Page 50 of The Groupie

Zak

“It’s my special lemonade,” she says, smiling. “Don’t you like it?”

“It’s delicious,” I croak. I’m worried about my voice ever returning to normal. I don’t bother to ask what else is in it besides lemons.

“Answer my question. What are your intentions?”

Rylee stares at me, a tick in the corner of her mouth threatening to rebel into a grin.

“Strictly honorable.”

“Bullshit. You’re in it for the fun, same as her.”

My watery eyes feel like they’re going to pop from my head, but I blink to reassure myself they’re still intact as I try to respond to that. A guy in the corner of the kitchen I didn’t notice before steps forward, lays a hand on Mamma’s shoulder, and comes to my rescue in a quiet, dignified voice.

“Mamma, leave the poor boy alone. He’s clearly in love with the girl. I’ve never seen a more solid case of reluctant love as I have in this pair.”

Shit. “No—”

“You have no idea what you’re talking about, Mr. Argyle.” Rylee throws her hands on her hips and then turns to me. “Ignore him. He doesn’t know me. He’s our neighbor.”

“Don’t be so rude, Rylee girl.” Mamma sounds breathless, and I wonder if she should sit down or something when Mr. Argyle hands her an inhaler.

Rylee helps her into a chair. “Sit, Mamma. Enough excitement.” She looks up at me accusingly. “You should go.”

“You should go with him,” Mamma says.

“What are you talking about?” I’ve never seen Rylee lose her cool before. “I thought we—”

“Can’t you see I’m fixing to have a romantic evening with my man here?” She gestures in the direction of Mr. Argyle. He nods, looking slightly embarrassed.

“Maybe we can include—” he says.

“Not on your life,” Mamma says, harrumphing. “You think I want to eat dinner with these two setting off sparks all night?”

“That’s it, Mamma.” Rylee stands from the rocker. I see the flinch on her face when she plants her foot. “You have it all wrong about me, but if you want a night alone, go for it. I’m not going to stop you.” She hugs the old woman, then looks around. “What about Suzie?”

“She’s out for the night. She didn’t give me a hard time.” Mamma grins.

Rylee laughs and squeezes the old woman tight one more time. Mamma shoos her, then gives me the side-eye as I follow Rylee to the back door.

“I’m counting on you, Mr. Hockey Big Shot.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

* * *

Once we’re back in my SUV, I turn to Rylee. “Where to, Buttercup?”

“Don’t be a wise guy.”

“My place, it is. But what if Suzie and Nowicki are there?” I wouldn’t care, but she might, and right now, I’m all about pleasing her. Whether that’s a lost cause or not is a puck flip. Whether or not I’m crazy is a sure thing because I’ve lost my mind and let my runaway dick take over. My previously perfect control of my bachelorhood-style emotions has evaporated into a distant memory.

The thing that scares me most is whether or not it’s my addicted dick or my sorry excuse for a heart that’s driving the Zamboni.

“Shit. Take me to a hotel.”

“You got it.” Both my dick and my heart leap for joy at her words, and I head to the Bostonian. She’s silent and gazing out the window like the winter gray cityscape of Boston holds the keys to the universe. I know she’s worried.