Page 88 of Fluke
Brooke smiles knowingly. “Okay, I’m going out on a limb here, but are you seeing Jess Carmichael, by any chance? Because there can only be so many Pippasin the world.”
“Actually, I am. Well, sort of. We’re seeing each other but not really?” I shrug, wishing I had a better explanation.
“Heads-up that Damaris has made you family. She takes Maddox’s wife, Ashley, and me out to lunch once a month—and we do a little shopping or whatever. Anyway, we’re going later this week and she’s already mentioned inviting you.”
I gulp.She did?
My face grows hot as I try to choose which part of this to focus on. Do I lean into theoh, my gosh, this is going entirely too fast and is getting out of control? Or do I ignore that and hear what she just said—“Damaris has made you family.”
Brooke giggles. “I’ve worked for their family for years—well before Moss and I became a thing. So I understand what you’re feeling right now because I had the same experience.” She shrugs. “Once they mark you as theirs, there’s really nothing you can do about it.”
“You didn’t tell me anything about a boyfriend,” Honey says, a hand on her hip. “What am I, chopped liver?”
Brooke and I laugh.
“I know that Jess Carmichael,” Honey says. “And he’s a …” She whistles. “Back in my day, we would’ve called him a hunk.”
“Honey …” Brooke says cackling.
I love this—this feeling of being included. I barely know these people, really, and they’re treating me like I’m a part of the group.Part of the family. But I don’t know what to do with it.
Especially because …I’m not.
“Kixx has decided you’re his favorite out of us,” Brooke says, grinning.
“Really?”
“Apparently, you have the same sense of humor.”
I bite back a smile. “I made a joke about Jess’sbig cock.”
“That’s what I’m talking about,” Honey says, nodding her approval.
I can’t stop the giggle that pours out of me.
Brooke snorts. “I’ll explain later, Honey.” She leans back and looks out the window. “Jess is at your house.”
My heart leaps in my chest and, suddenly, I forget about everything else but him.
No nasty mothers. No rotting veggies. No lunch invitations that I hope I get but also don’t.
I kiss Honey on the cheek. “I’ll see you when I get back. Brooke, it was nice to meet you.”
“I’m sure I’ll see you around.” She smiles. “Thanks for looking out for Honey. She’s talked about you nonstop since you moved in.”
I think it’s more like Honey adopted me, not the other way around. Somehow, she just knew I needed a Honey in my life too—and she stepped to the plate.Well, with a plate—of pork chops, but it’s the same thing, really.
What a wonderful, woman. I want to be like her when I grow up.
“It’s not a chore to hang out with her.”
Honey pats my arm. “It’s kismet, don’t you think?”
“What?”
She grins. “Nothing.”
“Go,” Brooke says, laughing. “You havea hunk, as my grandmother likes to say, waiting on your doorstep.”
