Page 53 of Slashes in the Snow
“There’s still time. We’ll book you another plane ticket,” Gerard chimes in.
“Sorry, not happening, Pops, she’s staying with me.” Ky plants a protective kiss on my head, and my mother nearly melts. At least she approves.
“Little Darlin’, what I said still applies. If he doesn’t treat you right, he’ll have to deal with me,” Gerard continues with the threats.
“I think I can take care of myself.”
In this situation anyway.
“We’ll let you two eat. And have some wonderful dinner conversation.” I can’t keep a straight face. I wish I was a fly on the wall to hear what they have to say. Gerard especially.
“Okay, sweetie. I love you. I’ll call you later, and we’ll talk some more.” My mom nods hopefully. Pressingly is more like it. I have a feeling we are going to have a very long, involved chat
“’Kay,” I agree. “Mom, make sure you take a bunch of pictures of the Eiffel Tower. Oh, and the L’Arc de Triomphe. Oh, and that little cafe we love getting lemon chiffon tea at.” I beg dreamily. Maybe I’m going to miss visiting Paris more than I realized.
“I promise, sweetheart. All of it.”
“Thanks. Love you.”
“Love you, too, baby.”
“Ah, before you hang up.” Gerard motions to my mom to give him the phone. “Ky, you may be my kin and all, but I’ll kill ya if you hurt her.”
Ky huffs. “Well, gee, thanks, Pops. It’s great to talk to you too after all this time.”
Gerard scoffs a bit. And luckily it’s more amused than agitated. It’s fascinating watching them finally interact.
“You look good, son.” Gerard winks at me. Maybe he isn’t as pissed as he originally let on.
“You look older,” Ky makes no qualms about talking trash.
“Glad to see things haven’t changed much.” Gerard bears his pearly whites.
“Oh, things have changed a whole hell of a lot.” Ky chews on the inside of his cheek. “It’s good to see you, though.” They’re making nice. Which makes me very happy. And relieved. No more bloodshed to worry about in the house. “Go have dinner. We’ll talk when you get back.” Ky nestles up against me.
Gerard nods, concentrating heavily on his son. His blue eyes full of a manifold of emotions.
“’Night, son.” Gerard’s tone is stern, yet affectionate.
“Oh, hey, Pops, one more thing. She’s a sweet ass ride.” Ky winks at his father.
Gerard turns red as a tomato. “Ky, you better be talking about the fucking car.”
Click.Ky hangs up on him.
“You’re so mean.” I exclaim.
“I know.” He chuckles manically. “Did you see his face? I wish we took a screenshot. I’d blow it up and hang it behind the bar.”
“My mom heard that dirty little joke.”
“Pfft.She’s married to my father. She’s heard a hell of a lot worse.”
“Not about her daughter. Hopefully.” I smack his stomach.
“Aw, don’t be mad,” he pacifies me. “It’s all in good fun. And it’s the truth. You’re one fucking hell of a ride.” Ky tilts my head back and kisses me. He’s so lucky I love him, or I’d punch him out for that comment. “Now that that’s done. I’m totally ready for you to ride me.” He wiggles his eyebrows.
“I bet you are.” We both laugh.
