Page 148 of Contentious

“Don’t make me laugh.”

“You’re really okay?”

“I mean, I’ve been better, but I’m still kicking.”

“And Cresley and her son?”

“They’re okay, too, but you know… A lot to process.”

“What can I do for you?”

“Nothing that I can think of.”

“From what I heard, Mom and the girls have descended on your place and are cooking up a storm.”

Carson bit back a groan. “And you couldn’t have stopped that?”

“Dude, we all know better than to get in their way when they’ve got a plan to execute.”

“Well, thanks for the warning.”

“I’ll come by tomorrow to check in.”

“How’s the baby?”

“She’s… She’s incredible. I can’t wait for you guys to meet her.”

“We’re looking forward to that,” Julian said.

“Next Thursday still good?”

“Unless I get kidnapped or stabbed, I’ll be there,” Carson said.

“Too soon, man. Far too soon.”

Carson laughed and then grimaced. “Don’t make me laugh!”

“Don’t say stupid shit. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Thanks for not getting killed—again.”

“You got it.”

As they approached the first exits for Los Angeles, Carson took calls from Ethan, Jackson and Roman, all of whom were glad to hear his voice and agreed it was too soon for jokes about his recent ordeals.

“Do not come home again, Rome,” Carson told his youngest brother. “Stay focused on school.”

“That’d be easier if you didn’t keep almost getting yourself killed.”

“I’m working on improving my track record.”

Roman huffed out a laugh. “You need to stay away from that woman, man. She’s gonna be your downfall.”

“Nah, none of it was her fault, and he’s in custody now. All good.”

“So are you like actually… involved… with Cresley Dane?”

“It seems so.”

“Wow. She’s way out of your league.”