“But you still need coverage,” she said, grinning wickedly. “Because you have a date. With Aaron. He’s taking you to dinner up in Callup and then to a party, seeing as neither of you are scheduled for Thursday morning.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” I asked, getting a cold feeling deep in my stomach.
“You texted him while Izzy was taking her bath,” Jessica said. “You told him that Sherri suggested you get in touch. He asked you out. It was all very sweet—he really likes you and I think you really like him, too. At least, that’s the impression you gave with your text, you wicked little flirt.”
“I was impressed,” confirmed Sherri. “Didn’t know you had it in you.”
I stared between them, wondering whether Painter could help me dispose of two bodies without leaving any evidence.
Probably.
“Give me my phone.”
Jess handed me one of the frosted pink monstrosities instead.
“Join the dark side, Melanie. We have cake.”
“I’m not going out with him—and fuck you, because that cake’s pink and I hate pink.”
“You don’t have to go on the date,” Sherri said quickly. “Of course, it will probably be awkward as hell to back out at this point. Really hurt his feelings, you know? He thinks you’re interested. And be fair, Mel. He’s cute.”
I stared at the cupcake, picturing the security guard. Aaron. Aaron Waits. He seemed like a nice enough guy, and Sherri was right—he really was cute. Not as big and tough as Painter, but not all clean-cut and shiny like that damned dentist, either.
“Don’t take this as a sign that what you did is okay . . .” I said finally, reaching for the cupcake.
“Of course not,” Jess said, trying hard not to gloat and failing miserably. “It’s that terrible impulse-control problem of mine, you know? So hard to overcome. I’ll totally talk to my therapist about it.”
“Don’t you dare pull that shit on me,” I said, biting down into the pink monstrosity. It was really good—there was just the right ratio of frosting to cake. I hated it when the frosting wasn’t thick enough. “You haven’t been to therapy for years, and you’re perfectly capable of controlling your impulses when you want to.”
It was true, and it would’ve sounded a whole lot better if I hadn’t sprayed crumbs along with my words.
“Ta-da!” Izzy shouted, running into the kitchen. She had on her newest princess dress, this one bright green, thank God. She looked like a blonde princess Merida from Brave, complete with the corkscrew curls. Seeing as Painter and I both had straight hair, I’d never quite figured that one out, but it was adorable.
“You look great!” Sherri said, pulling her up and swinging her around. “Why are you all dressed up? Do you have a ball to go to?”
“Nope, Daddy’s gonna teach me how to shoot a bow and arrow,” she said proudly. “I’m all ready. He says a girl needs to know how to defend herself in this world.”
“He’s weaponizing the child?” Jess asked in a low voice. “Why am I not surprised by this?”
I nodded, wishing I had a bow and arrow. I wasn’t quite sure who I’d rather use it on—Jessica or Painter.
Or maybe Sherri.
I just hoped I wouldn’t need to use it on Aaron.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT
“Are you sure it’s okay?” I asked Loni. “I feel weird asking you to watch her while I’m on a date, because tonight was supposed to be about work. I don’t want to impose on you.”
Loni rolled her eyes.
“It’s fine,” she said. “Reese has some club thing happening, anyway. He won’t be home until late. And I’m happy you’re going out—you’re young. You should be having fun, and you know how much I love playing grandma. And Reese will probably get up early with her and make pancakes. Definitely a winning situation for me.”
That made me smile, because for a man who complained so much about being surrounded by girls, Reese was suspiciously available whenever I needed a sitter. Izzy had him wrapped around her little finger and she knew it.
God help me once she was a teenager.
The roar of a Harley came from outside, and I shot Loni a quick look.