He pinches the bridge of his nose, sighing. “Just call a masseuse, Kaden. Get it done. Wear a face mask. What’s the difference between customers here and a masseuse? You can get sick here too, you know.”
“Yeah, well, I asked you to pay me for staying home, but you turned me down, so... That’s on you.” I shrug and turn around. “Also, small advice?” I add. “Maybe don’t come for my posture when yours is in the league of vultures.”
“What?”
I turn to face him, gesturing with my hand. “You look like a question mark.”
He glares at me. “I should fire you.”
I laugh. “Have at it, old man.”
If there’s one thing I’m sick of, it’s the constant hassle from people around me, telling methatI’mthe crazy one around here when I’m the only one following the fucking restrictions.
Everything’s not fine.
People are still getting sick.
Just because they’ve dialed down doesn’t mean it’s safe to roam the streets.
And my posture isn’t shit!
“Somethin’ wrong with your kitchen?”
I raise my brows, dragging a hand over my chin. Mom’s by the stove in her kitchen, loading my plate with enough food to stop world hunger. Her braids are down today, draped over her back,and she’s wearing an orange tunic that complements her dark skin. She’s a beauty, my mom. That Homer guy better treat her good.
“’Cause I know I taught you all how to cook but I just about see you behind that candle, you’re so skinny,” she adds.
I glance at the taper candle on the table in front of me, raising a brow at her.
“You know you gotta eat when working out like you do, K. You need your protein. Can’t rely on my meals once a week.” She turns around, squinting at me. “Did Tara cook for you?” She clicks her tongue, shaking her head as she hands me my plate before she puts a hand on her waist, cocking her head. “Cat got your tongue?”
I scratch behind my ear, blinking slowly. “Are you done?”
“Psh! You can put that attitude where it belongs.”
“Up your butt,” we say at the same time. I give her a cheeky smile, and she shakes her head with a smile.
“You’re lucky you’re cute,” she says, dropping down opposite me.
“I got it from you,” I say, picking up the fork and peeking at her under my lashes. Throwing in a wink to make her laugh.
“So, how’s life?” she asks.
“Good.”
“Just good?”
“What do you want me to say?” I shrug.
“I wanna know what’s happening in life. You seeing someone?”
“I didn’t tell you?” I raise my brows, tapping my chin. “Huh, could’ve sworn I slipped the save-the-date in your purse last week.” I shrug. “Well, I’m married now. Bridget’s her name, she’s an accountant, and we’ve got two kids on the way. Mazel tov!” I beam, holding my glass up at her before chugging it back.
She shoots me an unimpressed look. “You know what you should do?”
“What?”
“Read one of—”
