She nods.
“Great. Fidget, go back to bed.”
The dog’s mouth drops open.
“No, Fidget has to come with us.”
“…never getting great-grandchildren. I’ll be dead and buried—”
Winnie slams the front door after us.
It’s drizzling. Fidget immediately collapses and howls.
“You see? This is why—” I blow out a breath. “Fidget, get it together.”
Winnie tries to pick her up.
“Just—” I grab the dog and take her to the waiting SUV.
“Isthe security at my house yet?”
“Yes, see?” I show her my phone where I’ve texted with my brother.
Crawford calls.
“Oh!” Winnie perks up. “Security is your hot brother who just oozes confidence and sex appeal?”
“That’s the one.” Crawford laughs on the line.
“If you’re calling aboutper diem—” I threaten.
“I’m calling about how this is not only not free, it’s late-fee extra.”
“Family truly means nothing to you people.” I hang up. “Don’t worry, Winnie, he’s good at his job. He’s also heavily invested in this saga. He was here when Temu stalker showed up.”
“Aww, he didn’t rescue me?” A smirk plays on her mouth.
I push her back onto the couch. “You’re seriously going to fuck with the guy who broke into your house, watched you while you slept?”
“No, I’m fucking the guy who stocks my fridge and changes my sheets.”
“You should change them weekly, or more because you let that dog stay with you,” I whisper to her.
Fidget has worked the top off the Tupperware and is wolfing down her stew.
“I can’t believe my parents are feeding her.”
“I don’t think you can blame your parents for that one, Creampuff.”
“What? Of course I can.”
“Fidget’s getting her own meals.”
“Um, no she’s not.” Winnie is incredulous.
“One night, you were at your café smut book club—”
“We talk about bestsellers.”
