Page 36 of Stuck With You
“He was down the street and around the corner, sniffing a light pole.”
“Thank you.” It rushes out along with my relief.
“I’m Krissy. This ogre’s sister.” She tips her head in Slade’s direction. “I’m kind of bummed. I was hoping we could keep him.” She grins up at Slade, who remains deadpan. “He never let me get a dog.”
“I don’t know. He seems like a cat guy to me.” I glance up at him.
“Ya know.” Her finger taps her lips, her eyes growing wide. “You’re right. One of those long-haired fluff balls.”
Slade’s weight shifts, and I think I hear a soft groan.
I smile. “The kind that would drape itself all over him. I bet he’s a big, cuddly kitty underneath that thick layer of detest for all happy, snuggly things.”
Krissy’s mouth falls open. “Yes, and—”
“Mama. The b-bus?” Ollie points, and I hear the puff of the brakes as it stops two blocks down.
I check the time on my phone, avoiding the giant’s gaze beside me.
“You were taking the bus?”
I close my eyes, inhaling long and deep. “I was, but now . . .”
“Yeah. That’s not a great idea,” Krissy says softly. “I work in the ER, and there have been incidents lately. Usually at night, but still.”
My shoulders slump, and I finally give in, letting Frankie down. I grip her hands as she wobbles, working one foot forward and then the other.
Grover barks at Ollie, kicking leaves in the air.
“What’s the deal with Brandon?” I gesture across the street, distracting them from the bus conversation.
“Brandon was over?” Krissy rolls her eyes. “Did you tell him to take his wiener and go home? He sits in his driveway and watches everyone’s comings and goings. If you need something, the guys are over all the time.” She throws her thumb over her shoulder toward their house. “Come get one of them.”
I glance at Slade out of the corner of my eye.
Krissy squats to Frankie’s level. “How old are they?”
“Ollie’s five, and this is Frankie. She’s thirteen months.”
She tugs Frankie’s coat down and out of her face. “I usually work nights, but if you ever need a sitter, let me know.”
“Thanks,” I say, inching forward.
“Where were you going?” Slade’s gruff voice cuts in.
Crap. He’s still gnawing on the bus thing.
I glance at him over my shoulder, not needing a lecture. “I just needed to grab a few groceries,” I offer confidently.
“Oh, that’s perfect, then.” Krissy stands. “Slade was heading to the grocery store to pick up snacks.” She swats him on the shoulder with the back of her hand, smiling brightly as if she solved one of the world’s problems.
Slade glares at her, but she only smiles, completely ignoring him.
“He’s a real joy to shop with. Stops to chat with all the old ladies and swap recipes.”
His head rolls back toward the sky as if begging for help.
“Oh, that’s ok.” I jump in, needing to stop this in its tracks. “I’m sure Slade has better things to do, like perfecting his scowl and working to breathe fire out of his nostrils.”
