Page 30 of Property of Gray
She lifts a shoulder. “I figured you might need a restock.”
“I don’t deserve you.”
“I can think of a way for you to show your gratitude.”
“I bet you can.”
The stairs creak at the sound of my father coming down them. I close the fridge and grab some glasses from the cabinet and fill them with ice for the tea.
To someone on the outside looking in, we’d appear normal. We don’t even come close. We’re as dysfunctional as they come. But while Willow is here, we can pretend.
The three of us, well four if you count Blue because Willow gives him a serving, have dinner together, making small talk. Willow treats my father like he’s normal. Not like a loser who can’t get out of bed most days. He’s not held a job since I was fifteen.
Again, it’s a thin line between love and hate.
“Give my thanks to Mags,” he tells Willow.
“Of course. You know she’d love to see you come to church on Sunday.”
“Why? Does she want it to burn down?” he laughs and sips his tea.
“It would not.”
“You’re a damn fine girl, but you ain’t gotta lie to this old man. I know what people think and say about me.”
“Well, they can think and say all they want. Doesn’t make it true.”
“You’re a sweetheart. Brax should put a ring on your finger.”
Willow’s cheeks go red. “Who says I’d want to marry him? I hope you saved room for peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream.”
“Now you’re speaking my language.” He pats his stomach.
“You stay there and I’ll serve you a piece. Brax? You want any?”
“I’ll have my dessert later. I’m going to go smoke a cigarette.” There’s only so much of his good guy act I can stomach before it wears on me.
Willow follows me soon as she serves him his cobbler.
“Bill seems like he’s in a good mood.” She takes the seat next to me on the porch swing. Blue settles at our feet.
“For now. I’m sorry he put you on the spot in there.”
“There’s nothing to apologize for. Bill was just being Bill. And you’re you. Two completely different people.”
I wish I believed that.
We’re more alike than I care to admit.
“Don’t forget to put those clothes in the dryer.”
“You leaving?”
“Do you want me to stay?”
“I’ve not had dessert yet.”
Chapter Eleven
