“There’s always chili,” he offers again. “You don’t want it until you do.” Paul glances at me again, this time longer. “You look pissed.”
“I’m fine.”
“Lie better.”
I scrub a hand over my face. “She pisses me off.”
Paul smiles without looking. “She’s got a knack for that.”
I stiffen. “You don’t know who I’m talking about, it could be…”
He chuckles. “Kid, I’m old. Just because my eyes aren’t as good as they once were doesn’t mean I don’tseeclearer than ever. Age does that to you.”
I lean back, stare at the ceiling, and my pulse finally slows.
“She doesn’t get it,” I say.
“Most people don’t,” Paul replies. “Question is, what do you think she doesn’t get?”
I open my mouth. Close it.
Paul nods, satisfied. “Yeah. That’s what I thought.”
Montreal scores. Paul grumbles a few curses.
“Go shower,” he adds. “Before you stink up the place.”
I stand up and head down the hall. Paul calls after me, eyes still on the screen.
“And AK?”
“Yeah?” I turn and look at him.
“Next time you’re that wound up, try sleeping, or running or maybe call the one causing you to need the ice and work that out.” He finally looks over and smirks. “Just do it before ten at night and after a shower. And tread lightly, because at your age, you see a hell of a lot less than I do, and you’re not getting the big picture with that one.”
“You wanna clue me in?”
“Absolutely not, that’s for you to figure out.”
“Not sure I want to.” I huff.
“Shit or get off the pot, kid. This family doesn’t need any more headaches because two bullheaded people can’t get along.” He looks at me. “They need you both, and admit it or not, you need them too.”
Chapter 10
Le Comptoir
Sofie
Me:
Day 2. Central Park loop, slow pace. Bow Bridge only if it’s calm. Deacon pushes the stroller.
Claudia:
That sounds like heaven. Savannah’s nap should line up if we start late morning.
Deacon:
