Page 50 of Already Callin’ You Mine

I laugh, having already discovered this. “I love a big mouth on the end of my rod.”

An impish grin appears on Margeaux’s lips, her green eyes turning mischievous. “We keep joking about making a version for us Hayes women that says I like my mouth on a big rod.”

“Do it.”

“We just might.” She chuckles. “But that one was all Maisey. Between her and Brenna, I bet they’ve got all sorts of stuff up their sleeves.”

“Brenna Rawlins? The pharmacist?”

Margeaux nods. “Yup. One doesn’t marry Milo Hayes and not have a witty, sassy sense of humor. She finds him the funniest shirts. She’d be a big help with coming up with stuff for Southern Brothers.”

That’s good to know. Same with Maisey Phillips, Ewan’s girlfriend. I’m going to have to pick their brains.

“Plus, if for some reason one of them isn’t doing what they should, we’re here to help.”

Ha. Too bad the only one who needs wrangling doesn’t have a partner to enlist.

“Southern Brothers should be pretty easy. Both Milo and Brandt were both really into upping their social media presence. Milo seemed ready to do whatever I needed him to. Brandt a little less so, but I don’t think I’ll be igniting World War Three by asking them to do a dance.”

“Probably not.”

Our conversation lulls as both of us take a bite of our food. I spear my fork through the last bite of eggs, silently wishing I’d gone with a heavier option. Now that I have food in me, my body is all in.

I wonder if there is a way to get Greek yogurt and hot Cheetos…

“Can you get a babysitter for Thursday?”

I blink, letting the question register.

“This Thursday?”

“I know it’s kinda last minute, but I really want to introduce you to the rest of the girls. And not because I think you need their help to do your job. But because you deserve a night out with friends.”

Friends. The magic word.

I don’t know if Margeaux can see the desperation dripping off me, she has a sixth sense, or what, but this feels like she is handing me a golden ticket. The one thing I want the most. Something I’ve never had a lot of and certainly didn’t have the last time I lived in Hickory Hills.

“I can ask my parents.”

“Please. And if I need to also pester Otis senior into it, let me know and I’m on it.”

Okay then.

“What’s so special about Thursday?” I ask, curiosity taking over.

“Drafts and Dig In. And Cheese is the food truck of the week and they make the best pimento grilled cheese. It’s to die for. Gus prefers the jalapeño popper one, but he’s wrong. The pimento is better. They also make a killer buffalo chicken mac and cheese if that’s more your speed.”

My mouth waters, right in time with my tummy gurgling, everything she just listed off sounding heavenly. I love a good grilled cheese—basic or otherwise—and already know this menu is going to be impossible to resist.

“Sounds dangerous. Count me in.”