“No.”
“If you don’t, I’m calling Mom.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“I would. Iwill. The second I hang up, she’ll be on the first flight to Chicago. You know she will. Plus, I’ll insist she stay with you to help you see the error of your ways.”
“Fuck. You seriously want me to go to her house? We’re talking about Matilda fucking Conklin.”
“I know.”
“You’ve got a thing for Matilda fucking Conklin.” Not a question.
“I do.” Shit, I just admitted it. “She doesn’t know, so don’t tell her. As far as she’s concerned, we’re friends. I need it to stay that way for now, so keep that big, fucking mouth of yours shut.”
“I can’t believe it.”
“What?”
“Of all the hot chicks in the world, of which you could easily get, you chose that.”
“If you call her ‘that’ one more time,I’llfly up and stay with you. I’m not as nice as Mom.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“Try me.”
“You can’t just up and leave the army when you feel like it.”
“I’m on administrative leave right now anyway. I can fly home if I want to.” I just can’t leave Ben and Becky right now. Besides, I’m back to work on Monday. I was finally cleared.
“Then why don’t you? If I take flowers to her, she’ll think I’m hitting on her.”
“No, she won’t, not after the crap you spewed at the restaurant. I’d better get a call from Matilda by the end of the day, or I’ll do what I promised.”
There’s silence on the other end. He’s taking too much time to consider his options.
“Do it, Adrian.”
I’m about to hang up when he asks, “Wait, why are you on administrative leave?”
“It’s a long story. I’ll tell you after Matilda calls me.”
“God. You suck.”
“Sure. Right.Isuck.”
ChapterTwenty-Two
Matilda
The bangingon the front door could wake the dead. It’s that urgent, loud sound that makes you concerned whoever is at the door wants to tell you your house is on fire. Opening the door, I stare, mouth agape, at someone I’d hoped to never see again.
“Adrian.”
He’s holding a giant bouquet of white carnations.
I hate carnations. They smell funny, among other negative characteristics.
