“He started it,” Nash complained.
Knox snorted. “Just ’cause you’re the good one doesn’t mean you’re always innocent.”
I understood the dynamics of the good sibling versus the bad one all too well.
“You two with Lucy thrown in the mix?” Liza shook her head. “Whole town knew trouble was coming when you three got together.”
“Lucy?” I asked before I could help myself.
“Lucian Rollins,” Nash said as he used his bun to scoop up the ground beef that escaped to his plate. “An old friend.”
Knox grunted. His elbow brushed mine, and I felt my skin catch fire again. I withdrew as far as I dared without ending up in Liza’s lap.
“What’s Lucy up to these days?” she asked. “Last I heard he was some big-wig mogul in a suit.”
“That’s about the truth,” Nash said.
“Kid was a hustler,” Liza explained. “Always knew he was meant for bigger and better things than a trailer and hand-me-downs.”
Waylay’s gaze slid to Liza.
“Lots of people come from humble beginnings,” I said.
Knox looked at me and shook his head in what might have been amusement.
“What?”
“Nothing. Eat your dinner.”
“What?” I demanded again.
He shrugged. “Chivalry. Humble beginnings. You talk like you read the dictionary for fun.”
“I’m so glad you find humor in my vocabulary. It just makes my day.”
“Don’t mind Knox,” Nash cut in. “He’s intimidated by women with brains.”
“You want my fist up your nose again?” Knox offered gamely.
I kicked him under the table. It was purely on reflex.
“Ow! Fuck,” he muttered, leaning down to rub his shin.
All eyes came to me, and I realized what I’d done. “Great,” I said, throwing down my fork in mortification. “A few minutes here and there with you, and it’s contagious. Next thing you know, I’ll be putting strangers in headlocks on the street.”
“I’d pay to see that,” Waylay mused.
“Me too,” Knox and Nash said together.
The corner of Liza’s mouth lifted. “I think you’ll fit in just fine around here,” she predicted. “Even if you do talk like a dictionary.”
“I take it that means you’re lettin’ them stay,” Knox prodded.
“I am,” Liza confirmed.
I didn’t miss the quick flash of relief that played over Waylay’s face before her mask returned.
One less thing to worry about. A nice, safe place to stay.