Smokescreen

“Jesus Christ, did you see her eyes?” Mason asks Matt as if I’m not standing here.

“Forget about her eyes. Did you see her body?” Matt replies.

I growl and guzzle the beer in my hand. Both ignore me.

“Hey, balls for brains, both of you! Eyes to me!”

They look at me with amusement. Waiting.

“She’s mine. Don’t fucking think about it. It would suck for Mom’s new tile to have blood stains.”

“You fucking serious?” Mason asks comically.

“More serious than anything in my life.”

“Man, who knew the infamous bachelor would finally grow some balls and claim a real woman?”

“Don’t be a smartass, Matt, she’s different.”

“How?” he goads me.

I sigh, we’re getting into pussy territory. “She just is.”

Mason starts to open his mouth when the door opens and Dana and her husband, Dave, walk in. I’m so thankful for the interruption I make a note to give her a full service spa day on her cruise.

My mom emerges from the kitchen with Stella behind her and they both embrace Dana. When Dave meets Stella, he hugs her firmly and I decide it’s time to get back to her. Enough with the men touching her.

“Ms. McCoy, I hope you don’t mind, but Max invited my best friend and business associate today as well,” Stella says timidly when I get to her side.

My mom looks around the room confused. We all know this act and wait for the punchline.

“Stella, dear did you see the ghost of my mother-in-law?”

Stella stills against me. Her face turns white and I hold back my laughter. “Nnnnoooo, ma’am.”

“Then there is no Ms. McCoy. You call me Sara. Always Sara. And Max already told me about your friends, as did Dana. I can’t wait to meet them.”

Stella relaxes against my arm and I kiss her temple lightly. My mom’s eyes shine watching us.

“Alright everyone! Back porch now. Those burgers won’t cook themselves.” Mom motions for everyone to get moving.

The men sit down and the conversation revolves around the upcoming football season. There’s a loud banging on the side yard, against the fence. Laci and some man about six four come though screaming for Stella. As soon as she sees them she runs and hugs them both. Jealousy rages through me. Who the hell is this guy?

“Relax brother, my guess is he isn’t interested in Stella, or the blonde,” Matt says to me laughing. As soon as he says this, I remember Stella’s new employee.

“Laci! Get over here, girl!” Dana yells as she and my mom make their way to the fence. I follow behind.

“Everyone, this is my best friend Laci Barnes and our associate and friend, Landon,” Stella introduces them.

“Sweet baby Jesus, are they all straight?” Landon says unashamed.

I look to the left and right and see both my brothers flanking me with grins. “Yes,” we say in unison.

Everyone cracks up, including Landon.

“Hey, hot stuff! Come help me!” Laci points at me.

“What the hell is in here?” I groan when I lift the bag she was carrying.