Page 69 of Tangled Emotions
“Mom? Frank is taking me out on Friday, would you mind keeping Mattie?”
“I would love to!”
“Good.” I moved to get the coffeepot and filled Frank’s upturned cup. “What’re you in the mood for tonight?”
Lord help me. The smile he gave me, combined with the look in his eyes, told me exactly what he wanted.
“Evening, Beautiful.”
Shivers ran through my body hearing his voice.
You’re the idiot who froze him out after your night together.
“What can I get you tonight?”
“Surprise me.” He winked.
“You got it.” Turning, I faced Big E. “Adam and Eve on a raft with Noah’s boy.”
“On it.” He turned back to his grill, and my family scattered to do their work.
Frank reached out and took my hand. “Why wouldn’t you talk to me?”
“Don’t.”
“Edith.” His thumb stroked my skin. “If I did something wrong, I need to know.”
“It’s not you.” I pulled my hand away. “It’s me.”
I walked away and went through the swinging door, almost running to the back door. My hands slammed against it as I shoved it open and drew a deep breath in.
It’s one date. Only one date. You can do this.
I leaned up against the building and smelled his damn scent before he was beside me. Frank held out a pack of cigarettes, offering me one.
“You looked like you needed it.”
“Don’t pretend that you know me and what I need.” I grudgingly took it and then his lighter, sucking in deep and letting out the smoke.
“Edith, I’m not here to make your life miserable.” He took a few steps back. “I rolled into town and saw the most beautiful woman in the world.”
“Fat chance of that.” I took another drag.
“Look. I’ve been stationed around the world. I’ve seen my share and then some of women.” He toed the ground. “And I’m not prone to bullshit people. If you want to go out Friday, without me and let your family think you did. That’s fine. Or if you want to let me take you out, well, that’s fine too.”
What the fuck was I supposed to say to that?
I turned to look at him, but he was already going around the building.
“What the fuck are you doing, Edith?” I looked up into the sky and watched the clouds.
The back door opened, and my sister poked her head out. “So, you gonna fuck off your entire shift? Or you think you can handle coming back in for dinner rush?”
I turned my head and glared at her.
“Look, you can be a bitch all you want. I can handle you, Edith Rose.” She opened the door wider. “And that’s your problem with Frank. He can handle you too.”
“Fuck off, Evie.” I took another drag.