Page 38 of Property of Sugar
“That hurts a little.” I gently rubbed my chest. “Right here.”
“Bullshit. You don’t have a heart.”
“Do you want to play pool with us?” Birdie asked, ignoring our dramatics.
“Who’s us?”
“Me, Coochie, Charli, and Bean.”
“I’ll sit this one out.” I nodded at Sugar. “His leg hurts.”
Birdie grinned. “Be good.”
“I promise,” I said as they got up to leave.
“Hah,” Sugar laughed. “You shouldn’t lie to your grandmother.”
“I didn’t. I’ll be good or be good at being bad. No lie was told,” I said and stuck out my tongue.
He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply.
He was fun to annoy, but I didn’t want to push him too far, so I changed the subject. “What helps your leg?”
He shrugged. “Rest. Maybe some weed.”
“I’m down for weed and a nap.”
He watched me for several seconds. “Don’t make me regret this.”
“I do not accept responsibility for your emotions.”
“Never mind. We’ll stay here.”
I was fucking exhausted and really wanted to sleep, so I conceded. “Fine. I’ll do my best to keep my actions from possibly leading you to develop future feelings of regret.”
He shook his head and got to his feet. “Let’s go.”
We stopped by the pool table so I could let Birdie know where I was going. “Hang on a sec,” she said. “Coochie thought we might be stuck here for a few days because of the weather, so I packed some clothes for you. They’re in the truck.”
“I’ll have a prospect get her clothes and bring them to my room,” Sugar said. “Just give your keys to Coochie.”
“He already has them,” Birdie said.
I looked at her skeptically.
“What? You know I didn’t drive here in all that mess.”
“Mm-hmm,” I said and leaned in to hug her. “I might sleep until morning. Are you gonna be okay?”
“Yes,” Birdie laughed and kissed my cheek. “I’m having a great time catching up with old friends, and I won’t have to worry about you if you’re asleep all night.”
“If you hadn’t just rescued me from a motorcycle club, I might be offended.”
“Are you gonna be okay?” she asked quietly. “With him? You can stay in Coochie’s room with us.”
I laughed. “Istabbedhim.”
“Exactly.”
