Page 71 of Craving Theodora
“I got us until you find something good,” I reminded her. “Take your time.”
“It feels weird.”
“Ignore it,” I replied, pulling her into my arms. “Have you ever been able to spend summer break with the kids?”
“No,” she scoffed. “I’ve worked since I was sixteen.”
“Then you’re due a break,” I said, pushing her hair back from her face. “I make good money. You’ve got time to hold out for a job you’re actually gonna like. No use startin’ somewhere that you’re gonna hate in a month. You’ll be right back where you are, searchin’ for somethin’ else, but you’ll be doin’ it while workin’ all day somewhere you don’t wanna be.”
“It’s a little frustrating when you make sense,” she grumbled. “I just don’t want you to feel like I’m taking advantage. My savings are good for now, but only because you’re paying the rent and utilities. Eventually, I need to have a job, or you’re going to have to take on more expenses, and I’m not cool with that.”
“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
Jesse’s loud laughter and Finn’s shrieking made us turn our heads to look in the house.
“I’m going to pretend I didn’t see that,” Teddy announced as Dylan sprayed Finn with the kitchen faucet.
“Probably a good choice,” I replied.
She looked back at me. “They’ll clean it up, right?” She nodded. “Yeah.”
I snickered. “That in there? Dyl wouldn’t have that if you weren’t here. His siblings are small, so he’sneverhad that. You’re worried about contributin’, but baby, you’re givin’ a whole lot more than you’re gettin’. You bein’ here during the day means Dylan comes out of his room and actually does fun shit.”
“I think he’d disagree with you,” she said with a smile. “I made them all go grocery shopping with me today because they slept until noon.”
“Hell,” I scoffed. “He was probably stoked because you let him pick out his own snacks.”
“Speaking of that,” she mused. “I never realized how much teenage boys eat. Holy shit.”
“Good thing he’ll be moved out in a couple of years when Finn reaches thirteen.”
Teddy’s gaze softened.
“Though, if I remember right, I was still goin’ home to raid my parents’ fridge and do laundry until I moved to Montana.”
“See,” she said with a laugh. “I need a job so we can afford to feed them.”
“Mom, there’s someone at the door,” Jesse called, throwing open the slider. Their voice trembled even though they were trying to hide it.
I hurried through the house with Teddy on my heels, but when I reached the door, there was no one there.
“Someone knocked,” Dylan said, looking past me.
All the kids had followed us.
The holstered pistol in the back waistband of my jeans was welcome insurance as I walked outside and looked around. There wasn’t anyone in the driveway, but when I checked the street, I came to a stop.
Parked across the road, Gray was leaning against a very familiar navy blue car.
“What is this,Sixteen Candles?” Teddy asked in amusement. “Isn’t that your cousin?”
“Yep.”
“What’s he doing here?”
“My guess? Dropping off my car.”
“That’s yours?”
