She’s always run interference between me and Maurice. I don’t want that to keep happening. “I didn’t like his involvement at first, either. But Maurice can’t make me do anything I don’t want to do. You don’t have to step in for me, Lot. He was right. He wants to protect you, and I can’t be mad at that. He told me straight up to deal with my shit. Gave me the kick I needed so you won’t have a man still half stuck in the past.”
“Don’t just do it for me, Dice.”
“It’s for us, Lot. You deserve a husband with both feet planted in the present, and ready to step into the future with you.”
Her eyes glisten, but she’s still questioning it.
“Told you I’m gonna wife you up, Web.”
“I don’t need a ring or a piece of paper. I just need you.”
“You got me. All of me.”
“I wish I could touch you and kiss you right now.”
“I want that too, baby.” I drop onto the couch, already warm. “What body butter are you wearing?”
“A new one. Raspberry parfait.”
“Mmm… sounds like something I’d lick off your nipples.”
She flashes me. Big and round with hard tips.
My groan’s instant. “Damn, Web.”
“That’s all you get for now,” she teases and slides her top back in place. “Gotta go or I’ll be late.”
“Go where?”
“Taking Queenie to playtime at Paws-itive.”
“You’re joking.”
“Dreya says socialization with other cats is ‘developmentally nourishing’.”
“Is that kumbaya code forit will stop her from tearing shit up?”
“She doesn’t do that anymore.”
“How’s Gob?” I ask, one brow arched.
“He’s lost the other eye, and I had to stitch up his arm. But to be fair, that’s her toy, not my stuff. She’s a changed woman.” Lot lifts Queenie into the frame.
“Hey, Queenie.”
Her ears perk up in recognition of my voice.“Meow.”
“I think she misses me.”
“Both your pussies do.”
I laugh. Lot’s a trip. The best thing that’s ever happened to me.
“Call me later, Web, and I’ll take care of you. Make that pretty little kitty purr.”
“Ooh, it’s a date.” She blows me a kiss, then the screen goes dark.
With her gone, earlier thoughts resurface… and the unsettling fact I’m meeting Hayden Watts tomorrow. A man who doesn’t sound like the villain I’d built up in my head for thirty-four years.
