“You haven’t been retired yet.”
She stopped and looked over. “You don’t have to say that on my account, son.”
“I’m not,” I said before shoving the last fry in my mouth.
“I know this little chat is as close as I’ll get to a sorry, but remember I’m your momma. I’ll love you no matter what. Butthat woman,” she said, pointing to the door, “will not. Don’t be stupid, Hawk.”
“Me, apologize?” I asked, tapping my chest. “You’re the one hiding shit from me, Ma. Ya know what? I’m tired. Thanks for the food.”
I wiped my hands and face, took one last sip of the soda, then went to the bar.
Me, say sorry?For what? She was the one who needed to apologize, not me. Stomping back to the table, I stopped by Katarina. “You ready?”
Her smile faded, and she looked around. “Ladies, it’s been fun, but I may go to sleep for three days.”
Shiv gave her an obnoxious wink as she stood up. “Yes, you go sleep. Then report back to us.”
Katarina’s cheeks turned pink and she waved to the table before walking ahead of me. I wasn’t sure if she knew how powerful she was. Not that she was able to throw a grown man to the floor, but what she did with those skin tight jeans stuck to that shape of hers.
“Hop in,” I told her as I opened the passenger door of the SUV. Once she was inside, I climbed into the driver’s seat.
“Did you eat?” she asked as I pulled backwards before turning to head to the house.
“Yeah. You full?”
“Mmhmm.”
The ride was just a minute and I parked in front of Ma’s.“This isn’t us. I’m gonna take their bags inside. Be right back.” I grabbed Penny and Ma’s bags, went inside, and dropped them by the door. “Bags by the door!” I yelled up. Penny didn’t answer, so I left.
Once back outside, I opened her door. “C’mon. We’re just over there.”
I collected my bag and all of hers except the purse, then led her to the house. The automatic light by the front door came on as we got closer. Punching in the code, I turned around. “24639. That’s the code. 24639.”
“I may need to jot that down,” she said.
Pushing the door, I reached inside and turned the light on, then waved her ahead.
She walked in slowly, stopping to look around. I shut the door behind me and dropped our bags on the floor. “I’ll show ya around.”
Grabbing her hand, I pulled her further inside. “Living room, fireplace works but it has a gas starter so if you want a fire let me know.”
She giggled so I looked down. She asked, “Do you make fires when it’s this mild?”
“No, but the weather swings fast here.”
“I’m from the North. Also, I know how to operate a gas fireplace.”
Nodding, I said, “This way.” I showed her the kitchen. “There’s not much here, but I have a one-cup for coffee. Maybe a few snacks.”
She let my hand go, and I didn’t like it but I didn’t chase her. Instead, I watched as she slowly walked around the kitchen. “Hmm.”
“I know it’s nothing compared to what you’re used to.”
She turned, obviously disappointed but trying to hide it with a smile. “No mixer.”
My head cocked. “Mixer? Like margarita mix?”
She covered her mouth with her hands, but her eyes gave away that she was stifling a laugh.
