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She snorted before taking another sip of coffee. “Poor little fella. He was a mama’s boy.”
I almost choke on my lollipop. “C’mon. How do you know that?”
“No, really. She was in the back room. He lives with her.”
“Oh.” I’m not sure what else to say about that.
“I think it’s commendable he’s taking care of her. But I think there’s probably only room for one woman in Milton’s life. This is why I need to evict your brother. Before he turns into Milton 2.0.”
My mother gets up from the island to refresh her coffee and looks inside the pantry, pulling out the remaining Dum Dum lollipop. Lifting it, she points it at me in question. “Where did these come from?”
“I have no idea. I found them in the backyard.”
My mother makes a horrified expression, dropping the treat before I correct her.
“They were on the picnic table. I’m sure they’re fine. I have no idea who put them there.”
Returning to her seat, she gently lays her hand on my forearm. “I was so tired the other night when I picked up Ted E, I never asked. It went well, then?”
“Oh, the backyard movie night? The kids had a blast.”
“I wasn’t talking about the kids.”
I slump forward, dropping my face into my hands. “Yes. I had a great time. But I think I need to pull back before I get hurt.” Turning toward my mother, I look her straight in the eye. “Mom, he’s perfect. But I feel like there’s something he’s hiding from me. His family life is complicated. He tries to look out for his sister and nephew. Yet, it feels like there’s more to it. I’ve never come out and asked if he’s married, but I feel like Luke’s not someone who’d lie about that.”
I pick up my coffee mug, curling both hands around it in search of the remaining warmth. “But how do you ever really know anyone?” I’ve learned the hard way things aren’t always how they seem.
It’s late. The kids are down for the night, and I’m restless. Nothing on television is holding my attention, so I decide to make a cup of tea and read a few more chapters of my latest book. But as I head to the kitchen, I hear an odd sound by the back door. Reaching for the flashlight, I make my way to the sliding door and open it enough to shine the light on the backyard.
It’s nothing. Cliff’s dogs are out. I’m sure if there was someone out there, they’d be making a racket. I return to my tea kettle, which isn’t making noise, but I’m sure it’s hot enough. Pouring the steamy water over a teabag of Earl Grey, I make myway to my room when the dogs start barking, and I freeze. They bark all the time. Why am I suddenly so unnerved?
I cautiously make my way back down to insure I’ve locked the front door and decide to grab Caleb’s baseball bat out of the umbrella stand before heading to bed. I make it a few steps before noticing the dogs have quieted and chastise myself for getting paranoid. Nothing happens in this neighborhood. And honestly, as annoying as they are, who’d try anything with those scary canines right next door?
Double checking the kids are okay, I climb into bed. I have no idea why all of a sudden I feel so uneasy. Was it sharing my concerns about Luca with Mom earlier today? Admitting I didn’t really know him at all?
I decide it’s best to drop it and move on. I’m done with complicated men. Reaching for my book, I flip open to where my bookmark lies and scan the page for where I left off. This choice wasn’t my usual. It’s a little more suspenseful than romance. It’s good, but tonight I think I’d prefer a rom com. Something that will put my mind at ease instead?—
Bzzz. Bzzz.
Holy shit.The unexpected vibration of my phone nearly gives me a heart attack. “H-Hello?”
“Hey, Jill. It’s Luca. You okay? Did I wake you?”
“No. I’m fine. I’m just a little out of sorts tonight.”
“Why? Did something happen?”
I put my book down and sit up in my bed, punching the pillow for better support. “No. Just letting things that go bump in the night do a number on my head.” The line goes quiet momentarily. “You still there?”
“Yes. Do you need me to come over?”
Hell yes.But not for the reasons he’s asking. “No. I checked the doors, and I’ve got Caleb’s baseball bat by the bed.”
“Holy fuck.” His voice is low. I don’t think he intended for me to hear him. I can definitely hear movement now.
“Luca. We’re good.”
“Do you have an alarm?”
