Page 110 of The Mountain Echoes
“Sorry, girl, it’s Sunday night. I gotta be at The Blazing Saddles,” Earl says, wiping his hands on a rag. “Mandatory poker game; you understand.”
Earl plays Sunday night poker with friends at a titty bar at the edge of the canyon. According to him, it’s tradition and ritual.
I roll my eyes.
“I’m learning poker,” Tomas adds, nodding. “Can’t miss that.”
“You corrupting this young’un, Mr. E.,” Joy admonishes.
Earl pats Tomas. “A man needs to learn poker.”
“In a titty bar?” She arches an eyebrow
“The Blazing Saddles is a titty bar?” Earl frowns. “You notice that, son?”
“Me?” Tomas shakes his head, pretending to be the innocent he’s not. “I only see the cards on the table, Earl, you know that.”
Nadine waves a wooden spoon from the kitchen. “Vera and I got a book club meeting.”
“We read a Sadie Kincaid book,” Vera says like it’s a secret.
“Oh, was it the latest one? Where the wife and husband who’re getting divorced have kinky sex in a hotel?” Joy asks conspiratorially.
“You bet.” Nadine nods eagerly. “We’re having the ladies come over to Vera’s.”
“You gonna talk dirty stuff with Benji around?” I ask.
“Benji has a sleepover,” Vera says smugly. “So, sadly, none of us can join you, Aria.”
Joy eyes me with a look that says, ‘You’re all out of buffers and excuses, baby.’
I chuckle, can’t help myself. “Alright, alright. I’ll be there, Joy.”
Earl tips his hat with a smirk. “You got this, boss. Just don’t let those fancy folks talk you into drinkin’ anything pink.”
“Or dancin’ with anyone who can’t tell the front end of a horse from the back,” Tomas warns.
I tilt my head, more entertained than I should be.
“Six-thirty,” Joy orders, getting back into her car with the look of someone who achieved a momentous goal.
I text Maverick, just to make sure he’s okay with it.
Me:Your sister invited me for dinner…tonight.
Maverick:I’ll make sure my grill game is at peak efficiency.
Me:You don’t mind?
Maverick:Come over for dinner every night. Hell, Aria, stay every day and night with me.
Okay!
Yeah, well…what?
No way. No. No. No. I’m not ready for any of this.
I put the phone away like it burned my hand.
