Page 23 of The Haunting Plot

RJ’s face scrunches. “What kind of stuff? Cuz I don’t see your mom conforming to traditional gender roles.”

“It’s not because they’re girls. It’s the stuff that Daddy used to do for them, like make them breakfast. And fix the toilet when the handle sticks and the water won’t stop running, and it’s loud. Oh, and the spiders. I have to kill all the spiders because Mom and McKenna are scared of them.”

“I hate spiders too,” I admit. I shoot a quick glance at RJ. “If you tell anyone at the firehouse that, you’ll be on permanent solo hose-testing duty.”

He winces, miming zipping his lips, then turns to Jonah. “Your mom has always hated spiders, even when we were kids. I used to prank her with fake ones all the time.”

“I’m sure that went over well,” I mutter.

His eyes go wide as if he’s had a brilliant idea.

“Nope. I know that face.”

“What face?” he says innocently.

“The one that tells me you’re up to no good. I want the woman to like me so she’ll let me help her. I like her. I’m not trying to get further on her bad side.”

“You like my mom?” Jonah asks.

Why can’t I keep these thoughts in my brain? I didn’t mean to say that out loud. “I do. I mean, what’s not to like? She’s confident and way more level-headed than I am. She doesn’t put up with nonsense from people. The way she has a witty retort locked and loaded is impressive. Her eyes are the exact shade of blue as the summer sky after a rainstorm, and I sometimes stare at them longer than I should. She’s smart, calm under pressure, and a good mom. She seems like a great person to have on your side. I like people like that.” I glance at the stunned faces around me. “I’ll stop talking now.”

“I think he more than likes your mom,” RJ stage-whispers, elbowing me.

My eyes drop to his arm, still jabbing me. “I’m gonna let that one slide.” The side of my mouth crooks into a grin.

“I like you. I want to see more of you,” Jonah says.

Well, fuck if that doesn’t hit me in the feels. “I think you’re pretty cool too.”

“I know how to get my mom to like you.”

“Thanks, kid, but I shouldn’t have told ya all that.”

Jonah smiles, like he knows something I don’t. “That’s why I like you. You don’t treat me like a little kid. You talk to me like an adult. And so does my mom. That’s why she’ll like you.”

“I talk to you like I do anyone else. I do the same with my kids.”

“Some people talk to me like a baby, especially when they find out I’m autistic. They treat me like I’m dumb, but I’m smarter than most people.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. And I’m confident you’re smarter than me.”

“You’re really nice. My dad was nice. Mom deserves someone nice,” Jonah says.

I look between them, pointing a finger. “Hold on. Before you two go all conspiratorial on me, I want it on record that I’m not on board with tricking Raven.”

“It’s not tricking. It’s giving her the push she needs to try something new,” RJ says.

I pause my movements. “New?”

He leans in. “Just trust me.”

“Not loving the smirk on your face.”

“This is a win-win for everyone. You help my sister with the house. Jonah gets the support he needs, and so does McKenna. You like my sister, she likes you.”

“That last part is up for debate,” I mutter.

“So how do we get her to date you?” RJ asks like he’s thinking out loud as he taps his chin.