Page 9 of The Loathing

“That you know better than to lock me away,” I answer him seeing as Betty has become mute all of a sudden.

He says nothing, just brings his China cup to his lips and takes a mouthful, sticking his pinkie up in the air.

“Dad,” aggravation rolls through me as I turn to look at him, his eyes meeting mine.

“Of course, I’m not going to lock you away,” he snorts a laugh, his hand moving back to his beard.

I smile at Betty and throw her a wink, “See.”

“Mmm, we will,” she rattles as she takes a sip of her tea.

CHAPTER FIVE

TITUS

Sitting at the table at Sara Beth’s I wait for Kaleb and Connie. I feel awkward; Arizona had agreed to come with me but has a headache and ducked out of lunch so now I look like a loner sitting on my own. Twisting my wrist to face me, I check my watch and it has just turned quarter past. They definitely said one.

Didn’t they?

I slip my phone out of my pocket and click on Kaleb’s name when I see him and Connie rolling through the door laughing.

I roll my eyes as I shuffle out of the seat and stand, pulling Connie in for an embrace, kissing her on the cheek. Kaleb holds his hand out and I swat it away.

“Nice of you to join me,” I groan, slipping back into the booth. “The waitress has been over three times asking me if I need anything.”

“Sorry Titus, we got a little…” Connie blushes, her cheeks turning crimson.

“It’s fine,” I grit when I catch Killian and Reese out the corner of my eye.

“What are they doing here?” I ask, as I hold the menu.

“Oh,” Connie says all surprised as she looks over her shoulder, her small dimples appearing as she tries to fight off her smile. “Must be a coincidence.”

“Hmm, seems it,” my jaw clenches as I shuffle further into the booth.

“Fancy seeing you here?” Reese giggles, her British accent strong as she slips in next to me, “Hi Titus.”

I hold my hand up and wave, Killian slipping in next to her.

“I feel ambushed,” I admit, my voice gravelly and low. “The day after your wedding and you decide to come here for lunch with us.”

“Ambushed,” Kaleb rolls his eyes as he rests his arm behind Connie.

“We don’t go away until next week, we’re going to Hawaii… I can’t wait.” Killian coughs, clearing his throat and Kaleb retracts his arm quickly from behind Connie.

I scoff a laugh, “Pussy,” shaking my head from side to side as I scan the menu.

“Remember when I was meeting Harlen here and you turned up Mr possessive,” Reese teases her husband, Killian, and he nods, his eyes glistening with happiness as he remembers the memory fondly.

“What are we eating? I need food.” I interrupt the small memory of sappiness.

“The lobster roll is good,” Reese pipes up, reaching over and pointing it out on my menu.

“Not sure on the lobster, doll.”

“It is really good,” she nods licking her lips, repeating her words again as if it’ll make me choose the Lobster.

“Is that what you’re going for, Buttercup?” Killian’s raspy voice floats over the table and I watch Connie roll her eyes as her dad pulls Reese closer to him.

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