Page 100 of Contentious

“I live to serve you, my love.”

“You’re the best friend I’ve ever had, and I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know.”

“Right back at you, babe. Don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Good thing you’re stuck with me.”

Marlene took a look around the room full of musical memorabilia. “I googled this chick Mama Cass, and she was the shit back in the day.”

“She’s a legend. I can’t believe we’re in her house.”

“How soon can you go back to your place?”

“I don’t know. It’s a crime scene. Never thought I’d say those words about my house.”

“I can’t believe any of this. I mean, Marlon has always been a dick, but if you’d asked me if he’d stab someone or try to kill you with his car…”

“Ty is really struggling to understand why he’d do those things.”

“I hope he never understands that kind of behavior. It’s madness.”

Cresley’s cell phone rang with a call from Carson.

“It’s your boo! I’ll let you take that while I clean up the kitchen. Don’t tell him about Ethan.”

Cresley made the lips-zipped gesture as she took the call. “Hey.”

“What’s going on?”

“Just hanging with Marlene.”

“Could she stay with Ty while you sneak back in here to see me?”

“I think they frown on nocturnal visitors in the ICU.”

“I’d like to find out. I’m lonely.”

When he put it that way, what could she say other than, “Let me see what I can do.”

“Text me.”

“I will.”

“Hey, Cres…”

“Yes?”

“I’m lonely only for you. No one else but you.”

“Will they let me in?”

“The nurses love me. I’ll make sure of it.”

Of course the nurses loved him. He was probably the sexiest patient they’d cared for in a while. “I’m coming.”

“I can’t wait.”

Cresley got up from the sofa, thankful she’d had only half a glass of wine, and went to find Marlene.