Page 37 of Tethered

“Jesus, I’m fucked,” he mutters, walking back to the driver’s side.

I frown, not sure what he means, but I shake it off and head up to the door. I knock and wait before knocking again. I’m about to give up when the door opens, and a vertically-challenged woman opens the door. If she’s an inch over four feet eleven, I’d be shocked.

“Yes?”

“Mary Montgomery?”

I’ll admit she’s vaguely familiar, but after fifteen years, most of the names and faces blur together.

“That’s me. How can I help? Wait, do I know you?”

“I’m Calliope Hart. As you live locally, I thought I’d drop off your package so you don’t have to wait any longer than necessary.”

“Calliope? Oh my goodness, you look just like your mama.”

Okay, wow. I didn’t expect that. “You knew my mom?”

“I didn’t know her as such, but I knew of her. She was the same age as my little sister. My sister was a bit of a nerd at school, whereas your mom was the belle of the ball. So they never ran in the same circles, but she was always nice to her in passing.”

“Huh. That’s good to know. Thank you. I often wondered what kind of person she was.”

“Your father didn’t tell you?”

I shake my head before she seems to remember who I am and what I did.

“Well, shit, that was insensitive, wasn’t it? I suppose I shouldn’t say I cheered when I heard what you did to that asshole.”

I can’t help but chuckle. “You can say whatever you want. I’m not easily offended.”

“Oh, thank god. My kids tell me I’m embarrassing. I don’t mean to be, but I am who I am. Anyway, you don’t need to listen to me babble on. Do you want to come in for a drink or something?”

“That’s sweet, maybe next time. I have a few other parcels to deliver.”

“Of course you do.”

“Woman, where’s my drink?” I hear bellowing from inside the house.

She grips the doorframe before turning to yell, “I’m at the door. Get off your lazy ass and get one.”

I bite my lip to stop laughing.

“One day it’s all hot sex and dirty talk, and the next it’s creaky hips and nagging. Take my advice, don’t get married unless you have a hearing aid you can switch off.”

“I’ll take that on board. Anyway. Here are your things. Follow the dosage, but if you do have an issue, give me a call. My information is inside.”

“I can do that. Thanks for coming all the way out here.”

“It’s no problem. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

“Thank you. You too.” She waves me off as I head back to the car.

I tug the door open and climb in before pulling it closed. As soon as I’m seated comfortably, Austin leans over me, grabs the belt, and clips me in.

“You know I’m a big girl. I can manage my own seatbelt.”

“I didn’t say you couldn’t,” he says softly, dangerously close to me. I feel my breathing pick up before he pulls back and starts up the truck. “Where to next?”

I pull out the paper and scan the list before reading off the address.