The next thing I know, it’s nearly time for dinner.
I rub my face to wake myself up and stand, wincing from the pain. I’ve been sitting too damn long. After grabbing some painkillers, I join Terina in the living room.
“I see you two have been up to no good again.”
Bonny leaps off the sofa and prances toward me, showing off her new pink collar and matching pink toenails.
Rina beams. “Isn’t she adorable?”
“Are those skulls?” I look closer at the collar after I sit, and Bonny bounds onto the couch between Rina and me.
“Skull and crossbones! It’s a pink pirate collar for Bonny the pirate—isn’t it perfect?” She’s so tickled with herself, you’d think she found the cure for cancer.
I’m starting to realize that sort of radiance is a gift.
I think if more people had such a deep appreciation for the little joys in life, this world might be a tad more tolerable.
“I think you’re right,” I concede with a smirk. “The look suits her, and she obviously loves it.”
“Oh, I’m so glad you think so. We were a little worried you’d fuss about it.” Her teeth graze her bottom lip.
“If my girls are happy, I’m happy.” I pat Bonny’s rear. “Now, what are we going to eat tonight? I’m thinking it’d be a good night to order in.”
“That works,” Rina says quietly, her eyes soft and sweet as a fresh-baked cinnamon roll.
We decide on Italian—cliché, I know—and I put in the order. While my phone is still out, I get a call from my mom.
“Hey, Mom. What’s up?”
“Hey, sweetie. How’s all that work stuff going? You still have a house guest?”
Shit, I forgot about scheduling our monthly dinner.
I grimace. “Yeah, actually, not much has changed.”
“Oh, man. I’m sorry to hear that.” She pauses. “You think there’s any way you could squeeze in a visit? We sort of need to talk to you.”
“Yeah, um. We can make that happen.” I glance at Terina, who’s watching me closely. “What about tomorrow afternoon?”
“That would be wonderful, thank you.” The relief in her voice sends a trickle of unease down my spine. I’m not sure if it’s just guilt or something else bothering me, but her reaction seems odd. Whatever the reason, I’ll find out soon enough.
“Sounds good. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Looking forward to it. Love you.”
“Love you, too.” I hang up and stare at my phone.
“Everything okay?” Rina asks gently.
“Yeah, just need to drop by my parents’ place tomorrow. I’ll have to see who can come by to be here with you.”
“I’d love to visit Isa and get out of the house for a bit. Would it be okay if I met up with her at her dad’s place?”
I lift my gaze and meet her hopeful stare. “Yeah, if Cosimo will be around, we could do that.” I make the call and set it up, then Rina calls Isa. By the time we’re done, dinner arrives. We eat and watch a little television before calling it a night.
When I see her brushing out her rich auburn hair in the bathroom, my eyes snag on her movements. The long strokes of the brush. The way her chest presses forward, accentuating her nipples pebbled inside her snug camisole.
I’m suddenly ravenous.
