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“Mine too. I have a few people on my list that need the fear of God put into them. If anyone can do it, those twins can.”

14

GABRIEL

Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch

Tammy Jane: Whoever just blew up the diner’s bathroom . . . you need Jesus.

Comments:

Kerry Winsor: It was blown up?!?! How did I not hear about this???

Jade Clark: Not that kind of explosion . . . It’s more like taking the Browns to the Super Bowl.

Kerry Winsor: You watch football?

Jade Clark: Someone had a big poop. There. I said it.

Kerry Winsor: Jade!!! Have some class!!!

Grace Day: I’m sorry, okay? I’ll never eat cheese again . . .

I managed to get through all my emails throughout the day. Things felt odd with my apartment being so quiet, but I knew that Jade and the girls were just at the playground. If I needed to check in on them, I could look out the window.

So far, I’d seen them chase people around town. At one point, Jade was taking turns with them on her shoulders, scaring random people.

She’d been so right. She was far better at watching them than I was.

As much as I didn’t want to admit it, I needed this time away from them. My mind had been a mess and being hungover didn’t help. After food, ibuprofen, and quiet time, I felt much better.

I had no idea how long Jade’s kindness would last, but I did want to thank her.

It had been far too long since I cooked for an adult and not two picky kids. Even with one day off, I felt like I could conquer the world.

I was stirring a pot when the door opened. She and the girls walked in right on time.

“I was just about to come find you,” I said.

“What’s that smell?” Beatrice asked.

“It’s dinner for Jade and me. If you don’t want any, I have rice.”

“I want rice!” Beatrice said.

“It kind of smells . . .” Agnes lifted her nose and I waited for an insult. “Good.”

Good. She’d said it was good?

Hell had really frozen over.

My eyes finally moved to Jade, who was standing still in the entryway.

“Jade?” I asked. “Do you wanna stay for dinner?”

“You’re cooking?” she asked. “It’s been forever since I . . . I shouldn’t.”

I opened my mouth to suggest she take some with her, but Agnes beat me to it.