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“Relax. It’s none of my business.”
“They’re not forthat. For her, I mean. We both have…” I blow out a frustrated breath. Eh, fuck it, if talking about this stuff scares him away, he’s not worth the energy. “Basically, one week out of the month and honestly, a few days before, this house is a hellscape. You’re best avoiding it at all costs.”
He chuckles softly. “Or, I could always leave a bag of steaks and chocolate on the porch and run.”
Wise man.“Steaks?”
“Iron?” He shrugs.
It’s such a sweet thought, I won’t contradict him by explaining the prostaglandins in red meat can actually make cramps worse. “Anyway, please don’t tell her I told you any—”
“Emily.” He frowns as if searching for the right words. “I can’t think ofanyreason why that would come up in conversation with your little sister.”
“She embarrasses easily, that’s all.”
His gaze strays to the cabinet door. Pain creases his forehead, and he seems to be struggling with his next words. “Don’t take this the wrong way,” he says carefully, “but my wife’s parents didn’t think they had to worry about anything either.”
He’s clearly uncomfortable with the topic, so I hang onto my protective big sister retort. I kept alotof things from my parents when I was a teenager. Some far more dangerous than skipping a pill. I like to think Libby and I have a more open relationship but I also try to give her space and independence where I can.
Then, his words hit me full force. Does he have a kid? He said his wife died. Did she…I open my mouth to ask, then snap it shut. If he wants to tell me, he will.
“I’ll talk to her when she gets home,” I finally say.
“I’m sure that’ll be fun.” The corners of his mouth tip up.
“Maybe I’ll have Serena talk to her, she seems to open up to her easier,” I say.
“Serena’s been through a lot. I’m sure she’s a good listener.”
“She is.”
Now that this completely bizarre and embarrassing conversation is over, I pop my own pill, chase it with a sip of water, and leave Dex to finish up in here.
If our time this morning is limited. I don’t want to waste a minute.
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE
Dex
Nothing exciting happens in church,which is a good thing for a change. Grinder seems grumpier than usual but I really want to ask him about his old apartment, so I’m willing to risk his surly attitude.
I don’t want to discuss this while most of the club still lingers in the war room to overhear my business, but Grinder looks like he’s ready to bolt so I better ask now.
“Hey, before you leave.” I reach over and rest my hand on Grinder’s arm. “What’d you do with the lease on your apartment?”
“Didn’t have one.” His gaze shoots across the table to Teller.
Teller narrows his eyes and lifts his chin. “Why are you asking?”
Great, now Teller’s gonna be in my business. “If it’s still available, I want to rent it.”
“Why the fuck you want to be way out there?” Wrath bellows from somewhere behind me. “It’s like an hour from CB. Forty-five minutes from here.” He pulls out his chair and drops into it again.
“I’m aware of where it’s located.” Goddammit. Can’t anyone have a private conversation around here?
“You want to be closer to Emily?” Grinder asks. Bet he’s smirking under that bushy fucking beard.
“Yeah.” Why bother lying?
