No one calls out to us, thank God.
“Holy shit, that was a near disaster,” I finally whisper when we reach his car. “We can’t risk that happening again.”
“Where’ll we go with José and Pansy next time?”
I grin at him. “What about an arcade? My mother hates arcades.”
“I always thought your mother was sensible.”
“But you love gaming.”
“I love it in places that don’t smell like feet.”
We get into the car, and I turn toward him in my seat. “I think it’s time to look up Pansy’s exes. Are you ready to go full internet stalker?”
He considers this, then nods as he turns the key in the ignition. “All right. But we do it together. No going Rambo on me.”
“Yes,sir,” I say in a sultry voice, giving him a crisp, very ironic salute.
He groans. “You’re killing me again.”
I can’t help but smile. “Did that do it for you?”
“None of your business. Now, what music are you going to make me listen to on the way home?”
I grin at him, because I’ve been holding on to this surprise all day. I slide the CD out of my purse and hold it up. Hereaches for it, and I yank it back, waggling my eyebrows while I stick the Garbage Fire album into the CD player.
“I hate listening to myself after the fact,” he says, groaning as the music starts to play.
“What a coincidence. Everyone else hates listening to you too.”
He gives me a pointed look.
“I’m obviously just teasing you. You’re very talented, but you set me up for it, and I wouldn’t have been doing my job if I hadn’t said it.”
“Have it your way, Nora.”
But he looks almost pleased as the first song gets going.
Itisa very good song for the bass.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
CORMAC
Text conversation with Dad
How are my plants?
Thriving. [Sends screenshots]
When are you returning from your mystery trip?
This evening.
Moira and I would like to have you and Nora over for dinner on Monday at 5:00 p.m.
Monday is Nora’s usual day off.
