Dropping a few bills at Grannie’s, the coffee shop John’s wife owned, was a good way to kiss up.
She’s also Madi’s mother.
“Kissing ass won’t erase what you did,” Jay said.
“Jay.” John drew out the ‘a’ in what sounded like a warning.
“But,” Jay added, “Madi has informed us that she’ll kick our asses if we don’t let it go.”
“This is you letting it go?” I shouldn’t have said anything, much less asked a snarky question, but feeling corneredand outnumbered brought out some of my less appealing characteristics.
If Madi’s father could let it go, why couldn’t her brothers?
Jay growled, low enough so only I heard.
“It is,” Jack said, putting a hand on Jay’s shoulder. “Madi’s a grown woman, and what she does is none of our business.”
Jack looked miserable saying it. Jay looked miserable hearing it.
“Just do us a favor and stay away from her.” Jay looked like he’d sucked a lemon when he added a please after a semi-dramatic pause.
I didn’t expect to see her often, but Weatherford, Texas was a small town and I couldn’t completely avoid her. “I’ll be on my best behavior and treat her with nothing but respect when I see her.”
I respected the fuck out of her that night.
There wasn’t a power in the universe that could erase the memories that’d make the J-squad want to bleach their brains.
But I’d never tell, so their brains were safe.
Jay’s stare made me feel like he could read my mind, so I schooled my expression.
“Thank you,” Jamie and Jack said.
Jay’s reaction hurt the most. He, Nathan, and I were friends before my past with Madi came to light. Nathan and I were still good—it wasn’t his sister I’d slept with.
Weatherford’s a small town. Something else would happen soon, and everyone would stop talking about Madi and me.
I hoped.
For now, I’d keep my head low and do my job.
“I have a job for you,” Jay said. “Meet me in my office in ten.”
“Yes, sir,” I said with a sarcastic salute.So much for keeping my head low.
I couldn’t help it; Jay was irritating me with his over-the-top angry brother routine. It wasn’t like I’d done anything wrong. Two consulting adults spending a night together was a normal thing. He needed to get over it.
Jamie laughed and pointed at Jay. “Better you than me.” Jamie hated being called sir, so naturally that’s what everyone called him.
“Yeah, yeah,” Jay said.
Nine minutes later, I knocked on Jay’s open door.
“Come in.” Cate waved me in. She leaned against her desk, staring at a whiteboard covered with notes and pictures relevant to the case she was working. “Thanks for the coffee.”
“Morning, Cate.” I saluted with my cup. “You’re welcome.”
“If you really want to butter him up,” she tilted her head back to Jay, where he sat at his desk, “order extra muffins. He ate his and mine.”
