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Goldie glared at me. “Don’t be rude.”
“Your question is rude.”
“My question comes from insecurities.”
Sighing loudly, I cracked my knuckles and clenched my jaw. Turning toward her, I stared into her eyes and searched for these supposed insecurities. Instead, I found a woman trying not to laugh.
“Really?” I grumbled.
“You were so offended,” she taunted, laughing at me. “But I do need you to be willing to jump through hoops for me since we both know we’ll be in Baton Rouge the most.”
Exhaling deeply, I asked, “Do we know that?”
“If Lula didn’t have a daughter and live right next to her parents, she would be in Baton Rouge more. I don’t have her responsibilities. You’re also a ranked member of your club. Your president and VP are both distracted with baby madness. The Black Rainbow needs you to be in town, and I don’t want to spend time away from you. So, yes, we know we’ll be in Baton Rouge the most.”
Unable to argue with her logic, I asked, “And you’re okay with that?”
“Of course not,” she grumbled and nudged me. “Why do you think I didn’t ask for more from you until I was scared in the dark woods? I don’t want to give up anything to be with you. But that’s never been an option, and I’m finally ready to admit that fact.”
Kissing her softly, I liked how Goldie spelled out her feelings. I wasn’t normally needy for praise or explanations, but most of our relationship had been spent with me making assumptions. Hearing her say the words made our future more solid.
“I’d sell the house if you didn’t like it,” I said as our lips parted. “I’d even get rid of Junior.”
“No,” she mumbled and pouted. “He’s your dog.”
“If Mochi and Junior don’t get along, I’ll give him to Zodiac.”
“Or you can give Mochi to us,” Yarrow said from Blackjack’s lap. “I like having a dog.”
“Do you want a dog?” her husband asked.
“No.”
Goldie smirked at me. “I can’t wait to meet your mom.”
“Don’t get your hopes up. She won’t like you.”
Yarrow instantly demanded, “Why the fuck not?”
Grinning at her rage, I explained, “My mom isn’t a wild woman. She won’t understand Goldie.”
Goldie asked, “Does she understand you?”
“No.”
“Is she a bitch?” Yarrow pushed, still angry.
“Occasionally. But I worry she won’t know how to communicate with Goldie. Jessica struggles to find common ground with me.”
Goldie asked, “Does she visit your house?”
“No.”
“Is she physically able to visit your house?”
“Yes, but I’ve never asked her to come over.”
“You’re so weird,” Goldie said and cradled my jaw before kissing me. “I plan to give Jessica two chances. After that, I’ll pretend she’s passed on, and you can return to your weird relationship with your mom. Deal?”
