“That’s not what I?—”
“Or was it the part where you mansplained to me how I just didn’t understand how dangerous your job was?”
“Krista—”
“I especially liked the part where you basically told me to go back to my room and play with my dolls. That was really awesome.”
He sighed over the phone. “I never said for you to go play with your dolls.”
“Really? Because I could have sworn that’s what it felt like.”
Claire snorted into her wine across from me.
“Look, I’m sorry that I was so mean about it. I never intended for it to come out so harsh, but I didn’t want to drag you into more danger.”
“Right,” I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “It had nothing to do with you exerting your authority over me.”
“It really didn’t,” he insisted. Lowering his voice, he continued. “Look, you have to understand, things are dangerous, and if you came along…I couldn’t risk putting you in danger. How would that help?”
“Well, I don’t recall ever telling you I wanted to come along.”
“I—”
He stopped and silence descended around me. I sat, examining my nails as I waited for him to work that little tidbit out. It was so precious how stupid men were sometimes.
“Wait, you didn’t want to come with me?”
“I didn’t say that either.”
“But you just said?—”
“I’m aware of what I just said. The question is, when will you figure it out?”
“Figure what out?” he snapped. “Christ, women are so fucking complicated!”
“Better watch that mouth around my mother. She’ll wash your mouth out with soap for taking the Lord’s name in vain.”
“Look, the point is, I was just trying to keep you safe. You’re my wife and Parker’s little sister?—”
“Oh! I see! So, this was about keeping yourself safe.”
“What?”
“I’m Parker’s little sister, and you couldn’t possibly put me in danger because he might kick your ass again.”
“You’re putting words in my mouth.”
“It’s what I do best,” I smirked. “Now, was there a reason for this call other than for you to grovel about how stupidly you behaved?”
When he sighed heavily, I knew it was something big. He was stalling, which meant it was either really bad or he had no desire to tell me what was really going on.
“I, um…I would like you to come out here.”
Frowning, I shook my head, sure I had heard him wrong. “You’d like me to what?”
Claire sat up, motioning for me to put it on speakerphone. I did as she requested, setting the phone on the table.
“I would like you to come out here.”