Page 83 of A Little Twist
“Maybe not, but the young entrepreneurs in Eureka are hungry. You can’t be the only big fish in this little pond.”
He’s such an asshole.
“I welcome the growth of business in Eureka, Drake.” I take a step closer, pleased to be a few inches taller than him. “What I don’t welcome is opportunists like you coming in trying to ruin the scenery and split our community so you can make off with a fortune.”
His eyes narrow, and he takes a step back, making our height difference less obvious. “If it’s not me, it’ll be somebody else. At least I’m the devil you know.”
“That should be your slogan. See how many people jump onboard with that approach.”
“You listen to me, Alex Stone, just because your family owns the town, doesn’t mean your word is law.” His nostrils flare, and this jerk has no idea how willing I’d be to punch his lights out right now.
As it is, “My brother the sheriff is right inside the courthouse if you’d like to file a complaint. In the meantime, I’ve got shit to do.”
“Shit like Cass Dixon?”
My hand shoots out faster than I can stop it, grabbing him by the front of his shirt. “Insult my wife one more time, Redford…”
He holds up both hands, exhaling an arrogant laugh. “My bad. Just trying to figure out what you see in her. She never really did it for me.”
“From what I hear, you never did it for her either.” Releasing his shirt, I give him a little shove. “Stay away from Cass.”
I’m halfway home when I realize what I said.
CHAPTER24
CASS
“So our favorite breakfast is scrambled-egg tacos with fresh guac, sour cream, and salsa.” I’m standing at the cooktop with Jessica, holding a bowl of beaten eggs.
“Mm, that sounds good. You think it’s safe for her to be right there?” Jessica tilts her head to where Pinky is on the step-ladder in her pink apron.
“I hold the tacos!” She lifts a platter of hard shells.
“We’re not cooking with grease, so there’s no danger of splatter.” I look at where she’s standing, more over the counter than the stove. “She likes to be a part of the process.”
“On Sundays, Daddy and I make penny cakes with maple syrup and powdered sugar!”
“That sounds healthy.” Jessica laughs sarcastically, and I bite my lip.
“Why don’t you take over here?” I pass the egg bowl to Jessica along with the spatula. “This part’s easy, and P can help you.”
“I’m the best helper,” Pinky informs her, nodding.
“Okay…” Jessica seems nervous, but I give her a reassuring smile.
“You got this.”
Walking to the bar, I set out three napkins and forks. Alex’s car was gone when I emerged from my apartment at eight, and my heart sank. It’s not like him to leave before I’m in the kitchen, but I guess if Jessica is here, Pinky’s not alone in the house.
I don’t know when he plans to talk to me about what’s happening or how it changes things—if it does change things.
Of course, it changes things.
“You need to stir them more,” Pinky instructs, pointing to the frying pan. “They’ll stick.”
“This isn’t the first time I’ve made scrambled eggs.” Jessica’s tone isn’t quite defensive, but it isn’t entirely friendly either.
As always, Pinky is undeterred by anyone’s tone. I don’t say a word. I’m doing my best to let them get to know each other and stay out of the way.