“Aight, bet.”
“You up for going to see about your father in a few? It’s holiday season, meaning his old ass ain’t leaving Guuds no time soon. Figured I’d take him a meal.”
I nodded. Cool with me.
Chapter 2
Greene Harris
Iclosed my eyes, combing through my tangled hair as I moved through my living room. I couldn’t believe I had allowed my sister to guilt me into going into town with her. I say guiltbecause had she come out and asked, I would have told her flat out no. But instead she went on and on about how her insta-boyfriend had dumped her and she needed some air before I finally agreed to have a drink with her at Guuds. I should have stuck to my normal plans, which included catching up on my shows and finally getting some rest since I had no procedures or anything planned for the next two days, plus my son was spending the weekend with my father. As a matter of fact, none of my regulars hadn’t even called, so that meant I would have gotten to lay around and look a complete mess for the next several days. But no, I fouled that up. I had to play Captain Cheer-A-Hopeless-Romantic-Up. Unlike me, Raev fell in love at the drop of a dime. She saw love in any and everything, making it completely impossible to see the shit on the horizon. That was just Raev, and though I hated it, she was my sister. I’d always be there to pick her up because at the end of the day she’d do the same for me. We were three years apart and she was my best friend, had been that way since we were kids.
Once I had my hair detangled and in two plaits on the sides of my head, I moved into my bedroom to grab the fitted white tee I’d decided on. I had no interest in catching anything tonight, but I knew Raev did. I was literally just there to drive, give good conversation, and watch the scene. When it came to moments like this, I knew my space with my little sister.
The ringing of my phone had me squeezing the tip of my headphone to answer. “Hello,” I said, pulling my shirt onto my body.
“Hey, Greene. It’s me, Versai.”
“Hey girl, what’s up?” I greeted one of my best customers. She and Duhani had foals every year. In turn, my services were always needed over there at Guuds. I was cool with that because she was cool as hell and a cousin to one of my good friends, E. They were good people.
“Nothing much. Feeling like I’m about to pop at the same time as some of these mares.”
I laughed. “Considering you’re overdue, that is possible. How are you feeling?”
“Like a cow.”
I laughed. “Don’t say that.”
“I do. I’m at that point where I’m not comfortable and I don’t enjoy anything. But I swear I didn’t call you to complain. I’m calling because I think Lydia is close. Not within the next day or so, but before Christmas.”
“Good. Since this isn’t her first, we won’t be waiting too long. I’m honestly not worried about any of them, except that Bridget. It’s her first and she was already a fiery one at two hundred days.”
Versai laughed. “I told you she has that pick me energy. She lets Hani and Asher touch her just fine, but the moment I even look like I’m about to touch her, she acts a complete ass.”
I joined in on the laughter. “Yeah, that sounds like her. I’ll have one of the nurses come with me and make sure it’s a male.”
“Good idea.”
“I’ll come by Monday. Call me if you need me earlier, okay?”
“Will do. See you soon, Doc.”
We hung up at the same time somebody knocked on my door. I knew who it was, because within seconds whoever it was jiggled the knob. Only one person in my life had that much audacity.Raev.
“Stop being an old cow and open the door, G.”
I rolled my eyes toward the ceiling, then stomped to the door. When I had it open, Raev sent a mug in my direction before a smile filled her features. She looked so much like our father while I was told I favored our late mother. She died several years ago after a three-year fight with cancer. She put up a good fight, but in the end she lost, and that haunted me every day. As theoldest, she made me promise to care for my father and sister, something I had been doing ever since.
“You know you’re really beautiful when you smile. Too bad you like walking around looking as mean as a rattlesnake.”
I cackled. “So you say. This is my natural face, darling. Now let me lay down the law for you right quick. I will not be out until the wee hours of the morning. As a matter of fact, I’m only staying for two and a half hours. If you ask me, that’s reasonable. I am also not goin?—”
“Shut up. Everything doesn’t need to be timed. Let your hair down, grab your jacket, and let’s go. I’m driving.”
“Uh no you’re no?—”
“Yes, I am.”
When I looked outside, she was already rounding her car to the driver’s side. Now I knew for damn sure I’d be stuck with her if I allowed her to drive.Shit.
