“All your work needs to go directly to her, just as Oswald’s does, but she’s agreeable that it isn’t an issue.”
“Does she know…” Waylynn’s eyes dart over to Bates briefly before she continues. “That we spend time together like this?” I’m certain that’s not what she was going to say, but that’s okay for now.
“She knows me well enough to know that I never would have brought it to her attention unless you were important to me.”
Waylynn’s lips curl into a sweet smile, but she drops her head bashfully. If we were alone, I would demand her attention so I could see the pretty flush on her cheeks, but I’m content knowing I’ve pleased her for now.
“So, no more illicit, teacher-student affair. Too bad. I liked having something to blackmail you with,” Oswald teases while wrapping his arm around Waylynn. “I’ll find something else to hold over your head to make sure you can’t ever escape us.”
Waylynn actually rolls her eyes at him good-naturedly, considering the topic. “Did you eat? Oswald brought an entire buffet,” she offers Bates.
“Hey, what if I wanted that?” Oz reaches for the burger I left in the box.
“You just told me you ate. He’s been running around trying to help me get power. He might be hungry too.”
“Oh, I see how it is. Now you’re homing in on my girl and my food.” Oswald shoves Bates playfully.
“Yup,” Bates states without any shame and pulls the takeaway box over to him. The act of unwrapping the burger and taking a huge bite seems to say more than he was hungry—it’s a confirmation of Bates wanting everything. It takes me a minute to realize I’m smiling instead of panicking, but when I do, it’s a relief.
Now I know it really is up to Waylynn to decide if she wants Bates in her life the same way she’s accepted us. I don’t want to kick him in his teeth for looking at her. I’ll take that as a good sign that this won’t ruin our friendship.
* * *
Bates
“Wavy saidyou’re going to give her a service.” The way Oz coos the words makes it sound lascivious.
“Yeah, as a side job.”
“And put in a generator. Sounds like we get to hang out a bunch again.” He leans forward and presses his knuckles to mine in a show of support.
“As long as it’s okay with everyone.” I trade glances with Waylynn and Memphis. She’s nestled between the two brothers on the couch, looking sweet and a little sleepy.
“As long as you promise to charge me,” she chimes in.
“For the material,” I counter. I’m not charging her more than I have to.
“What does that mean?” She looks at Memphis.
“It means he’s not charging you for the work, just the material he has to buy for the job.”
“No, I want to pay for your time too.” She turns her hazel eyes on me.
“That’s not how it works,” I tell her.
“Why not?”
“Because you get the friend and family discount.”
“Another reason you can thank me.” Oz licks her cheek. She barely reacts except to rub the side of her face on his shoulder to get rid of the dampness.
Memphis tsks. “Why would she be thanking you for what Bates is doing?”
“Because he’s like family and we introduced him to her. However, he’s the one who should be thanking us.” He lifts his chin in the air and sniffs, acting all hoity-toity, but I know he’s just fucking around when he cracks a wide grin.
“Don’t thank him.” I roll my eyes. “But seriously. If it were Memphis or Oz’s place, I would do the same.”
“And you said we could stay here, meaning you should thank me. I’ll take many forms of payment, but my favorite currency…” He leans in close, so his lips are right near her ear. Her pupils dilate as she pulls in a lungful of air, making her chest rise sharply. “Is your complete devotion and access to your pantry.” He smacks a wet kiss under her neck. She scrunches up her face, then shoves him away playfully while smiling.
