Sugar raised her hands. “Everyone be quiet,” she hissed. I’d never seen her this way before. “There is absolutely nothing going on between Art and me. He’s too young. My goodness. The very thought…”
“The very thought of his youthful, firm body on top of yours makes you wet, right?” Tara smiled like the Cheshire Cat.
Shocked gasps filled the room.
“What?” Tara feigned innocence. “It’s okay for Lynx to talk that way but not me?”
Jaynee giggled as she reached for another handful of popcorn. “She has a point.”
Sugar’s face was cherry red. “I can’t believe you. All of you.”
“Aww, come on, Sugar,” Maddy cooed. “Art isn’t that much younger than you. I’ve seen the looks you two pass each other. I just hadn’t taken it seriously.”
“And you shouldn’t. If my boys heard this talk, they’d lose their minds. Please. There’s nothing between Art and me.”
The room quieted. My heart hurt for Sugar. Her eyes were glossy, like she was about to cry. There had to be something more she felt for Art, to get so worked up over the girls teasing her.
Tina got to her feet and hugged Sugar. “I’m so sorry, honey.”
The back door slammed shut, startling us. A woman with long jet-black hair appeared with a little girl beside her.
“Karma!” Jaynee popped out of her chair to greet the woman. “I didn’t think you were coming.”
A tall dark-haired man came in behind Karma. Whoa, he looked pissed. “She didn’t have a choice.”
Karma sneered at his remark. “Jay, can this one bunk with Sadie?” She rubbed her daughter’s arm, keeping her close to her side.
“Sure. I’ll take her.” Jaynee reached for the little girl’s hand.
Karma waved her away. “No, that’s okay. I will.”
“I’ll wait right here for you then,” the intimidating man told her. I hadn’t seen him before. He reminded me a little of Storm, with his dark hair, intense gray eyes, and similar build.
“Honestly. Will you get a life?” Karma shot back.
He grabbed her arm roughly, putting his face in hers. “What do you think I’m trying to do?”
Karma jerked away from him. “It’s too late for that, Abe. How many times do I have to repeat myself?” She left out the back door, and he followed.
“As many as it takes for you to get with the program,” he told her in a growly voice.
“So when hell freezes over. Good to know!” Karma shouted.
Jaynee turned around to face us. “I should maybe go with her. Those two don’t know how to be nice to each other.” She grimaced and dashed out.
Snow leaned into me. “They have a history together.”
“Yes, but what kind of history?” Tara’s big brown eyes locked on Maddy.
Maddy popped her shoulders up. “Do you know anything about them, Sugar? You are family.”
Sugar sat in her chair. “I don’t know anything. However, I am concerned about one thing.”
Tina frowned. “What’s that?”
“Nova.” Sugar took a cookie from a plate filled with chocolate chip, loaded oatmeal, and peanut butter kisses Maddy had baked.
“Oh mercy,” Maddy whispered. “Now that you mention it, she does resemble him.”