Page 13 of Moonshine Lullabies

I took off my robe and hung it off the hook set on the side of my armoire for it and got into bed. I took off my socks and tossed them into the open laundry hamper in the corner of the room and arranged the blankets over my lap. It felt… strange, trying to wind down after such a crazy set of events. I didn’t quite know what to do with myself.

Woodenly, I took my book off the end table by my bed and set it in my lap, folding my hands atop my book. I stared at them, replaying all the things over and over in my head but thankfully, I was all cried out and had a firm grip, so no more of that nonsense.

“You got some nice cup and saucer sets,” he murmured and I startled out of my reverie and looked up.

“Thanks,” I murmured and reached for the steaming cup. I didn’t like the way the cup rattled on its base as I took it.

“Mm.” I breathed in the aroma of my favorite elderberry tea.

“I saw your honey pot and added a little. If it’s not to your liking, I can get some more.”

He sat on the edge of my bed, the blankets drawing taut over my lap. I stiffened but tried to act natural. I sipped tentatively, and it was as close to perfect as you could get without having made it myself.

“It’s good, thank you.”

“Had to guess it was your favorite. It was the lowest of the lot of ‘em.”

“How very observant of you,” I said dryly.

He bowed his head, some of his hair falling into his face artfully as he harrumphed a clipped laugh.

“I try,” he said, holding out two tablets to me.

“Thanks.”

The silence was awkward for me as I popped the pills and swallowed them down with another sip of tea.

That finished, I asked, “You talk to my asshole brother yet?”

He nodded and said, “I did.”

“I don’t like secrets in my house,” I declared.

His lips twitched, but he didn’t smile. I raised an eyebrow.

“From here on out, it’s club business, honey,” he said and at least had the foresight to sound apologetic.

I swallowed a sip of tea, the liquid still a bit too hot to drink and said, “I was the one attacked. My son was in danger. I have a right to know and I can keep a secret with the best of ‘em.”

He scoffed a laugh and said, “I thought there were no secrets in your house.”

“Not from me,” I declared.

“No dice. I wish I could.”

I searched his face and was surprised to find that I believed him about that. That he really wished that he could.

“I’ll get it out of J.P. one way or another,” I said.

“Well, nowthatain’t none of my business,” he declared.

“What do you think your business is?” I asked.

He heaved a sigh, and I jumped slightly when he put a hand on my knee and gave it a firm squeeze.

“Tonight? My only business is making sure you and that boy are alright.”

I nodded slowly and said, “We will be, eventually. I mean, I’m alright. Really, I am. And Tate’s a good boy. Strong. He’ll be okay, too.”

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