Page 44 of Payoff Pitch
I sigh. “No, I suppose I didn’t.” I sarcastically add, “What a useful piece of information, especially given what we’re dealing with right now in our apartment.”
She giggles.
I motion toward her state of undress and take in her hickey-covered breasts. “Do you want to cover yourself so we can deal with this nightmare?”
She points to Cheetah, still running around like a lunatic, and shrugs. “I think he’s got it completely under control.”
Not even close.
We both laugh before I quickly grab Kam the sheet from my bed to cover up and then call the emergency maintenance number we were given when we moved in. They say they’ll send a maintenance crew right up.
Cheetah is still screaming in Spanish when Ripley bursts through the door. She takes in the whole crazy scene and then smiles. “The waterbed popped?”
Kam nods and proudly announces, “We fucked it to death.”
CHAPTER NINE
BAILEY
The past few days have been crazy. Our apartment and those on the two floors directly below it are in need of major repairs. Fortunately, insurance is covering all of it but it’s still a huge hassle. We apologized profusely to those living under us, but they’re rightfully pissed as hell.
Arizona offered to stay at Layton’s so Kam and I could share her bed. I had to make my sister promise not to bring anyone home.
I forgot how much I hate sharing a bed with her. She doesn’t stop talking. I swear, she never sleeps. Her mind is always moving. When she’s not talking, she’s on her laptop. Even at three in the morning, she’s on her laptop. I have no idea what she does or how she functions with only an hour or two of sleep.
After yet another night of me not getting enough sleep, I asked Tanner if I could stay in one of his many guestrooms, even offering extra free babysitting. He briefly hesitated before agreeing. I told him it’s only three nights and he has Harper all of those nights. When she goes to Fallon’s, we have a road trip. After that, we should be able to get back into our apartment.
I’m at Tanner’s house getting settled in when Harper arrives home from her stay at Fallon’s house. I make my way toward the foyer to greet them. As always, Harper runs into my arms.
I hug her close. I miss her when she’s at Fallon’s. “Did you have fun at Mommy’s, sweet girl?”
She scrunches her nose. “We were at Nanny and Poppy’s a lot. Poppy is very grumpy right now.”
I look up at Fallon. “He’s still recovering?”
Her shoulders fall. “Worst. Patient. Ever.” She looks at her watch. “I should probably go make them dinner. My father whines that he hasn’t had a home-cooked meal since they’ve been home from their cruise, but at the same time won’t give my mother two seconds to herself to make anything. I think he’s stir-crazy. And I’m a terrible cook, so I’m sure he’ll complain tonight too.”
She looks exhausted and defeated.
“I was just about to cook dinner for Harper and me. Tanner has a meeting. Why don’t you stay and I’ll make extra. Then you can bring it to them. You look like you could use a glass of wine. Relax. I’ll take care of it.”
Her face looks hopeful. “That sounds amazing. You don’t mind?”
I shake my head. “I honestly love to cook. It relaxes me. And this kitchen is a dream.”
She visibly relaxes her shoulders. “You’re an angel.”
I let out a laugh. “It’s just dinner.” I look at Harper. “If you take your shower now and eat all your veggies at dinner, I’ll let you hit two full buckets of balls in the cage and then we’ll make popcorn and watch a movie. I want to introduce you to my favorite childhood movie tonight.”
Her face lights up, and she says, “Deal,” as she quickly makes her way to the stairs.
I yell after her, “Don’t try to brush your hair. I’ll do it.”
“Gotcha, Bails.”
“And no Skittles before dinner.”
“Ugh. Fine.”