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“I know you did. I’m saying you don’t say that.”
“Is it a secret?”
“Yeah.”
“Why?”
“Because it would upset her, okay? We don’t like upsetting people.”
He considers that, then nods like it makes perfect sense. It definitely shouldn’t, but I’m not about to argue with a win.
“Okay.”
“Good boy.” I scrub a hand over his hair, messing it up on purpose. He ducks away, laughing and swatting at me.
The bartender slides the fresh orange juice over and smiles at me. “If you ever want some company between games, I’m here.”
She bites her lip and lets the offer hang there.
I give her nothing.
After a moment, her smile falters at the edges, and she wanders off to wipe down a table that doesn’t need wiping.
What kind of moron does she think I am? I like this place. Last thing I need is to fuck around with the bartender and have her moping every time I walk in because I didn’t call afterward.
Besides, I’m busy.
Theo sips his juice, watching her go with wide-eyed innocence. “I think she likes you.”
Carmen flashes through my mind. Ignoring me. Avoiding me. Nearly reversing over me like vehicular homicide is a reasonable response to neighborly interest.
Infuriating woman.
9
CARMEN
The morning sun warms my back as I step into the yard with a basket of damp laundry tucked under one arm. I’ve rigged a makeshift clothesline between the fence posts, hoping the sunshine will do its job while I’m at class. Fifi trots beside me, her little legs working overtime to keep up.
She has a charming sort of wobble, and I’m almost convinced she isn’t completely blind—right up until she walks straight into an old tree stump. I scoop her up with a soft laugh before she can do it again, tucking her against my side.
I’ve just clipped the first shirt to the line when I notice a little boy standing at the fence, watching me with open curiosity.
He looks about ten, with messy dark hair that’s long overdue for a cut and the most striking blue eyes.
“Hi,” I say, surprised.
“Hi.” He flashes a quick, bright grin. “I’m Theo. I live here now.”
“Oh, I met your dad. I’m Carmen.”
“He’s my brother,” Theo corrects cheerfully. “He said you have a pet rat.”
Of course he did.
I lift Fifi against my hip. “Actually, she’s a dog. Her name is Fifi.”
Theo studies her with solemn intensity, his head tipped to one side.
