Page 82 of Rumor Has It

Her eyes snap to mine, and she shakes her head wildly. “Nuh-uh.”

“Rumor, you can tell me. I need to know,” I implore her.

Her eyes are wet when she peers at me. “She asked me if I knew who my daddy was, and did I know my mom was a whore.”

“I’m sorry, baby.” I reach over, unbuckling her belt. I pull her into my arms, drying her face. “Have I ever told you why I named you Rumor?”

She shakes her head. “Nope.”

“A rumor is a story of uncertain or doubtful truth.” Her brows knit with my explanation. “People talk, and they don’t care if what they’re saying is true or not. I knew people would always be whispering about us, so I thought, I’m gonna name her Rumor. That way any time they talked about you, it would always be uncertain and doubtful if it was true.”

“I love you, Momma.” She buries her face in my shirt, leaving me struggling not to find them and run through them.

I help her back into her seat and send a quick text before we get on the road. I keep the conversation light, anything to make her smile. I swing by Maisyn’s, telling Rumor I have a short errand.

This one happens to be a boots to ass prescription. I strut into Food Center, scanning the place for my target. A deep-seated need to ram my fist down her throat only subsides thinking about my baby.

“Let’s play, ladies.” I roll up my sleeves, grabbing a basket. I keep my eyes on my prey as I pretend to shop. Picking up needless items as I come to them. I want them together, so they can witness the carnage.

I step up to the counter, watching their faces when recognition hits them. Marla cuts her eyes to Michelle, and I smile.

“Well, look what the cats dragged in,” Marla snarls.

I cover my mouth, surprised. “Oh! I thought you and Michelle were friends, but you’re so right. She does look like a drowned rat; the hair is so grunge.”

“Excuse me, she was referencing you.” Michelle’s lip curls.

“Yup, I sure was.” Marla nods. “By the way, your offspring was in here earlier.”

“Damn, I got myself a fan club! Y’all keeping tabs on me now?” I narrow my eyes at her, pointing to her face. “By the way, you still haven’t taken care of that situation?”

“No, it’s just that everyone in town is wondering if you’ve ever figured out who the baby daddy is.” Marla snorts.

“Well, there’s one thing about rumors I like; at least you’re spreading something besides your legs.” I quirk my brow.

Michelle’s mouth hangs. “As if you haven’t spread yours.”

“I can count on one hand how many times I’ve done it. Can you say the same?” They gape at me, and I love it. “Sorry, sarcasm falls outta my mouth like yours fall open for a Friday night at the local bar.”

“I suppose she’s just mad because she heard about you and Boone, Marla.” Michelle snips.

Marla licks her lips. “Yeah, we had a real good time the other night.”

“You know what I like most about rumors, well besides our daughter’s name Rumor.” I whip my head around to find Boone by my side, clasping my hand. “I always find out amazing things about myself. Did you hear the latest?” He turns to me with a wink.

I smile. “No, I did not. Would you like to tell me?”

“Certainly, my love.” He leans in, whispering in my ear.

“Really?” I say as he nods. “Can I tell them?”

He smirks, and my lady bits tingle. “It’s a must.”

“Boone said, don’t ever speak to our daughter like that again, or he’ll have your ass fired!”

He leans, sexy as hell, in a deep growl. “Now, we’re gonna go do our damn best to make another just like her.”

“She’s her father, so perfect.” That earns me a smolder that makes my panties wet.