Page 57 of All Yours

“I had a nightmare that I found her in my living room whittling a stake to kill me with while telling me a true crime story.”

Eden pantomimed whittling. “In 1974, Serial Killer Bob fashioned unique torture devices for each of his victims. Isn’t that fascinating?” She flashed an exaggerated grin.

I laughed, shifting in the seat. “I shouldn’t be laughing at this.”

Eden waved that off.

“His family was great and welcomed me with open arms.” I sighed and stared out over the water. It was unlike any family I’d ever experienced. Too bad it wasn’t real.

“Family can be overrated,” Eden said, reading my mind.

“Mine was. But his isn’t. They’re a good family.”

“Even Franny?” Eden asked under her breath.

“Potential murderess, aside.” A bead of sweat rolled down my glass of sweet tea and joined the ring at the base of the cup. “I mean, they get together on holidays, laugh, and have fun. They all seem to enjoy each other. I’ve never experienced a family like that.”

“I know what you mean. We had that until Granny died. Then everyone sorta scattered.” Her voice trailed off, and she stared off for a beat. “But it was nice for a while,” she said, snapping back to attention.

“Too bad it can’t last.”

“Why not?”

I stared at Eden for a beat. “You know why.”

“Do you still think that what y’all got going on is fake?”

“That was the agreement.” I stirred the ice around inside the cup using the straw.

Eden scoffed.

Adrian pushed through the door and homed in on Eden. “What the hell are you doing?”

“It’s called break-time, boss man,” she said without skipping a beat.

“Breaks are fifteen minutes.” Adrian stood at the end of the table, peering down at us.

“And you just walked in the door. For all you know, I just sat down.”

He growled.

“And who am I going to wait on, grumpy boss? The place is empty right now. Billy Sanderson’s at the bar getting shit faced, but Finn watching him.”

“Sloane’s here,” he said, putting his hands on his hips.

“And here’s the tea I brought her.” Eden presented the cup.

“She did a very fine job, too. You should give her a raise,” I said.

“I agree,” Eden chirped.

“Everyone else is afraid of me. It’s annoying that you two aren’t.”

“Wait, you want women to be afraid of you?” Eden asked.

“No wonder you’re single,” I said.

“I’m a big, scary looking guy to most people.”

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