All Grown Up (Eden High)

Mom was waiting for me on the stairs, and I guess it’s true what they say about absence making the heart grow fonder because she was happy as hell to see me. She talked a mile a minute about dad and when he’d be home and then filled me in on shit I had no interest in; gossip.

I sat and listened and must’ve shown enough interest because she never stopped. I stayed there for much longer than I wanted to out of guilt because I knew as soon as the others arrived, I’d be heading to the Saunders estate. We can all thank Shayne’s mom for that. Apparently, she’d been rude to Tammy more than once, and Shayne refuses to take his wife there again.

Jace, without asking anyone, had decided that we were all staying with him since they had more room than anyone else, and besides, we’ve all stayed there more times than we can count over the years. Works for me because I can have my girl with me there without being hassled by her parents if they’re so inclined.

“Mom, I have to call Cassie. It’s that time of the evening when we talk on the phone.” I looked at my watch to get my point across.

“When are you gonna bring her home to meet us? I don’t think I’ve seen her since she was a little thing.” That’s right; I forgot everyone around here knows everyone else.

“Soon, maybe after her birthday.”

“You’re not thinking of getting married yet, are you? I can’t believe you boys all want to settle down so early. I’d have thought coming from this town and with as wild a bunch as you all were growing up that you’d have played the field until you were fifty.” All she got was a smile. No way am I telling her that shit before I have that talk with my girl.

MANCINI

“Hank, who dafuq you spying on now?” Lyon dropped down on the seat beside mine.

“The kids just sent a message to Cierra; I’m trying to figure out what they’re up to.”

“The Cali kids? Since when do they talk?”

“I never knew they did.” I punched in some keys to bring up the conversation from the key logger I have on my wife’s phone.

“Oh, I see.”

“What do you see?” He squinted at the screen.

“It’s not the guys; it’s their wives, wrong frequency same broadband. Some shit to do with shopping, I think.” He read the convo again while I sat back and relaxed.

“Hank, I think getting up for midnight feeds with your kid has fried your brain, shopping my ass.” I rolled my eyes behind closed lids; the guy is the most paranoid person I know.

“What do you think it is?”

“Read that shit again. If there’s one thing I know, it’s that these women are not to be trusted. Kat’s ass stays in trouble.

I popped my eyes open and sat up to look at the screen again. ‘Shopping Has Ended Sis, And Today Is Totally Awesome No Hassles.’

“She’s at it again, need help. I think that’s what that code means, right.” I shook my head to clear it because he’s right. My late nights are catching up to me.

“I think so.”

“Who’s she?”

I sat back again and stared at the screen? How long has this shit been going on? These women really do take the damn cake. “Jace’s high school ex. She tried to have his wife offed before they were married, now she’s behind bars. Shit, I can’t have them distracted with this mess. If their wives get involved, they’re gonna go rogue.”

I started to pick up the phone. “Don’t. Let’s see how they handle it.” I pulled my hand back, and he looked at me.

“Just like that, you’re not even going to question me?” I smirked at him knowing he was going to lose his shit in the next few seconds.

“It’s not my place to question your orders.” He flew out of the damn chair.

“Don’t start that shit, Mancini. I’m not ruling shit. Speaking of which, it’s been three days since I’ve been on a ride, I’m about to go stir crazy.”

“Oh, that reminds me, I have something to show you guys. Grab the others, will you. I have to go have a word with my wife. Meet me downstairs in five.” He grumbled some shit and headed out the door. Never a dull moment.

It was easy to turn off the screen and walk away. I wasn’t sure at first how I was going to feel taking orders from someone else, passing the reins over to an unknown. But the more I get to know this guy, the more it seems like it was meant to be. The smile fell off my face when I headed down to the media room where the women were hanging out, supposedly watching a movie damn.