Page 68 of Until Landon
“You three were best friends. Some women don’t even have one good man in their lives. Sally had two.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“You gave her a lot of happy hours, Red. That’s a big deal.”
His pale eyes find me, and there is gratitude for acknowledging the relationships others have most likely made fun of.
“She was so pretty. Didn’t you think so, Landon?”
“She was a beauty.”
It is not quite a lie. She made two men feel better about life and themselves, when everything was telling them different. That ability is more beautiful than any face.
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
Kim
“And don’t go snooping around in his things. It’s not your house. Be respectful.”
Confused faces mock me. So does their height, which towers over mine.
“Mom! We’re not interested in what the dude has in his house.”
“Just listen to what I’m telling you. Don’t embarrass me or yourselves.”
Bing grabs me in a bear hug and lifts me off the ground.
“Don’t worry little mama!”
“I’ll give you a little mama! Stop it! You’re confusing Biscuit!”
The dog is not quite sure if Bing is friend or foe. He does not move an inch but bares sharp little teeth in a warning to the man. I guess he doesn’t want to commit to a bark.
And I’m down.
Ronnie’s laughter can be heard from the kitchen, just as Landon comes back inside.
“You two ready?”
Bing answers with a dance toward the door. “Let’s roll!” A kingly smile lifts the corners of his mouth. “See you next week, peasants.”
Grabbing his duffle, Hunter gives a backwards glance.
“Bye, Mom. Bye, Ronnie.”
No kiss? Barely even eye contact? I hate the new rules. Now I’m feeling sorry for myself and have to act cheery.
“Bye! Safe trip.”
“Kim, don’t forget the bags,” Ronnie calls.
“Oh! I packed a few snacks for the trip.”
“Great!” Bing is onboard.
I move to the kitchen and retrieve the freezer bags of goodies made specifically for each man’s tastes. Dolly is hiding next to the refrigerator, but she’s facing out and making eye contact. Progress. Grabbing grocery bags of sodas and water, I return to where they stand waiting.
“You’re going to get hungry.”
