Page 68 of When the Snowman Whispered
“And who is Remy?”
She walked off with her gown of blankets. “That’s a crazier story.”
“Try me. I really want to hear that one.”
“Listen.” She went to the cupboard, pulled out two cups, and set them on the counter. “I need time to get myself together.”
“You had a chance to do that. It failed. Now let me help.”
“It didn’t fail.” She turned my way. “What are you talking about? I’m fine. Mom’s the one that is crazy!”
“You were outside at four in the morning, naked and moaning about someone that wasn’t there.” I got in front of her. “What. The. Fuck, Faith?”
“I don’t have anything to say that will make sense, so if you need sane thoughts then go somewhere else.”
I tenderly grabbed her arm. “What do you want, tea or coffee?”
“What?”
I gestured to the cups. “Tea or coffee?”
“Tea.” She pulled her arm away. “I can make it myself. I was making you a cup.”
“No, you sit and I’ll make it.”
“You’re still fucking bossy and you always need to be in control.”
“That’s not true.”
She hit her chest and spoke in a deep voice. “I’m a man. I’m strong and big. You sit. I do it. I’m a man.”
“Please, sit down, strong and equally-capable woman so that I can make us two cups of fucking tea.”
“Cursing in the morning?”
“I’m a grown man!” Those blankets hugged her just right. I wanted to rip them off. Tear each quilt away one-by-one. “In another second, I’m going to pick you up and put you in a chair.”
She pouted. “You’re still bossy.”
“I’m clearly not bossy enough or we would’ve still been together.”
She remained silent on that.
“You have ten seconds,” I said.
“I can make my tea.”
“You’re not in any shape to make anything, but you can tell me what happened last night.” I pointed to the chair and waited for her to sit down.
“Jesus Christ. This winter is insane.” Dragging the blankets, she frowned and went to the chair.
Okay. She’s listening. Keep the conversation light. Relax her. Wait until she’s had some tea. Then find out what’s going on.
I found a porcelain dish with a cover full of loose herbs. “You buy the good stuff.”
“I like tea.”
Smiling, I glanced over my shoulder at her. “Who put you on to tea, girl?”
