Don’t make them do the same for you.”“I thought John and James could take a turn.”“Watch out. They probably heard that.”They’re currently outside, all four of them, eating by the pool for the fortieth time this month. I swear, I’ve never met anyone who eats so much pizza. It’s like they chose that option from those silly questions where you’re asked if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Tacos, pizza, doughnuts, or smoothies. Obviously, they all went for the second option big time.I shake my head slowly. “Did you just come by to kick my ass into gear, or did you have something to actually tell me that you couldn’t say online or over the phone?”“No, I just came to see how you were doing.”“So Granny is worried that I’m not going to be on the plane tomorrow morning.”“No, as I said. I was worried.”“So she sent you to make sure that I get my shit packed up, get up at four-thirty tomorrow morning, and don’t leave a big mess for anyone to clean u
Good stalking, bad stalking, or Christmas stocking?”“What the hell is good stalking? And what does Christmas have to do with anything?”“Well, presents are fun to unwrap. Like Sharon probably thinks you are. Now that we know for sure you have nipples, you’re no longer hairy enough or scary enough to ward her away.”I shake my head in disgust. “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. And for your information, she said she’s okay with body hair.”Then she’s the perfect woman for you! A match made in heaven. Or, more literally, the cradle. Either way, Granny is hoping you’ll go after Sharon. She’d like to be a great-grandma one day.”“Bring kids into this?”“The world is a scary, shitty place no matter how you look at it. If by this you mean the best family that we ever chose with four great brothers to support you, some questionable goons, and one hellfire of a spitfire of a Granny, all of whom would always protect and love you,sharon, and any and all kids like we ourselves were prot
I’m not sure if we really were destined for each other from birth, but as she said about the plans of our fathers working out for good, it’s beyond nice to know that no matter what forces are out there, we ended up here now.“I bet Ransom has already eaten twelve burgers,” Sharon says softly. She laughs, the sound of it dispelling the last of my lingering worries. I have to let it go and trust that my brothers and Granny have this. I can’t worry constantly, or I’m not going to make it through the next six months.“Twelve? Just twelve? Try fourteen.”“Sixteen.”“Twenty.”“How many did we cook again?”“I believe there were twelve in a box, and I’ve cycled through the barbeque twice, so four boxes mean forty-eight. Goodness, I’m glad your parents put out a large spread inside. If we just had the burgers, there would be a lot of rumbly tummies going around.”“You were kidding. Ransom will only eat eight.”“Are you sure?”“Okay, maybe four. Maybe he’ll be polite and eat two pounds of pasta
RICHIEI leaned against the hood of my car, surveying the scene in front of me. It was a busy night on the streets of the city, and I had been driving for hours. I was tired, but I couldn't go home yet. I had one more pickup to make.As I watched the people passing by, my eyes wandered to a woman walking down the street. She was beautiful, with long, dark hair and a confident stride. She caught my eye, and I couldn't look away.I watched as she passed a group of men hanging out on the corner. They leered at her, making suggestive comments and gestures. She tried to ignore them and continue on her way, but I could see the anger and frustration in her eyes.I felt a twinge of sympathy for her. I knew what it was like to be vulnerable and powerless in the face of danger. I had been there before and didn't want anyone else to experience that fear.I got out of my car and approached the men. They looked at me suspiciously, but I held up my hands in a gesture of peace."Hey, guys," I said, t
The GPS beeped. I had arrived.The house was the largest and most imposing in the development, with black iron gates that seemed to tower above me. The driveway beyond was long and winding, flanked by lush gardens that seemed to have been sculpted by a master artist. I parked my car at the front gate and stepped out, the unease within me growing stronger as I made my way over to the intercom. I pressed the button and waited for someone to answer. While the intercom continued to ring, I noticed that the gate was slightly ajar, as if someone had left it open deliberately. I hesitated for a moment, then pushed it open and stepped inside.The grounds were even more magnificent up close, with fountains, statues, and intricate mosaics dotting the landscape. But something strange about the air made the entire estate seem to hold its breath, waiting for something to happen.I finally reached the front door, its heavy oak panels creaking as I pushed them open. Inside, the house was even more o
I should have guessed from her demeanor that she was my boss’s daughter. She exuded a mean energy like her father. In fact, she carried so much of her father's aura, I was convinced I had just delivered a tool for her shady business, although I knew little about her career.I dialed James's number."Hi, James, it's Richard," I said when he answered. "I just delivered the package. Turns out it was for the boss's daughter."James didn't reply."You there?" I asked."Shit! Shut up. Hold on…" he replied through labored breathing. Why was he always so angry? He took his job way too seriously."Yes, I’ll hold," I sighed. I patiently held the phone to my ear while waiting for James to finish what he was doing.Clearly, I could sense some shady things were going on.All I wanted to do was notify them that I wasn't going to return to that place, and I was headed home.I pulled over to the side of the road and continued to wait for James to get back on the phone. It was almost 11 p.m., and I ha
I dialed Mrs. Hamsburg number to ask if she could take in my daughter a little earlier today. It took her a few minutes to get back to me but the sweet soul agreed.Oh, Mrs. Hamsburg What would I do without you?"Go get your bags together while I talk to your teacher," I told Sonia, watching her hurriedly return to class.I approached her teacher and let her know the plan. She agreed and said I could take her out early.I watched my daughter wave at her friends and come to me.On the way, my daughter made us visit the cake shop, and we also had to pick up food. As we drove, my daughter chatted away. Then, I handed her to Mrs. Hamsburg , and she waved me off.A short hour later I was pulling up to the entrance of Laura’s gated community. I signaled to the security guard, and he nodded and let me enter. I pulled over in front of Laura's house and attempted to open the gate, but this time it was locked. Of course, it would be.I decided to buzz the intercom, hoping that Laura would hear i
I approached the bouncer, and he greeted me with a smile."Hi, Laura," he said, recognizing me from previous encounters. "It's been a long time," he smiled."I know, right?" I said and he parted the way for me to enter. I couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging. This was my favorite spot to unwind after a long day, and I always felt at home there.I took a deep breath and stepped inside, feeling the energy of the crowd wash over me. The club was bustling with people of all ages dressed in various styles. Some were dressed to impress, while others were dressed in more casual attire. The lighting was low, casting a sultry atmosphere over the scene.I made my way to the bar, scanning the crowd for familiar faces. As I ordered my drink, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see my best friend, Shirley, smiling broadly. She hugged me, almost squeezing the life out of me."You made it!" she said while spinning me around, grinning from ear to ear. We stopped for a moment to look