Page 94 of Until Joy

“What? I'm just asking questions.” Randy cut into his waffle, but his attention stayed fixed on Graham. “So, what do you do for work, Graham? Besides ride motorcycles.”

“I work at one of the most, if not the most popular auto supply stores in Murfreesboro. I also work on custom motorcycles at the company’s body shop. Been doing it for over two years.”

“Part owner.” Randy nodded slowly. “That's nice. Good benefits? Retirement plan?”

“Randy, stop.” I set a plate with three strips of bacon in front of Seth while I waited for the next waffle to finish, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

“I'm just trying to get to know the guy our sister's shacking up with.”

“We're not shacking up.” The words came out sharper than I intended. “This is Graham's house, and you're being rude to him in his own home. Either fix your attitude or leave.”

Randy's eyebrows shot up. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me.” I turned to face him fully, hands on my hips. “Graham opened his home to you so I could make you breakfast and you're sitting there being deliberately insulting. I won't tolerate it.”

“Joy, it's okay.” Graham's voice stayed calm, but I caught the slight smile tugging at his lips.

“No, it's not okay.” I pointed my spatula at Randy. “You don't get to come into someone's house and act like a jackass.”

Seth cleared his throat. “She's right, Randy. We're guests here.”

Randy had the grace to look slightly ashamed. “Fine. Sorry, man. I got up far too early this morning, you know?”

Graham nodded. “No problem. I get it. If someone was dating my sister, if I had one, I'd want to make sure he was good enough for her, too.”

The simple acknowledgment seemed to defuse some of Randy's hostility. He took another bite of waffle, chewing thoughtfully.

“These are really good, JoJo.”

“Thanks.” I plated Graham with the third waffle and newly fried bacon. Then I refilled everyone's coffee, letting the compliment ease some of my irritation.

Seth cleared his throat. “So, have your guys found out anything since yesterday?”

Graham paused to sip his coffee. “Actually, they were due to give us a briefing this afternoon at the club house, but I asked them to come here earlier after we got your call.”

“Us?” Seth asked.

“Clubhouse? Is that anything like a treehouse?” Randy asked.

This was the first time I saw Graham get irritated. “You know I can rescind the invite, don’t you?”

“What have they found?” Seth asked.

“I'd rather let them tell you. Should be here soon.”

The kitchen fell quiet except for the sound of forks against plates. I could practically feel the wheels turning in both my brothers' heads as they processed this information.

“Good waffles, Joy. I especially like the homemade whipped cream.” Seth smiled at me, the first genuine expression I'd seen from him since he'd arrived.

“Mom's recipe.”

“I know. Tastes just like home.”

Something loosened in my chest at the warmth in his voice. Seth might be overprotective, but his heart was always in the right place.

“More coffee anyone?” I went to the kitchen before they could even answer and came back with the pot and topped off their mugs, trying to shake off the lingering tension.

Randy was studying Graham with new interest. “So, this security firm, they any good?”