“Really?”
“Yeah, why not? It’ll be nice to do something different for a change. You want to do it with me?” Daisy asked.
Simon responded with a hell no.
Anthony chuckled.
Tabby didn’t say anything. “Really?”
“Why not?”
“You know it’s going to piss your mom off?”
“Actually, it won’t. Mom’s giving it a try. She’s also getting my dad to eat healthy as well. She’s told him he can be buff all he wants to but she’s now in charge of everything he eats. I think he’s taking puddings from the club, but whatever. It looks like a lot of fun and it will help me lose weight.” Daisy patted her stomach.
“You don’t need to lose weight,” Anthony said.
Simon’s brows rose. The guy could actually speak. He knew he was more than capable but even still, it was a fucking shock to hear him.
Daisy stopped, which made them all stop.
“Thank you,” she said.
“You’re fine the way you are and beautiful. Don’t change that.”
Silence rang out.
Tabby tilted her head back and gave him the biggest smile which he couldn’t help but reward.
“Okay.”
They started walking again.
“I’m still going to give it a go. It looks like fun.”
“Doesn’t your mom suck at cooking?”
“Pretty much. I think she’s trying, you know. What does she have to lose ruining a bunch of vegetables?”
Simon laughed. “You’d be surprised.”
“She’s determined and I support her.”
“Then you know what, I will support her as well. It could be a lot of fun.”
“You’re going to starve,” Simon said.
“You’ll get to come to my rescue.”
“I always knew there was a good deal in it for me.” He pulled her close again, kissing her head, breathing her in.
She always smelled amazing. Like fresh air and hope.
“What do you do for fun around here?” Daisy asked.
“Not a whole lot. At the moment, I tend to stick close to home. Something’s going on with my mom and it’s not pregnancy.”
“There is?” Tabby asked. “You didn’t tell me.”
“I don’t know what to tell. She’s pale, tired, and Dad’s sticking close to home. I don’t think he’s stayed at the clubhouse once. I tend to babysit so they can have a day or two together.”
“I hope it’s nothing serious,” Daisy said.
“Me too.” He loved his parents. Unlike Dean, his friend, his family supported him and Simon knew without a doubt they would never lie to him or force him to be someone he didn’t want to be. They were constant rocks in his world. They took a few shortcuts he’d learned through his time and arrived in town.
It was busy. Shoppers trying to get all the last-minute preparations for Thanksgiving. The library was closed. They made their way around the building, and sure enough, Dean and Eddie were sat there smoking.
“Really, this is your hideout spot?”
“Not all of us have the luxury of the Quad back at home.” He held his hand out, shaking Dean’s and then Eddie’s hands. “My boys, I’d like you to meet my girl in the flesh.”
Tabby rolled her eyes. She held her hands out and gave a little twirl. “Not a ghost, guys. Very much living and breathing.” She even gave a curtsy.
“Wow,” Dean said, getting to his feet. “I thought you were some made-up chick.”
Daisy laughed. “You think Simon’s capable of making stuff up?”
“Harsh, girl, harsh,” he said.
“So you’re The Skulls?” Eddie asked. He was on his feet, approaching them. He went to touch Daisy’s shoulder but Anthony grabbed his hand.
“Don’t touch.”
Simon watched as Anthony applied enough pressure for Eddie to back off.
“This isn’t all of us,” Daisy said, stepping back against Anthony.
“Yeah, my evil twin brother probably has his tongue down someone’s throat right about now,” Tabby said. “You’re my guy’s friends.”
“Yeah.”
“You have his back?”
Simon touched hers. He had to put his hands on her, to feel her against him. It had been too long since they’d last been together.
“Always,” Eddie said.
“You two know how to fight? I hate to say it, but you look like two rich boys who have everything done for you.”
Dean tensed up.
“They are two rich boys but believe me, they’ve got my back.” He kissed her neck. “I love that you worry about me.”
“I don’t like leaving my boy behind. You have his back, I’ve got no problem with you. You let anything happen to him, and you’re going to have to deal with me.”
Dean whistled. “Are you going to have a talk with Amber about that?”
“Amber?” Tabby asked.
“Viperous bitch who wants in my pants. Trust me, I’ve got her covered.”
“Do I need to have a word with her?”
Simon cupped her face. “Not to spoil our Thanksgiving weekend. I don’t want your parents having to take you away from me.”
“Are they always like this?” Dean asked.
“This is tame,” Daisy said. “Believe me. We’re getting conversation out of them. That’s a good thing.”
“We’re not that bad,” Tabby said.
“Not right now, but give it a little time. They will be smacking on each other. It’s gross,” Daisy said.
“This coming from the girl who has never been kissed before.”
“I am saving myself for the right guy. You of all people should know that. It’s not my fault the right guy came to you when we were still in diapers.” Daisy folded her arms. “Besides, it was a pleasure to meet you.” She held her hand up and gave a little wave.
“What are you two losers doing back here?” Simon asked.
“Aw, and we thought you were sneaking out to find us,” Eddie said, taking his seat back on the wall.
“I was, didn’t actually think you boys would be here.”
“My parents are … being giant pains in the ass. I needed a break and so I came here.”
“Shit, I’ll talk to my dad. Is this about the whole marriage thing?” Simon asked.
“You got it. They’ve got my intended staying with me now. They’ve even put her in the same room. The sooner I get her pregnant, the quicker the wedding, and you guessed it.” Dean shook his head. “I would have called you but you said you got this thing going.”
“Am I missing something?” Tabby asked.
Simon looked to his friend.
For the next five minutes, Dean told them what was going on in his life.
“Wow, that is kind of fucked up,” she said.
“Kind of fucked up? Nah, it is fucked up. It’s not good.” He shrugged. “I’m dealing with it.”
“And Devil hasn’t done anything yet?” Tabby asked.
“He’s got shit going on with my mom. I promise. I’ll talk to him tonight, and I’m going to say our door is always open if you need it.”