Page 54 of If I Didn’t Have You

“Whiskey,” I grunted at Wayne, who had recently taken up a few shifts at The Beaver.

Quirking an eyebrow at me, he grabbed a glass and poured. “Everything okay?”

“Why do you ask?” I sniped.

“I heard you didn’t come in here often. Should I get Lizzy?”

I huffed in annoyance. The last thing I needed was my baby girl coming out here to comfort me. I didn’t want any of my children speaking their piece, not when I already knew they would take their mother’s side.

“How’s work at the department?”

“Not bad,” he grumbled.

“That why you’re in here instead of out on the job?”

“Wouldn’t want to be accused of being too much like my brother,” he grinned. “You know how Remi says I love to copy him.”

“Well, you have been following him around since you were three.”

“That’s what younger brothers do.”

I snorted at that. “Just like my boys.”

“I keep telling him, one day he’s going to have a family of his own, and he’ll see. They’ll all annoy each other just like I annoy him.”

“Got anyone in mind for him?”

“You know Remi. He’s only got one woman on his mind.”

“Delilah,” I nodded. “Everyone knows he wants her. If he waits too long, someone else will make a move.”

“It’s not that easy. From what I hear, there’s some bad blood between them.”

“Isn’t there always,” I muttered, thinking of my own relationship at the moment.

“I’m guessing you’re referring to Clara.”

“Jesus, is there nothing that doesn’t get around in this town?”

“Careful,” he grinned. “Say that word too loud, and half the town will drag you to church to pray for your sins.”

“Not sure I believe in that stuff anymore.”

“What stuff?” Tanner asked, taking a seat beside me. “Heard you were having trouble with Clara. Lila said it was quite the sight at yoga this morning.”

I rolled my eyes in annoyance at how quickly the rumors flew.

“And judging by the smell, the milkshake bandit is at it again,” he chuckled.

“Why don’t you worry about those boys of yours and keep your nose out of my business,” I argued.

“Ah, they’re all fine boys.”

“Yeah? Is that why I heard Levi is living with Remi now that he’s back?”

At that, he snapped his mouth shut and ordered a drink.

“Yeah, I’m guessing Lila’s not too happy about the way things are going.”