep?” I asked no one in particular and checked the time.
It was six in the evening.
“Gosh, definitely,” I said, and the bell rang again.
I picked up the book, put it on the coffee table, and then walked to the front door to answer it, straightening my glasses that had got all crooked from my impromptu nap..
It was none other than Ruby with our youngest sister, Lexi, in tow.
“Hey,” I said. “Did we have plans?” I rubbed my eyes and looked around as if the house would answer me.
Ruby looked at Lexi and rolled her eyes.
“No. But we knew you’d be holed up at yourbrand-new homeagain, so we thought we’d stop by and drag you out for dinner.”
I stepped aside to let them in, but they didn’t come inside. I yawned and cleared the gunk out of my eyes before I answered.
“I’m not holed up, and you don’t have to saybrand-new homeso disparagingly.”
“I wasn’t disparaging yourbrand-new home. I was mocking it. Well, you. Ever since you bought the house, you’ve become a hermit. Now come on. Get dressed and we’ll get going.”
I groaned and walked back to the living room. If they wanted to come in, that was their choice.
“I’ve already taken the chicken out of the freezer. I was going to make chicken cacciatore. You’re welcome to join me,” I said.
Ruby marched right inside, grabbed me by the shoulders, and spun me right round.
“I’m sorry, but I’ve got a craving for Joey’s burgers, so thanks, but no thanks. You’re coming out.”
“I’m already out,” I said.
Lexi snorted.
“You’re not that funny, Wes. Go get dressed. We’re painting the town red tonight.”
I grimaced.
“Do I have to?”
“Yes!” Ruby and Lexi said in unison.
“Fine,” I groaned. “But next weekend is mine and mine alone.”
I climbed the stairs up to my bedroom, but I didn’t miss Ruby muttering, “We’ll see about that.”
Ten minutes later, I was semi-decent and rejoined my sisters, who dragged me into Ruby’s car.
When we stopped again, we were outside The Outpost on the very edge of Cotton Beach, where it overlooked the sea. The waves lent a soothing rhythm to our moves as we climbed up the front deck of Wyatt Goodman’s bar and walked inside to a lively, buzzing atmosphere.
“So, how’s the husband?” Ruby asked, and we took a seat next to the bar.
I turned to Ruby and stuck my tongue out.
“How very adult of you,” she said.
“What husband? What did I miss?” Lexi asked.
