“People change.”
“Yes, they do. You taking good care of her?”
“I’m trying to.”
“And this whole playboy thing you got goin’ on?”
I had to take a breath before answering. This was standard. I knew it was coming. “That’s not an issue.” I said it tightly.
“Just don’t go sleeping around, yeah? We don’t need that kind of drama.”
He was gone and I rolled my eyes when I was alone. This would be a long day. Hopefully, I’d get a break when I started work.
But I didn’t. Kerryranfor me the second I was alone.
“Oh, thank the Lord I found you!” She was bouncing on the balls of her feet as she pulled out her phone. “I have a few things I didn’t get to ask last night ...”
I scrubbed a hand over my face, but answered everything the best I could. She wanted to know Grace’s due date, how she was feeling, and if I was moving into town. The woman didn’tstop, and I was acutely aware that ifsheknew something, everyone would know.
Still, I was glad to take it for Grace.
I hadn’t gotten to see her this morning, and I hoped Brooke had actually apologized and she was feeling better.
The thought of doing this for her got me through everything that Kerry asked. And when she was appeased, someone else now blocked my way into the apartment I was working on.
“Annoying, aren’t they?” Hugh muttered.
“Always. Maybe one day I’ll turn into you.”
“You’ve probably got more going for you than I do. Speaking of which ...” He trailed off.
“You got something to ask?”
His nose scrunched. “Nah. I just wanna know if they scared you off from the bar. I’m owed a poker rematch.”
Despite everything, I laughed. “The only thing that scared me off was you in my hotel room.”
“Eh.” He shrugged. “You have the same parts.”
They didnotlook like his. “I’m ... I’m not sure that?—”
“Get over seeing my balls and play poker with me again. Can you do that, Cowboy?”
I struggled for words for a moment, but Hugh’s eyes slowly narrowed. I was sure he was planning my death.
“I’ll get over it.”
“Good,” he said before hobbling away.
I was almost an hour late, and I knew it was only the beginning.
And it was still so fucking worth it.
27
GRACE
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch