Page 103 of Stuck With You
“Fair enough,” she shrugs, stepping further into the garage. “You all skedaddled like a nest of field mice. I didn’t catch which one of you called Sarah an a-hole.” She crosses her arms.
I know women talk. I spent years listening to Krissy go on and on with ‘she said this’ and ‘she said that.’ In all cases, I couldn’t give two shits what they were talking about unless it had something to do with hurting Krissy’s feelings. But for some reason, I would like to know exactly what Sarah has said about me.
“That was Slade.” Wind throws a thumb over his shoulder in my direction as he pulls on a turkey leg. “Don’t worry, he calls us that all the time, but it’s filled with love.”
“I’m sure it is.” Her head falls to the side, studying me.
I hear snickers from the corner where Trig and Carson have settled with their beers on the workbench.
She lifts her chin. “So, you live here.” Her eyes squint a little, and her lips curve upward ever so slightly.
I’m unsure whether it’s a question or a statement, so I remain silent.
“Swade’s our n-neighbor,” Ollie says.
“Huh.” She strolls closer, and I put Ollie down, wondering where this might go.
“Let me see that ball.” Trig waves Ollie over.
Ollie tosses it to him and follows.
Roxie squares her stance beside me. “So, you’re the one who repaired her car and gave her a ride to work.”
I'm unsure whether this woman is questioning me or drawing some sort of conclusion. Either way, I’m not interested in discussing my time with Sarah.
She turns toward me, crossing her arms again. She stares at me long and hard as if she’s searching for something.
Her voice softens. “You know, she’s new here, doesn’t have a lot of friends, and is taking care of these two babies on her own.”
Sarah told me she didn’t have any help, but the additional confirmation is good to know. I watch Trig show Ollie how to grip the ball and then toss it to Carson.
“She’s not one to ask for help even when she’s drowning. It’s. . .really nice, the things you’ve done. Thank you for looking out for her.” She inhales and lets it out. “But,” her chin lifts, her eyes holding mine, “she’s had more than her fair share of heartbreak, so if you mess with her in any way, you’ll be walking around nutless. Andthatis a promise. Got it?”
I nod once, wanting to know more.
She smiles and pats me on the arm. “Good talk.” She takes two steps toward the door but stops. “Oh, you gonna be around next weekend?” She makes a circular motion with her hand.
I frown but nod again. “Yeah.”
“Good.” She smiles and spins for the door.
All three pairs of eyes land on me as the door closes, and Ollie runs after a rogue ball rolling out of the garage.
Carson and Trig join Wind, who’s conveniently done messing with the turkey.
“What the hell is happening next weekend?” Carson asks.
I run a hand over my beard, watching Ollie try to launch the ball across the front yard. “I don’t know.”
“Why the hell didn’t you ask?” Trig crosses his arms over his chest. “We’re moving Krissy, aren’t we?”
“Since you’re so good at listening to other people’s conversations, why didn’t you ask?” I snap back.
“Both of you hush,” Wind says, turning toward us. “You need to get in there and find out. If something is happening with Sarah or the kids, we should know about it. I like her, so your grouchy, sour-ass attitude needs to simmer down.” He points at me.
“Yeah, we like her,” Carson agrees. “If you screw this up, and she never wants to see your ugly, scowling face again, that’s tough shit for you.”
“I’m not screwing anything up. Nothing is happening.”
