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“Settle down,” Betty said, smiling at me. “Bear’s at least a half mile that way.” She pointed downslope.
“Phone,” I said, slipping it from my shorts pocket to see if it was about Katie. I was glad to have service. Sometimes I got back to the truck at the end of the day to find out Katie was sick and Violet had to go pick her up. One more reason why a shift in daily duties would be welcome.
The text was from Paul at headquarters. My heart leapt into my throat, but just as I was about to open it, another appeared. From Sly.
Sly: Got plans for Saturday?
My pulse quickened.
“It’s him. He’s asking about Saturday.”
Betty gave me a quick nod. “Date. No kid.”
Me: Not really, why?
Sly: There’s a little team BBQ. Would love to take you. I’ll understand if you don’t want to go.
Me: Why wouldn’t I want to go?’
Sly: No bears to wrestle, etc.
Me: Hmm... You’re right. Might be a little boring.
Three dots danced and then disappeared, then danced again. Finally, Sly’s reply came.
Sly: I’ll wrestle with you if you want.
My heart slammed against my ribs. He was definitely flirting. That was suggestive, wasn’t it?
“Betty!” I whispered. “Read this.”
Betty read the text string, and a smile stretched her red lips wide as she began to nod. “Ooh, there’s zero doubt he’s into you. You see that, right?”
“Shit. What do I say?”
She rolled her eyes like I was the most exhausting and clueless friend she had.
“Just ask what time you need to be ready. And tell him where you’re going to stash the kid and slip in that she’ll be gone all night.”
“I don’t have an overnight babysitter!” There was no way I could ask Violet to sit all night so I could have sex with her son.
Betty sighed deeply and took her cap off, smoothing her hair before replacing it. “I might have told my sister I’d watch her six-year-old daughter overnight Saturday. Katie can come too. We’ll have a slumber party.”
I stared at her. Betty? As a babysitter? “You’re serious?”
“If it means you get some action, I’ll do this thing for you. But you will owe me.”
Could I really leave Katie with Betty so I could hopefully spend the night with Sly? Giddy bubbles released inside me, making me dizzy for a second.
“Okay.” I blew out a breath, trying to calm my nerves. “Thank you!”
“Don’t let me down,” she teased, a smile in her eyes.
Me: Sounds good. Katie’s got a sleepover Saturday so I’ll be on my own. What time?
Sly: So that’s a yes to wrestling?
Me: It’s a yes to the BBQ. We’ll go from there.
