I want to ask for more, but something stops me. I’ve already trespassed on so many of Devon’s secrets that I can’t bring myself to dig deeper. I want her to tell me these things—when she’s sober and alert. But if what Meredith is saying is true, what the hell am I doing letting myself obsess over all these details?
I spread my triple sixes on the table and Meredith doesn’t blink. Thank goodness Devon is asleep. She’d have a field day with Satan references. There’s a loud snort from the back room and I can’t help but smile.
Then Meredith lays down a full house and my smile disappears.
“This isn’t even fun anymore,” she murmurs as she pulls the chips back towards her.
“Yeah it must be hard. Winning all of our money every time we play.”
“Listen, I’m gonna go to bed, but you’re welcome to stay,” Meredith says, pushing back from the table. “Do you want to follow me back and watch me sleep, too, you fucking weirdo?”
I stare up at her.
“Good night, Meredith.”
“Sweet dreams, buddy.”
I sit at the table for a minute, nursing my beer, processing everything I’ve just learned. It’s not like Devon hasn’t been forthcoming. Shit, she’s given me more information about herself than I’ve gotten from any woman I’ve ever dated. Albeit unwillingly for the most part. Still. Here I am trying to dig under her fence when she’s hung a huge red sign for me in blinking neon lights. No trespassing. Off limits. Dead end.
And the truth of the matter is, everything in Philadelphia is a dead end for me. I’ve got eight more months here. Then it’s back to Chicago. Where I’m needed by my family—by my sister, by my niece, by my mother and the business. Their fence has a sign, too, but it says “Welcome Home.” I should be focused on my career. I should stop looking forward to the chance of seeing Devon like a virgin on prom night. I should get my shit together.
Should.
Sister, Sister
Tara: I’m stateside and I’ve got news. You up for a visit this weekend?
Devon: News!? Like you finally decided to move home?
Tara: Don’t be ridiculous. I’m taking you to dinner and then we’re going dancing.
Devon: I just got my boot off!
Tara: Exactly. Perfect timing.
Devon: And it’s the first week of school. You know how tired I get the first week.
Tara: Yeah. Must be tough to work four days after having a full summer off. I’ll leave work early and head down on Friday. Meet you at Del Frisco’s at six. Bring the crew.
Devon: Are you going to invite Mom?
Tara: That seems like a waste of breath. But I will.
Devon: Give her a visit at least. Before you come into Philly.
Tara: I always do.
Devon: Except for last time.
And the time before that.
And the time before that.
Tara: Bite me, perfect daughter.
Chapter Thirteen
Devon
