“Okay, I would. But, sadly, not this time.” He tuts. “You told the world and didn’t think to inform your family—”
“Yes, yes, it was very thoughtless.”
“More like boneheaded but... You said you’d tell them!”
“I thought I had more time!”
“You forgot, didn’t you?”
“Shit.” It really was more a “pretend I don’t have to and it will go away” thing, but... details.
“Mom and Dad are hella pissed. I’m surprised they haven’t called you.”
Note to self: Don’t answer the phone again without looking at who’s calling.
“So...” March drawls with far too much glee. “Whatcha doing?”
“Driving to rescue Pen. She’s already in the clutches of the Wonder Twins.”
“Jaysus, no. She’s doomed.”
Fucking hell.“I know!”
“How the fuck did they get to LA so fast?”
“Man, I don’t know.” I had assumed they were safely in Boston attending classes. Shows what I know about my sisters.
“Doesn’t matter. They’ve invaded your territory.”
“Not helping, March.”
“The real question is, why are you wasting time talking to me? Go save your girl, asshat.”
“On it.” I hit End and punch the gas.
At the next stop sign, a slow-moving delivery robot toddles along. The thing takes forever to get back up on the sidewalk. As soon as it does, I’m off again, hunching forward as if the action can somehow get me there faster.
Finally—finally—the turn into Pen’s driveway appears. Thankfully she already gave me the code and a key.
Now that I’m here, I approach with caution, parking the Grouch on the far side of the carport instead of in a garage. Stealth is needed. I want to find Pen before my sisters find me.
Anxiety for Pen has my fingers twitching and heart pumping. Sneaking around the side path, I send her a text.
LuvGod:I’m here. Where do you want to meet?
It takes a second, then she answers.
Sweets:Bedroom
Now is not the time to make innuendo. Oh, but I want to. Anything other than contemplating my upcoming conversation with The Sisters. Fuck, but they’re terrifying. The only thingworse would be my mother.Don’t tempt fate that way, asshole.Quickly, I cross myself.
LuvGod:I’ll be there in a sec. Sneaking in now
A couple of dots spring up on the screen but then disappear. I’m going to guess she’d rather ream me out in person. Silently, I move past the side yard and toward the pool where I can sneak into the bedroom via the back door. The sound of feminine laughter has me halting. Okay, they’re by the pool.
I switch course and return to the front door. Inside, it’s cool and quiet. The house already smells of Pen—a faint smokey sweetness. Her perfume? Scented body lotion? I want to find out.
Later. Focus, Luck.
