“Fine. You?”
“I’m okay. How’s Rafe?” she adds, mentioning Roman’s older brother who’s in prison. Most don’t remember Roman’s connection to Rafe Stone. Between Rafe being locked up for as long as he has and Roman staying in Harden territory when he isn’t sleuthing for us, it’s easy to forget what his life was like before we became brothers.
Romanalmostsmiles. “He’s doing good.”
“Yeah?”
Roman nods. “Real good.”
“How long you staying, Cobes?” I ask.
She peeks at Judge. “How long am I staying, Uncle Judge?”
It shouldn’t be a question someone who’s over eighteen should have to ask, even if she istechnicallystill a senior in high school. At least for another few months. Since she’s finishing herschooling online, she should be allowed to go where she wants. Stay where she wants. Do what she wants. Instead, she’s still firmly under our father’s thumb. The reminder makes my fists tighten at my sides.
“Why don’t you go unpack,” Judge suggests.
She makes a face, but doesn’t argue, well aware it won’t get her anywhere. “Guess that’s my cue.” Rising onto her tiptoes, she kisses my cheek. “Missed you.” Then she skips toward Hawke and Ford. “Missed you,” she says to Hawke. “And you,” she adds, kissing both their cheeks so everyone feels seen. Darting over to Judge, she does the same to him. “Thanks for the ride, Uncle Judge.”
“Anytime, Cobes. You know that.”
“Mm-hmm,” she hums. “Still appreciate it.” Peeking over at Rome, she sucks her lips between her teeth and sways toward him, her movements as graceful as they are shy. Seriously, I gotta keep an eye on this girl or she’ll be eaten alive. “Good to see you, Romeo.” Slowly, she rises onto her tiptoes, the same way she had with the rest of us, and kisses his cheek as he stands there, motionless.
Once her heels hit the ground, he mutters, “You too, Pips.”
She tucks her hair behind her ear, tossing another smile to each of us, then skips up the stairs like the ray of sunshine she is.
“Well this is a surprise,” Ford announces.
Judge scrubs his hand over his face. “Yeah, your dad wasn’t too happy about it, either.”
“What? He’s disappointed he can’t hold family time over our heads like he used to?” I ask.
“Nah, he’s disappointed he had to hand over a blank check to cover the damages for her candle incident.”
I rub the corner of my mouth, hiding my amusement.
“Keep an eye on her, all right?” he adds. “I know shit hasn’t turned sour with you and Gus, yet, but…”
“Who’s Gus?” I ask.
His gaze narrows. “If he can convince you idiots to strike up a deal with him, and get his niece on the pole, what do you think he’d like to do to a sweet girl like her?”
“She’s barely eighteen,” Hawke points out.
“You really think her age would stop a guy like Gus?” His brow arches. “I’m only saying she’s pretty, young, naive, and when she sees how much fun you boys have pissing off your father, she might get a wrong idea or two.”
“Gee, thanks,” Ford grumbles.
“Just…keep an eye on her, all right?” he mutters. “One more thing.” He gives each of us a pointed look. “Next time your father calls, answer the phone the first time. I’m tired of listening to his bitching.” Then, he opens the door and walks outside, leaving nothing but a cold silence behind him.
“Would you look at that.” Ford collapses onto the couch. “Seems Uncle Judge is getting sick of Daddy Dearest’s bullshit, too.”
“Can you blame him?” I reply. “He’s supposed to be on tour, but he’s over here on babysitting duty, instead.”
“You ever wonder what Dad has on him?” Hawke questions.
“Other than the guilt over Rudy’s death?” Ford crosses one foot over the other on the coffee table in front of him. “Beats me.”
