Page 122 of Rumor Has It

“Rumor! Rumor! C’mon, Reed’s here,” I call to her.

Ridge guffaws. “What a welcome for a ‘honey, I’m home’ moment.”

“He’s not my honey. As a matter of fact, I’m seriously questioning his ability to provide the sperm needed for impregnation.”

“Dayummmm!” Ridge exclaims.

There’s a clicking noise in the phone. “Two snaps and a whatevahhh. Give that girl a sweet tea and a breeze.”

“And this is my support system?” I look to the heavens. I feel something beside me and cut my eyes to it. Rumor stands there, staring at the sky.

“I think he’s on vacation too, Momma.”

“Huh?” My head whips around, watching her search the sky.

“God.” She points to the clouds. “He hasn’t answered me lately either.”

I kneel in front of her. “What have you been talking to him about?”

“Good question, but go easy,” Maisyn mumbles.

Ridge groans in my ear, “No it is not! That’s her personal business.”

She lifts her shoulders, dropping them with a sigh. “Stuff.”

“Did you not hear me?” Reed stands over us, scowling.

I grab my bag, taking Rumor by the hand. “Yes.”

“Gurllll, do not let him get away with that shit!” Maisyn shouts through the receiver.

“Fuck that, Mack. Boone is gonna kill him.” Ridge’s words vibrate with anger.

I trudge through the sand, Rumor in tow. “I’ve got this, y’all. I need to go.”

“I sure as hell hope you mean pack your bags and go. GO!” Maisyn grumbles, not helping my nerves or patience.

I stop, collecting myself. “I’ve got this, guys. I’ll call you.” I end the conversation, looking back at Reed coming up behind us.

“We need to hurry. There’s an hour before everyone gets here.” He barks as he passes by. I have an urge to flip him off, but Rumor’s tug on my hand stops me.

“Momma, who’s coming?” She wrinkles her nose, looking so much like Boone when he does it. I tap her on the tip with a smile.

“I don’t know, so we better get a move on.”

We scurry up the stairs, right behind Reed. I have Rumor kick her shoes off at the door because they’re filled with sand. I rush her through when I notice Reed pacing in the living room.

“Reed?”

His eyes cut to mine. “Do you purposely go slower when I ask for you to hurry?”

“I didn’t realize it was an emergency.” I take Rumor by the hand, turning away from him.

“Where do you think you’re going?” He runs over to us, stopping us at the base of the stairs.

I tilt my head. “To get dressed, you said people we’re coming.”

“Oh, yes. My boss, and I need you both to be polite and loving.” My eyes widen at his demand.