Giving Sophia a nod as I rush by, boxes fly as I get her food prepped.
“Busy night?” Her big blue eyes blink at me while she holds out her card.
“Fuck no,” I exhale. “I just need to clone myself.”
“Oh.” Her mouth turns up into a crooked smile that reminds me of her brother. “That’s kinky.”
“Easier than finding someone who doesn’t mind being yelled at.” I shrug, digging two beers from the almost empty cooler below the bar.
“I know what you mean. I yell at Sawyer all the time, but I don’t think it matters.” Her irises roll toward the ceiling.
“Well, send his skinny butt up here, I’ll whip him into shape,” I say wryly, matching her pace to deliver the drinks.
“Maybe I will. He’s been trying to make pizza the last few weeks and could use a lesson.” Her laughter follows her out the door, emphasized by the bell on top.
Wait. He’s been practicing?
Chapter 5
Sawyer
Now that Scotty isbusy all day with class and fucking homework, it makes playing Call of Duty way less fun.
Instead I’m just stretched out on the living room carpet while my baby brother bangs on some colored blocks while I doomscroll on my phone.
“Jack, buddy, pal,” I say quietly. “Please don’t hit me with those. Owee.” I point at my knee where he’s bounced his toy off me a dozen times already.
His incoherent babble reply sounds serious before he wallops me again with the edge of a “Q” square.
Geez. He’s barely over a year and swinging like a bite sized George Foreman.
When I sit up to gently push his violent little body out of arm’s reach, I catch a whiff of death coming from his very ripe diaper.
“Dude,” I grumble and push up from the floor, lifting him under his arms so nothing of his lower half touches me. “Let’s go find your mom.”
I’ve tried, I really have, to help change him.
But my nasty urge to hurl up my guts always wins.
“Lori?” I knock lightly on her bedroom door.
I know Dad’s out on range this afternoon. The chances of interrupting them is zero.
Seeing her sleepy smile when she opens her room makes me feel a little guilty.
“I need a bomb squad.” Jutting out my arms, I hold the squirming toddler out to her. “Sorry.”
Her brows raise. “Don’t apologize! I got a nap in while you kept him busy. I appreciate it.” She pulls Jack to her chest and turns to the changing table.
How she can do that with him stinking so badly is beyond me.
My nose wrinkles watching her kiss the top of his head before she lies him down.
Crap. She’s fixin’ to open the hatch.
“I’m gonna go find something.” I drag the door shut quickly before I’m gagging.
I can shovel horse shit all day, but that yellow-brown smear that comes outta that tiny butt grosses me the fuck out.
