Page 63 of South of The Skyway

“I miss Noel.”

“Same,” I muttered.

“Why did that feel like four days’ worth of work?”

“Does she always field that many people?” Wrenly barked, blinking and rubbing at her temples.

“Sales weren’t any higher than usual, so I guess so?” I sucked down air right as the phone rang. A glance at the clock on the wall told me we were officially wrapped up. Thank God.

To Holland, I said, “Quick, lock the door before more show up.” She laughed but jumped to comply as I reached for the phone. “The Cracked Corset, this is Brexley. How can I help you?”

“Oh, thank God, you made it,” Noel said on a sigh. Whether she was mocking the nerves or actually battling anxiety, I couldn’t tell.

“Kind of. It’s official, you’re eligible for sainthood.”

“Please heal fast!” Holland added as my dog came meandering around the corner, looking glum.

“All the girls agree, Royal included.”

She giggled softly. “Well, it’s nice to be missed. How’d it go today?”

“I hate people.”

She chuckled, and then I heard her sharp intake of breath. “Not fair. You can’t make me laugh, it hurts too much.”

“Ooof, I’m sorry. You need anything? The girls and I stayed on top of side work today. I can bring dinner?”

“Uhh, I’m not sure…”

“It’s honestly no trouble.”

“I think Eric is on his way back.”

“That’s fine. I’ll get stuff for him too.” Asshole. “I really don’t mind.”

“He’ll probably want the house to himself.”

Scowling, I cleared my throat. “Oh, okay. That makes sense.” No, it didn’t. She needed her support group. “I’ll come by tomorrow after the lunch rush.”

“Okay,” she said, perking up. “I’d like that. So…? Have you heard from Rhyett?”

I laughed, blood warming my cheeks. She’d gotten the full debrief when I’d taken her the duffel bag full of belongings. “He texted me this morning, but I haven’t responded.”

“And why the hell not?” I could practically hear her glowering at me as I pinned the phone between my shoulder and ear, wiping down the counter. A nervous laugh bubbled up my chest.

“I don’t know, Noel. I lose control around him.”

“And?”

“AndI hate that. We don’t need the distraction. We have enough going on right now, and if I’m ever going to write my own book, I can’t afford anything else.”

“Listen real clearly here, Brex. So help me, if you don’t go after that man, I'm beating you senseless when I’m out of this bed.”

“I don’t think your doctor would approve of the violence.”

“The cast doubles as a bludgeoning instrument.”

I gave a breathy laugh, my hand hesitating against the damp rag as the girls both retreated to the back to fetch bags.

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