“Well, I believe you believe that. And I really do have a mean right hook.” Then she glanced down at her wrist almost mournfully.
“Yeah you do, but how about you let me punch people for you for a while, at least until that’s healed.” And like forever. I had no problems knocking people’s teeth in.
“You’re not supposed to fight. I don’t want you getting kicked out of school.”
“Fine,” I said with a sigh, playing it up a little. “I’ll teach Archie and Coop how to throw a hit. They can take some heat.” Bubba damn well knew how, much to my delight.
She grinned a little, but then winced again.
“Please take a pain med? Then we can watch whatever you want. I’ll even watch one of those romantic comedies you like.”
“You like them too, Jake Benton, don’t play that game with me.”
I pressed a finger to her lips. “That’s a secret. Remember?”
Dammit, why was I mentioning memory? What the fuck was wrong with me?
“We’re alone, remember?” She countered, then nipped my finger, and my heart did a little squeeze.
“True. Fine, tease away—but take your pain med first.”
“Ugh, you’re going to be such a pain in the ass until I do it, aren’t you?”
“Yes, yes I am.”
And I would take great pride in it. I wanted to take care of her, and sometimes that meant being a pain in the ass.
“Fine, I’ll take it. Find me a movie, very sappy and maybe something that will make me cry.”
I made a face. “Does it have to be that bad?”
“Yes,” she insisted, then kissed my cheek. “And thank you for my hair and for listening.”
“Anytime,” I promised. I helped her balance as she stood and then watched as she headed into the kitchen to get her meds. My phone buzzed, and I checked it while she filled a glass with water. We’d learned not to rush in to do everything for her, even if we wanted to.
Mom:I hate to ask, but Louisa has tutoring until six. Blake and Becca have dance until seven. Can you pick up Louisa for me and feed her? I’ll get the girls and then meet you all at home?
Me:No problem. Need anything from the store while I’m out? I planned to work tonight and then back to Frankie’s, but I can grab stuff if you need it.
Mom:Bread, milk, cereal, and Pop-Tarts. Strawberry and Chocolate.
Yeah,I had to get both or the girls would fight.
Me:Will do. I’m not at school today. Just a reminder in case they call.
Mom:I remembered, but thanks for the reminder. How is she?
I glancedin the kitchen where she stared in the pantry. Someone was hungry.
“Want me to make some popcorn?”
“It’s eight-fifty in the morning!”
“That’s not a no,” I said.
“Hmm… I could go for cheesecake.”
“It’s eight-fifty in the morning!” I mimicked her tone, and she stuck her tongue at me.