“Just don’t go around schemin’ with Stella or any of the other ol’ ladies, otherwise we will have a problem, okay?”
She nods. “I know sometimes I act tough and mean, but when it comes to the nitty gritty, maybe I don’t ever want to see him again.”
“And you don’t have to. We’ll deal with it.”
She smiles softly. “Thanks.”
“Any time.”
“So, you wanna talk about Payden?”
I scruff Dozer under the chin as he makes this cute little contented sound. “Absolutely not.”
“You make a great couple.”
“Hilarious. It’s just casual, so no need to go around spreadin’ rumors.”
“Uh, huh.” She smiles at me. “But seriously, I’m happy for you. There’s a lot going on right now with the bar and stuff, but it’s the right move. It’ll be fantastic when it’s all up and running.”
“Well, it’s my dream, and my life savings,” I admit. “But it’s gonna be great. The contractors should get here this afternoon. I cleaned everything out the last couple of days and put it all into storage. Now we start knockin’ walls in. Speakin’ of which, if you wanna vent your frustrations when we’re ready to demo? There’s a mallet with your name on it.”
Her eyes light up, making me chuckle. “Seriously?”
“Jesus, only you would find that appealin’.”
“I love smashing stuff, so that’s a yeah.”
“Fine, be here tomorrow after work, and we can kick that wall through to the other side.”
She high-fives me. “You got it. Thanks, cuz.”
“Any time. You have a problem, you know you can always come to me. Okay? Doesn’t matter how big or small. I’m here for you.”
“Appreciate that, Logey-woges.”
I roll my eyes. “So me and Sawyer will take care of it. No more talk of you and Stella, got me?”
“Fine, but make sure you kick him in the nuts a couple of times for me.”
I nod, setting Dozer back on the ground. “You got it.”
My phone chimes in my back pocket.
“I’ll see myself out,” she says.
I wave a hand. “Later.”
Payden
SOS
I stare at the message. What does that mean? Of course, I know what it means.
Me
RU ok?
Payden
