Page 109 of Animal's Reformation
“And you believed him? Don’t you evenknowme?”
“Okay—I acted like a pussy. I own that. I just … I don’t know … Just the thought of you with him or any dude is hard to take, you know?”
“I get that, but you know I wasn’t a virgin hiding out in a tower. I have a past, but it shouldn’t affect our present or future. And talk about a past—how many women have you been with.” She held up her hand in front of his face. “Don’t answer that—I’m already sorry I asked. I know what goes on in the biker clubs, and you don’t think that sometimes it makes me feel a bit insecure or jealous?”
“You don’t have anything to worry about, baby. I only want you.”
“That’s the way it is with me too—I only want you.”
He pulled her close to him and hugged her tightly. “I didn’t mean to accuse you. Hell, I’m new to all this relationship stuff.”
Olivia giggled as she broke away from him. “Just so you know, it never gets easier.”
“Fucking great.” He moved closer to her. “I wanna kiss you, babe.”
“Not here in front of all the children.”
Animal looked around and saw some of the teachers and the angry eyes of Aria’s mother aimed right at him. “Fuck,” he muttered. “I forgot about her.”
“Who?” Olivia said looking over her shoulder.
“Aria’s mom. She’s been coming on to me since Lucy and her daughter became friends.”
“You mean Elise Griffin?”
“Yeah, that’s her name. She’s using her kid to get close to me.”
Olivia looked over her shoulder again. “Like how?”
“Saying that the only way Aria can come over to play with Lucy is if she comes too. She gave me some bullshit about doing it with all of Aria’s friends. She wants to fix dinner for me.”
“I’m the one who’ll fix dinner for you and Lucy. She’s attractive though. One of the eighth grade teachers, Marcus Thurber, has chatted her up numerous times.”
“She can’t even begin to compare to you, baby. I want you to come out with Lucy and me for dinner. We’re going to Luigi’s for pizza.”
Her eyes sparkled. “I’d love to, but will Lucy be okay with it? I don’t want to butt into her time with you.”
“Let’s ask her.” Animal waved Lucy over.
“I think Aria’s mom’s mad. She made her get off the swing and leave.”
“She’s probably just having a bad day,” he replied. “I was telling Olivia that I’m taking you to Luigi’s for pizza.”
“Yay!” Lucy twirled around. “Are you coming, Ms. Mooney?”
Olivia smiled. “Do you want me to?”
“Uh-huh. Have you been there?”
“I’ve never eaten there—I’ve only done takeout.”
“I’ve been there a lot. I really like it.” She tucked her hand into Animal’s and looked up at him. “Are we going now? I’m hungry.”
“I’m not sure.” Animal glanced over at Olivia.
“I won’t be able to go until about six o’clock. I have an online class that starts at four,” Olivia said. “Will six work for you, Lucy?”
His daughter cocked her head to the side and scrunched up her face as if deep in thought, then said, “That’s good.”
