“But,” I continue while grinding my teeth at his dismissive tone, “Eden has nothing to do with this. I’ve had you by the balls for years now. Last time I’m gonna say it, Sheriff, so get your head out of your ass. I don’t use women. And you and me? We’re gonna be in each other’s lives until you take your last miserable breath, so I hope you live a long, healthy life.”
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” When I don’t answer, he laughs without humor. “You’ve got to be shitting me. She’s too good for a dirtbag like you.”
“Now, on that, we agree. It won’t change anything. She’s still mine.”
“Like hell she is. She’s going to wake up and dump your sorry ass, and I’m going to celebrate.”
“Well, don’t hold your breath while you wait for that to happen.” Then I pretend to think about it. “Actually, you should hold your breath.” I look around the yard. “Have your wife join you.”
He gives me a look of disgust while he takes meat off the grill and puts it in a serving dish. “Don’t talk about my wife.”
Eden comes out with her friends, each of them carrying a bowl. I take hers from her and put it on the table. She smiles but looks past me and frowns.
That’s when I notice a man of average height walking into the yard. A little boy and girl run to him, but he barely looks at them. The boy tries to take his hand, but he pulls it away, and the kid looks down in defeat.
“Asshole,” Eden mutters. “Tim, come over here, buddy.”
He looks up and runs to her. A few moments later, he jumps into her arms.
“My daddy’s here,” he says. “But he’s mad again.” He puts his head on Eden’s shoulder, then he finally notices me.
He waves his hand in my face, and I give him my usual curt nod. “What’s up, kid?”
He kicks his feet, and Eden puts him down. Then he takes my hand and looks up at me. “Wow,” he says. “Mommy gets mad when I write on my skin. Did you get in trouble when you did that?”
I snort. “Nah, kid,” is all I can think of to say.
Thankfully, he runs away and into the house. Eden’s sister comes out through the sliding glass door and notices her husband. She has the baby in her arms. She goes to him and tries to hand him the baby, but he moves away.
“I just got here. Can I have a damn drink first? Shit,” he hisses.
“I have them all day, every day,” she says.
“That’s your damn job.” He walks around her and notices me and Eden.
I’ve seen that little prick in town. He has lived his entire life in Shadow Cove and manages a car dealership in a neighboring city.
He gestures at us, then guffaws as if he can’t believe what he’s seeing.
“Your family can’t be serious, Sylvie,” the asshole says. “He’s allowed to be here?” He shakes his head in disbelief. “Your sister gets away with everything, doesn’t she?”
“You don’t have to be here,” Eden hisses. “Feel free to leave.”
“Don’t tell my husband to leave,” Sylvie replies. “Tell your tatted thug to go.”
“This is a new low, even for your family, Sylvie.”
Eden’s sister’s face crumbles at the insult, but not for long. She transitions from hurt to anger and directs her anger at Eden. I step between them to shield her from whatever bullshit she’s about to spew.
“Now, we have to eat with him?” the little prick adds.
“You want me to go?” I ask. “Put me out. Make me leave,” I challenge.
He stands straight and takes a step forward. Then he must think better of it because his steps stop.
I get closer and look down at him. “And disrespect Eden again. I dare you.”
Sylvie squeezes between us and pushes her husband away. They go in the opposite direction, and when she tries to take his hand, he yanks away from her.
