Page 7 of Rags's Awakening
“So do you. I’m glad you could make time to come by.”
“Megan’s already tagged me on that one, Mom. Work’s been busy.”
“I know, I’ve heard it all before. You and Jeremy lead very busy lives.”
Circumventing a guilt trip, he asked, “Is Jeremy coming tonight?”
“No. He’s too busy. I can’t imagine with what. He works a factory job with set hours. It’s not like having your own business like you do.”
“Maybe Wanda had to work late tonight. The bakery caters, and the theater is having a VIP reception before the play tonight. I’m pretty sure that’s what Clara told me,” Megan said.
Rags smiled at the mention of their youngest sibling.
Their mother shook her head. “And he can’t come over to dinner without his girlfriend? Does that make sense?” she said, looking at Rags.
He shrugged and took another bite of the apple.
“She’s got him wrapped around her little finger. Don’t get me wrong, I like Wanda, but she’s too controlling.”
“Maybe he’s okay with that,” Megan suggested.
“I can’t see Chase letting a woman control him, right dear?”
“Damn straight. I wouldn’t let any chick control me.” He threw the apple core in the trash can.
“Speaking of ‘chicks’, guess who I bumped into on Main Street,” Megan said.
“Cousin Carol, or Aunt Nelda? I heard Carol came into town for a few days and didn’t call your uncle, and he’s furious about it.”
“No, Mom. Your turn, Rags. Guess.”
“I dunno. Just tell us.”
“Guess.”
“No.”
“Humor your sister.”
“Carrie Underwood,” he said.
Megan’s face tightened. “What the hell would Carrie Underwood be doing in Pinewood Springs walking down Main Street?”
Rags shrugged. “You told me to guess.”
“With some intelligence.”
He shoved his hands in his jeans pockets and rocked back on his boot heels. “Lainey Wilson.” A smiled tugged at his lips.
“Mom, tell Rags to stop being a jerk,” Megan said, glaring at him.
“What? You told me to guess.”
“So you guess my two favorite female country singers?”
“Figured it must be someone important to you to have me standing here guessing like a damn five-year-old.”
“I’m not telling you now,” Megan snapped.
