It’s been just under two hours, total.
Aussie lets me into their room to retrieve my phone and return the keys. “How’d it go?” she asks.
I nod and remove the disguise. “Promising,” I tell her. “I can green-light a new batch of ad buys now.”
She hugs me. “Thank you for taking such good care of Dad, Aunt Case. I don’t know what we’d do without you. Especially Dad and Dec. Thanks for everything you do.”
I close my eyes and breathe. “Someone’s got to take care of those two goobers.”
I’m sitting in my car in the dorm parking lot when I text Declan via the Signal app. I told them I had work and errands I needed to get caught up on today, and if I didn’t spend tonight with them, I’d spend Monday and Tuesday nights in exchange.
You guys still awake?
He replies almost immediately.
We were hoping you’d come over. Get your stuff done?
I think about what to say.
Yeah. Was Sir mean to you today?
I laugh out loud at his reply.
You know He was. :( Said I have to hold it until you get here.
That settles it. I’ll definitely go over, if for no other reason than to play with my boy. If George was thinking about me enough to plan for the possibility I might come over…well, the least I can do is oblige.
I’ll let myself in. See if you can wait for your reward until then.
My stomach flutters at his reply.
Thank you, Ma’am! I love you!
I sigh.
I love you, too. boy. And George.
I set my phone aside and head for home. I want to brush my teeth and take a shower before I go to George’s.
Meanwhile, I reach into the bag on the seat next to me and snack on the chicken. Itismy dinner, after all.
I marinated it overnight in a mix of peanut oil, honey, and teriyaki sauce, and went as far as injecting the meat with peanut oil to make sure it was saturated with it.
By the time I return home, I’ve finished the chicken. I dispose of the bags and clean up, then take my shower, brush my teeth, and head next door.
Somehow, I have a feeling I’m going to sleep damned good tonight.
