Page 19 of Tangled Emotions
“Yours.” I crossed my arms. “Want me to kick his ass? Or better yet, let loose my purse dog of a sister?”
She doubled over with laughter.
Throwing my head back, I joined her. It felt so good to laugh with her. She was one of the few people who understood me. I’mnot some stick in the mud. Mom and dad depended on me more than the boys.
And we all knew Evelyn wouldn’t be the one taking over the diner when the time came. She’s made sure everyone knew her plans to travel and get away from Port Stella as soon as she could.
Big E and his best friend Tom had been dating for a couple of years and talked about opening a microbrewery/pub together in downtown Triton Falls.
Gene wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life yet. And that left me.
Ronnie blew out a breath and wiped the tears from her eyes. “C’mon, I’ll buy you a beer.”
“Finally. Someone is talking sensibly today.” I followed her into the brewery and took a seat at the bar. “My usual.”
Looking to my left, I noticed Lucy, Charlie, and Baxter, the local dogs of the bar sitting on their seats watching everyone. Lucy leaned over and put her head on my shoulder, and I gave her a good scratch behind the ear.
“One coffee stout coming up.” She drew up my favorite on tap and then pulled up a stool to sit on the other side of the bar next to Baxter, her Scottie. “Wait. I thought you were off today?”
“I was.” I took a deep drink and moaned in happiness. “Evie was singing at a wedding.”
“For the Cordova’s?” She leaned in conspiratorially. “I bet the mob paid her big bucks.”
I snorted. “Who knows.” We lifted our pints up in a silent toast. “I know one of these days she’s really going to be gone, and I’ll miss her like crazy. But right now? I want to kill her.”
“The joys of siblings.” Paul came over and kissed Ronnie on the head. “I’m sorry I forgot you’re a badass. Next time, I promise to let you do all the heavy lifting and I’ll stay in my office like a pussy.”
I lifted my glass to take another drink and hide the smile from that horrible apology.
“Dan helped you with your apology. Didn’t he?” She swiveled her head to glare at him.
“Maybe.”
Shaking her head, she shoved him away. “You can show me later how sorry you are. Right now, I need to know why Edie looks sad.”
Daniel Carson came over and sat next to me. “Does this have to do with Frank?”
“Who’s Frank?” Ronnie asked, looking between us.
“Wait.” I held my hand up. “How do you know about Frank?”
“Evie told me.”
“Fuckin’ Evie.” I threw my hands up.
“Bahrooooo!” Lucy howled next to me.
“Even the dog gets it.” I growled.
“Frank is the guy that rolled through town a couple hours ago.”
“Oh.” Ronnie’s eyes lit up. “The hottie on the Harley.”
Paul’s jaw dropped. Dan laughed and Ronnie looked over innocently. “I’m not dead, sweetheart. Just on a diet of only Paul.”
“He came in and Evie embarrassed me. Then he left me a note.” I shrugged.
Ronnie held her hand out. “Give it up.”