Page 126 of Misguided

FORTY

Mel

“Talk to me, sis.” Hooch rubs his eyes with his free hand, holding his phone over his head with the other, judging by the angle of the FaceTime image.

“Did I wake you up?” It’s well after ten in the morning.

“Long night,” he says on a yawn.

I lean back with my knees bent in what’s become my favorite spot: the lawn down by the back fence of the Lincoln clubhouse. “I’ve got a question for you.”

“Mmm,” he mumbles.

“I want Dog to come stay with us.”

He blinks a couple of times, rubbing his eyes again. “That’s not a question, Mel. It’s a statement.”

“Leave her alone,” comes from the background. “You know what she’s asking, so just answer her.”

I call out in sing-song, “Hi, Dagne.”

“Heya.” Her head pops into view briefly.

“Why do you want that?” Hooch asks. “I thought you weren’t fuckin’ him?” he prompts.

Silence stretches between us: me biting my bottom lip to stifle my nervous giggle, and him staring wide-eyed at the screen.

“Mel?”

“Little brother?”

“I ain’t so little when I kick his fuckin’ ass for touchin’ you,” he growls.

“Hooch …”

“What, Mel?” he drawls.

“I’m a grown woman. I have sex.”

“Stop.” He holds a hand up to the screen. “I don’t need to hear it, especially when it involves one of the guys. No. Just no. I do not need that visual this early in the mornin’.”

I prop my phone between my knees. “So, is that a yes?”

He pushes his head back into the bedding, groaning. “Yes, Mel. If King’s okay with it, he can come down here. Whatever gets you home, baby girl.”

I go to thank him, but he cuts me off.

“But, no fuckin’ around. If he’s here, he’s serious. I’m not havin’ that asshole screw you around, okay?”

“Don’t worry,” I say. “He’s serious.” I look down at the head that lies in my lap and match Dog’s smile.

He winks back up at me.

“When can we expect you back?” Hooch asks, clearly still unaware Dog’s there.

“A few days. He’s got some things to sort out here with family, and then we’ll bring the truck down too. King said he’d get a prospect to drive it so they can bring it back after.”

“Generous of him.”