AllFreeNovel
Share Us
But I’ve got a job to do while Hudson is gone, and that job is to introduce doubt in Everly’s mind. Shouldn’t take too much; Ev is smart and Tiffani…isn’t.
“So, what’s your degree in?” I ask, knowing that the next few questions probably have very practiced answers, since she’s likely been telling these lies for years.
“I’m a lawyer, Dolly, so my undergrad was pre-law.” Her eyes dart to Everly, like she’s going to pass her a silent joke about my ignorance, but Ev doesn’t look.
“But that’s not a degree.”I would know, I looked it up when I researched you.
I thought she’d have an easy answer to this. Maybe this stupid answer of hers has worked everywhere else. But not here. I’m on a mission.Hudson is mine.
“So, what was youractualdegree in?” I press.
I feel Everly’s gaze lift from the mess. She laughs. “Gosh, Dolly,” she says, tapping her chin with freshly washed hands. “I don’t think I even know this.” She faces Tiffani. “Whatisyour undergraduate degree in?”
Tiffani’s smile falters, but stays in place. “Business.”
It’s clear she does not remember what Everly’s degree is in. Ev laughs. “I was a business major, I think I’d remember that!”
Stringing my fingers through my hair casually, I comment, “Maybe I should buy a lotto ticket. It’s not every day you meet a lawyer with a bad memory.” Everly laughs along with the playful jab, but Tiffani’s glare is sharp.
Doesn’t matter. I’m impenetrable when it comes to the person trying to take the love of my life away from me.
“So, what firm did you leave? I think I heard you got tired of law and came out here for some country livin’, right?” I ask, moving my finger along the grout on the kitchen counter. I sat on this counter and touched myself while licking Hudson’s plate clean. I have memories here and a past with him, whether he knows it or not.
“Right,” she nods, “time for something new.”
“But what firm was it?” I ask again, the names of the partners at the time she allegedly worked there pre-loaded on my lips. I’m not just making her uncomfortable, I’m poking holes in her bullshit and watching her boat slowly fill. And I want Ev to watch, too, because Hudson will undoubtedly turn to his sister for advice at some point. She has no reasonnotto be on my side, but the college camaraderie bullshit that Tiffani is leaning into has togo.
“Dallas & Sons,” she simply states.
I press a hand to my chest, feigning shock. “Chuck’s office?” I look at Everly, eyes wide. “Chuck and Nancy’s firm on West Elm Street?”
Tiffani’s swallow is audible. “You’ve been to San Francisco?”
I tried three stories out on Ivy and Juni at home a few weeks ago, preparing for this very moment. I go with the one that got two of our three votes.
“After our dad died, my sisters and I needed to find a lawyer who could answer questions regarding the estate, and more.” Theand moreis important since the law firm she lied about working at doesn’t practice estatelaw. “My dad actually knew Chuck Dallas from way back,” I explain, “so yeah, I know them well.”
I shake my head, grinning like a madwoman, because I know that’s exactly what I am. “You know what, I’m gonna call him this week and tell him he will never believe who’s living here now.”
Bear reappears, his arms crossed over his chest.
“I wanna set up the canopies. I’ve been waiting six minutes for you, Dolly.” He sighs, and six minutes for a four year old is like two hours for adults.
“You did good,” I tell him. “Thank you for waiting. I’m ready.” I face a wide-eyed Tiffani, who doesn’t even acknowledge Bear when Hudson isn’t here. I hope Ev notices that, too. I slip my hand in his, and take the bag of tools off the countertop, ready to get to work on Hudson’s behalf. “It was nice chatting. Have fun in town. Text me when you’re back and I’ll bring him in,” I tell Ev.
Then I turn and leave, taking Bear with me.
He doesn’t tell Tiffani goodbye on his way out, and I hold his hand a little tighter for it.
sixteen
MY MILK ON HER UPPER LIP THOUGH…
Hudson
I was given strict orders to make sure that Deuce doesn’t misbehave on this trip but it’s been Deuce who’s been doing the babysitting. His close friend, world-renowned tattoo artist, is on this trip and I can say, without a doubt, I have no desire to take another trip with Trace Calhoun.
First of all,the man can drink. And I don’t mean hold some shots and beers but finish a bottle and seem… relatively sober. On the first night, he didn’t get sloppy until after the first bottle, and tonight, he’s been sloppy for a while, despite the fact he’sonlyhad a handle of Crown. I think it’s other substances, or, I don’t know.
