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My little girl is married. And she looks truly, deeply happy. I suppose that’s all you can really want for your children.
A short while later, I’m locking the front door, bag slung over my shoulder, when Levi comes strolling up the driveway like he was personally invited.
For goodness’ sake.
This man just doesn’t quit.
“I’m just leaving—” I start.
“I know,” he says, stopping a respectful few feet away. “Just wanted to catch you before you took off.”
He pauses, then delivers the next line like he’s been rehearsing it in the mirror.
“You met Theo this morning. Kid’s been through a lot.” Levi shifts his weight. “I’ve got him full-time now. Looking after him, making sure he has everything he needs. I’m pretty good with him, you know.”
“Really? You should probably stop swearing in front of him, then.”
His face falls.
“He’s ten,” I continue, keeping my voice gentle but firm. “He’s very susceptible to your influence right now. You should try to set a good example.”
Levi opens his mouth, then closes it again then shifts his shoulder like it’s bothering him.
“What happened to your arm?” I ask.
“Got shot.”
“Really?” I can’t quite hide my curiosity. “How?”
“I work security.”
I smile before I can help it and shake my head.
“What’s funny?”
“Nothing. Sorry. I was just thinking about my daughter’s husband. He told her he worked in security.” I pause. “Turned out he was…never mind.”
Gosh. They told me to keep everything quiet, and here I am, almost telling my very strange neighbor that my daughter married a hitman.
Levi goes completely still.
“What do you mean, your daughter’s husband?”
I blink at him. “I mean my daughter’s husband.”
“That was quick,” he snaps.
“Sorry?”
He clears his throat, looking suddenly less sure of himself. “I just mean…she can’t be old enough to be married.”
Oh.
He’s trying to flatter me.
“She’s thirty,” I say dryly. “That’s about your age, right?”
“I’m closer to forty.”
