Personally and professionally.
“Want to come to Lake Anita on Tuesday?” she asks. “I know work has been a lot lately, but we miss you.Imiss you.”
If anyone understands how important my job is to me, it’s Mallory. It’s why she hasn’t brought up any of the girls’ nights I’ve missed because I was too busy drowning in work. Still, I feel guilty.
I sigh. “I have a ton of work to do, but I’ll be there.”
Kenneth grabs my carton of ice cream and dips his spoon into it. “I remember when you and Cade were inseparable. You two were practically in lo—”
“Stop.” I sit up. “Do you want to give my best friend little redheaded babies someday?”
Emerald eyes dart nervously between me and Mallory. “We actually haven’t decided if we want to—”
“That’s not what I’m asking you, Kenneth. I’m asking if you want to keep your dick attached to your body or not.” I scan my bedroom forsomething sharp. Tweezers may take an eternity, but they’ll get the job done.
“Very badly.”
I smile. “Then don’t finish that sentence.”
He shivers. “It should be illegal to be sixty-four inches of pure terror.”
Mallory wraps her arms around us both. “Quit it. Play nice you two.”
Because I love them, I’ll play nice with Cade too.
Chapter Six
“C.C.! Let me go!This is your fault!”
“No!” I scream, holding a wiggling Violet in front of me.
Mom grabs a heaping handful of flour and stalks through the kitchen like a tiger following its prey. “Taking a hostage won’t save you, Cade Charles! Even if it is my baby girl.”
I hoped using Violet would shield me from Mom’s wrath, but now we’re all covered in flour.
“Moooooom!” Violet screeches. “Help me!”
“I’m sorry, baby! Your brother dragged you into his mess.” Deep smile lines crease her face, but there’s a stern look in her eyes. “I can’t believe you went into that woman’s job and requested her! Have I not taught you anything about respect?”
As if on cue, Violet shimmies out of my grasp, and I take a powdery shot to the face, inhaling the flour like smoke.
“Yeah, C.C.! Learn some respect!” Violet mimics, sprinting to the living room for safety.
“It’s been four days! How much longer are you going to be mad?”
“Forever!” they shout.
If I had known every important woman in my life would be upset, I’d go back and sign with Trevor in a heartbeat. Mallory’s reaction was ten times scarier than the blow-up I’d expected.
MalPal
You must have a death wish. Or big balls. Either way, you’re stupid
You better be glad Kenneth loves you
Idiot
I love you too but I’m still mad
