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“You’re reading too much into things. It was the only night he was available. You two have rich imaginations.”
“You guys drank tequila?” Tyler asks.
“How do you know that?”
Damn. I cleaned the patio and kitchen meticulously after Van went home. What did I miss?
“The bottle is in the front on the shelf. Usually it’s behind the rum.”
“You know a little too much about how the liquor in this house is stored. That tells me to be more aware.”
David shoots his brother a sharpshut the fuck uplook.
“Why would you even be looking at the alcohol?”
“I wasn’t! I just noticed a difference. It was out of place.”
“Yes, we had a drink of tequila. That’s what grown-ups do. What is this, the Inquisition?”
David and I have a staring contest, until Tyler breaks the silence.
“I mean it wouldn’t be a bad thing if you had a date. You deserve to have some fun. Right?”
“Mom’s happy with things the way they are,” David says firmly.
“Both of you are right. Enough of this. I told you what I have to say, and I don’t need to get permission for who I invite to dinner. That’s not the way it works. Now let’s go to breakfast.”
I still have the power to shut down uncomfortable conversations. But for how long?
After our huevos rancheros I put the cell on vibrate, because Inspector Clouseau and Inspector Gadget would have definitely known what a big fat liar their mother is. From Van’s first call, that came in at eleven, I knew controlling my expression would be impossible. I put it on vibrate. The voicemail left surely would bring a smile. I wasn’t able to answer in the restaurant, but once in the restroom I listened. Four times.
“Umm, this is Captain Van Lyon of the Billings Police Department, doing a welfare check. Your neighbors reported hearing screams and pleas to God last night coming from your house. We would appreciate a call back, just to confirm your safety. Otherwise, we will be required to make a welfare check. Thank you.”
I laughed out loud, inside the only stall. Then promptly returned a text.
“This is Layla Silver, returning Captain Lyon’s call. Thank you for your quick follow up to my neighbor’s concerns. The screams and calls to The Almighty were a result of the best sex of my life. No need to call the cavalry.”
I composed and edited the message, wanting to get it right. He should know I enjoyed myself as much as he did. I was sitting on the john so long, my leg went to sleep, and when I returned to the table, the boys were suspicious. But I ignored their looks.
The rest of the day, and into the night, Van and I played with each other over the phone. Texting, voicemail, one short conversation we had as he walked into his meeting with clients. But between the day’s dueling itineraries, it was a steady stream of horny out of control short messages. Our communications could teach a course on what happens when you cannot get someone off your mind. When you are in lust.
Noon
Van:Do friends think of friends every fucking minute?
Me:I think so.
Three o’clock
Me:It’sbeen three hours. Are you getting tired of me?
Van:I am very sorry to tell you it’s over. I can’t be with a frigid woman.
Me:Instead of discarding me, maybe you can show me how to thaw.
Van:Wrap a blanket around your shoulders and spread your legs. I’ll be right there.
Four o’clock
