Page 124 of Spicy Ever After
“Glad you’ll be able to join us.”
“Eve… even though it’ll be—” Hattie hiccups. “Boring.”
Margaret rolls her eyes while the woman behind her laughs and shakes her head.
“Beck, this is my friend Camille.”
I nod at her.
“Need us to help you get her into your truck?” Camille asks.
And rob me of the chance to hold Hattie?
“No, thanks. I got her.”
“He’s real ssstrong,” Hattie mutters. She lists into me, and I know if I weren’t holding her up, she’d be on the pavement.
Margaret frowns at her sister and bites her lip. “You sure you’ve got this?” she asks, her voice dropping. “We can call it a night. I?—”
“I’ve got this. I promise.” I nod toward the club. “Go back inside with the rest of your crew. You only get one bachelorette party, right?”
A smile softens her face. “It’ll just be the one for me.”
Hattie has told me all about Margaret and her fiancé Merrick. She’s made it clear they are her heroes. That they are completely devoted to each other. This is Margaret’s one and only bachelorette party. She should get back to it.
I nod, smiling. “We’ll hit a convenience store to get some electrolytes in her system, then I’ll get her home.”
“Good idea.” Then Margaret holds out her hand. “Give me your phone. I’ll program my number. You can text me when she’s home.”
I don’t hesitate. Whatever makes Margaret feel comfortable trusting me with her sister. Her phone pings as she hands mine back. She checks the screen and nods with satisfaction.
“Make sure you text me within the next thirty minutes. Got it?” And even though her words are softly spoken, there’s a firmness to them I don’t miss.
“Got it.” I pocket my phone and kiss the top of Hattie’s head. “Ready, Hattie?”
She nods, mumbling a slurred “Yesh” against my chest.
I get her into the truck and buckled in, glad the traffic on Jefferson is light and the cars that have pulled up behind me have been able to go around. Margaret and her friend watch us the whole time.
When I get behind the wheel and put the truck in gear, I wave, and I’d bet money they stand outside until my taillights disappear.
“Honey, where do you live?” I make a right onto Garfield Street and head for the Circle K on University.
Hattie mutters something I don’t catch.
“What’d you say?”
She leans against the passenger side door and groans.
“Do you need to be sick again?” I ask gently, signaling to pull over just in case.
“No… Juss… don’t wanna… go home.”
I kill my blinker. “You don’t?”
She moans again. “My mom… will… freak?—”
“Then come home with me.” I don’t give it a second thought. “I’ll take care of you.”
