He chuckles, they give us shit for a few more minutes, and then they say goodbye.
When they’re gone, Ryder points at Jessica. “Did you just protect her honor?”
“I’m tired of people harassing her.” I slip my hand under the table and cover her knee. “If, when, and who she wants to tell is her choice.”
Jaws unhinged, Sophie and Ryder turn toward each other, like they are checking to see if they’re hearing and seeing the same things.
I understand. I’m acting counter to everything they’ve ever known about me, and it’s a bit of a shock. They’ll get over it.
Jessica’s fingers tangle with mine, and she whispers, “You are definitely getting your cock sucked later.”
Before I can tell her she’ll be lucky if she can walk later, Mary Beth Crowley and her husband Tommy pull on up to the edge of the table.
Mary Beth looks back and forth between Jessica and me, snapping her Juicy Fruit gum before speaking in the North Carolina drawl from my childhood. “Well, well, well, the king is dead.”
I gesture to the couple and address Jessica. “Have you met the Crowleys? They own the garage across the street.”
Jessica shakes her head. “I haven’t had the pleasure.”
Sophie speaks up. “Mary Beth is the head of the PTA and the eyes and ears of Revival.”
“Good to know.” Jessica studies the tiny blonde and her big, lumbering husband, who look like they were the captains of the cheerleading and football teams, which makes sense since that’s exactly what they were back in the day. “We should have lunch sometime.”
Mary Beth’s gum snaps. “I’d love that, sugar. You can invite your famous sister too. We need to get her set up for a signing at the bookstore. She’ll be a big draw.”
Jessica puts down her menu and tucks a lock of hair behind her ear. “I wouldn’t lead with calling her famous. She’s reluctant about attention.”
“I can slow-play things,” Mary Beth says. Her husband, as well as everyone at the table, laughs. She puts her hands on her hips. “What? I can!”
“Sure you can, honey.” Tommy pats his wife on the head as she swats him away.
Pete Alcott, the wiry, high-strung science high school teacher, busts into the group gathering in the aisle. He takes one look at Jessica and me before shifting to Tommy. “I had Monday.”
“That’s right, you did.” Tommy’s voice is all lazy and satisfied.
Pete shifts on the balls of his feet. “Awesome. I have my eyes on a pair of retro cherry Air Jordans.”
I frown. “Please, no.”
The big blond mechanic drapes his arm over his wife’s shoulder. “We had some squares going, no big thing.”
“You bet on us?” Jessica asks.
“It was nothing, just a little fun between us locals,” Mary Beth says.
“Don’t worry. You can get in on the next one.” Tommy offers as a way of concession.
Jessica narrows her gaze on Ryder. “You said this was a nice place to live.”
“No. I said it was a fun place to live.” Ryder tilts his head in the couple’s direction. “Because of things like this.”
Tommy bops Pete on the biceps. “You can collect your winnings at Saturday’s casino night. That way, after your Jordans, you can spend the rest on a good cause.”
“Great. See ya.” Pete waves and is on his way.
With all the regality afforded a small-town queen, Mary Beth scrutinizes Jessica and me. “I assume you’ll both be there. It’s for the community, and all the proceeds are going to the beautification committee for the Halloween Festival. It’s a good chance for everyone to meet our new city attorney.”
“Casino night?” Jessica darts a glance in my direction.
