Page 31 of Falcon

“And you didn’t…”

“Yes. We did it on my motorcycle, while it was moving. It was a balancing act, but it got it done.”

“You’re such an asshole.” She tosses a pen from the table at me.

“Yeah, maybe, but you love me.”

“For some reason.”

“Did Faith make it home all right?” a voice sounds from the hallway, before Case appears in the living room. He walks around to kiss my sister on the lips and then sits down beside her. He’s essentially pissing on her right in front of me, staking his claim.

“She’s home. I took good care of her.”

“That better not be a euphemism,” he warns.

“Is there a reason you’re talking to me like that, man? Like you think I’m some kind of asshole who would intentionally hurt someone.”

“Guys, please, don’t start.” Nora holds up her hands in surrender.

“Faith has been through a lot in her life, and I’ve made it a priority to ensure her safety. Surely you can relate to that, given your history with Nora?” He places his hand on her leg and squeezes.

“First of all, don’t bring Nora into this. It’s dangerously close to crossing a line, and I know no one in this room wants this to happen. Second of all, whatever Faith has been through, she can make her own choice about who she sees. She had a good time tonight, we ate dinner and that was it. Do I want to see her again? Absolutely. I just told Nora this. Will I? I’m not sure. That’s up to Faith.” I decide to keep it to myself that we’ve already made plans.

We stare silently at one another before Case finally speaks again, “Good to know. I just needed to make sure, and sometimes it helps to put a bit of pressure on.”

I scrub my hand over my face and sit back in my chair. “I didn’t want to embarrass you in front of my sister, so good thing you corrected yourself.”

“Marco!”

“No, no, baby. He’s being honest and I can respect that,” Case adds.

“And you are kind to my sister, which I can respect,” I say.

“So, mutual respect?” Nora asks. “That’s what we’ve established here?”

“Exactly,” I say. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to turn in for the night.” I rise from the chair.

“Do you have plans tomorrow? I have the day off and I’d like to take you around town,” Nora says.

“I’m all yours, Little Sister.”

She dances in her seat and claps. “Yay!”

***

My phone is blinking on the nightstand when I come back into the room from my shower, telling me I have a waiting text message.

I sit on the edge of the bed, phone in hand, and open the text app, seeing an unread message from Faith, and my lips curl up in a grin.

Faith:I had a really great time tonight.

I type out a quick reply.

Me:Me too. And see, I knew you’d have fun on the bike.

The three dots immediately appear, telling me she is replying.

Faith:I’ve always been scared of them, but you made me feel comfortable. Thank you.

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