But I couldn’t. I had to make sure Jacks was distracted. Even without a word or look from Brody, I knew why he asked us to come into the kitchen.
He wasn’t happy with Monica and he didn’t want to have the discussion in front of his daughter.
“So what did you have to show me?” Jacks asked.
For crying out loud, Brody. Why couldn’t you have given me a suggestion when you tossed me to the wolves? Or in this case, wolf.
“Uh, dinner,” I said. “We made exactly what you asked for. Hot dogs and cheese fries.” I leaned forward and whispered, “And I may have brought your favorite ice cream for dessert.”
Jacks’ face lit up. “Yeah! I’ve missed your cooking. Both Mom and my grandparents have a chef and everything’s always fancy and tastes weird. And when I ask for regular food, Mom gets mad.”
I could hear the murmur of their voices growing louder. Not good.
"Hey, let's go out in the backyard. Your dad said something about getting a pool and we should figure out the perfect spot for it."
"Really?" Jacks asked, her voice vibrating with excitement.
Ha! Take that, Brody. You shouldn't have thrown me to the wolves.
"Yep," I lied.
Jacks practically skipped out the door that led to the backyard. As I followed, I heard Monica's strident voice, but it echoed so much in the hall that I couldn't make out her words. Brody's deeper voice cut through, but it wasn't as loud.
"Do not start this shit, Monica, because you will not win."
I shut the door behind us. Jacks didn't need to hear her parents fighting. Hell, I didn't need to hear it.
Jacks and I walked around the backyard for about ten minutes before Brody appeared on the deck.
"Hey, what are y'all doing?" he asked.
Jacks jumped up and down and clapped her hands a few times. "We're picking out the place for the pool!" She ran toward him and jumped into his arms.
"What pool?" he asked, looking at me.
It was Jacks that answered. "Cam said you said you were getting a pool."
He looked at me and his expression said I was definitely in trouble. I shrugged and crossed my arms over my chest.I was in trouble?
He had no idea what it was like when I was pissed off.
Well, maybe he had a little idea since he'd grown up around me, but I was an adult now.
And a hell of a lot more devious.
"I think you should put it right by the deck," Jacks continued, oblivious to the looks flying between the adults around her. "That way you still have some yard behind it and we can play soccer and stuff."
"Uh..."
"Y'all can play all the soccer you want, I'm just gonna lounge by the pool in my bikini and drink something fancy and tropical."
At my announcement, Brody's expression changed completely. "I think you're right, Jacks. But it'll have to be a fairly small pool or it'll take up the whole yard."
"Small is okay," Jacks agreed. "But maybe with a slide?"
"Sounds good, darlin'. Why don't you go wash your hands and set the table so we can eat?"
Jacks gave her father a pleading look. "Can we do a picnic in the den and watch a movie while we eat instead?"
