Page 185 of Ransom

"Indeed it is," Connie agrees, her silver hair gleaming in the lamplight. "Though I hear some nights are more beautiful than others, particularly for backyard activities."

Nan snorts into her sweet tea.

I groan, slumping in my chair. "Does everyone know about that?"

"Voices carry, dear," Nan pats my knee. "No need to be embarrassed."

"Oh, don't be shy, dear. My Arthur and I destroyed my prize-winning rose garden one summer night. Complete disaster. Crushed every single bloom." Connie sighs dreamily. "It was worth it, though. Those thorns left marks for weeks."

"Connie!" I peek through my fingers, shocked and yet totally not. These ladies have lived.

"What? I was young once. And very flexible." She rocks contentedly. "I was hosting the garden club the next day. I had to tell them a deer got in."

Nan's shoulders shake with silent laughter. "At least you had privacy. George and I nearly scarred poor Cadence for life. She was about sixteen, came down to do laundry..." She trails off, fanning herself. "Let's just say the spin cycle has its uses."

"Nan!" My voice hits a pitch I didn't know was possible.

"What? The vibrations were quite..." She wiggles her eyebrows. "Therapeutic."

"I can't believe I'm hearing this."

"Oh please." Connie waves her hand dismissively. "You're not the first young couple to get caught up in the moment. Fornicate! All night. Every night. It keeps you limber, and it's great for your relationship. My Arthur didn't even look at another woman during our marriage because he knew he could park the car in my garage any time he wanted."

"I'll remember that." God, how can they still embarrass me? They seem to take pleasure in it. When these two get together, shit’s getting inappropriate.

I glance at Connie, who's been a fixture on this porch lately. "You're spending a lot of time here lately. Not that we're complaining."

"The helicopter makes it easy." She reaches down to scratch behind her dachshund's ears as they stir from their corner nest.

The dogs, both a little deaf, trot over, stubby tails wagging. I lean down to give them both attention, earning happy snufflesand wet kisses. Ransom would bring her any time, and he does. But Connie’s rich enough to have her own. I don’t know why that still surprises me. Maybe because I caught her drunk as a skunk on moonshine last weekend. It just doesn't seem like something a billionaire would be doing.

Of course there were about seven other billionaires just as drunk as she was around that fire, so what the hell do I know?

"It's nice here." Connie's voice grows soft, thoughtful. "All the young people, the energy. Makes me feel alive again." She smooths the silk scarf around her neck. "The city can be... lonely. My grandsons, they're good boys, but they're scattered. Singapore, Dubai, London... They call, but it's not the same as having family close."

The wistfulness in her tone tugs at my heart. I know that feeling. I used to have it all the time. Wishing people I loved would be here.

I don’t feel that way anymore.

"Well, you've got plenty of family right here." I reach over and squeeze her hand. "Even if none of us are actually related."

"Blood's overrated anyway," Nan adds, lifting her glass in a toast. "Found family's just as good. Better sometimes, since you get to pick them yourself."

"You're absolutely right."

I spot John trudging up the street, his broad shoulders hunched as he mutters under his breath. His steps slow as he reaches Nan's porch.

"Evening, ladies." He nods to Connie and Nan, then turns to me. "Heading home?"

"Yeah." I push up from the rocker. "Night, Nan, Connie. Thanks for the entertainment."

"Anytime, dear." Connie winks. "Remember what I said about the garage."

I feel my cheeks heat as I hurry down the steps to join John on the sidewalk. We fall into an easy rhythm, walking side by side in the cool evening air.

"So how'd the great food fight end up?"

John's jaw tightens. "Fucking compromise. Zach's gonna set up some fancy-ass appetizer booth. Tiny quiche and shit."

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