Page 25 of Hardy

“You bloodybetter.”

Chapter Four

Rose sat between Baker and Hardyas they watched the movie.She was surprised to see it was aromantic comedy.Hardy hated those kinds of movies.Whenever she wantedto watch a romantic comedy she’d have to call on one of thegirls.

“Anyone want some popcorn?”Hardy asked.

“Sure,” Baker and Rosesaid, at the same time.

Hardy hit the pause button, and leftthem alone to enter the kitchen.She stared at the doorway waitingfor him to return.

“He’s trying,” Bakersaid.

“I’m not used to this.”Sherested her head on her hand, leaning up against the side of thesofa.“This is all crazy to me.”

“I can’t offer any kind ofadvice.I just declared a woman as my old lady, and she doesn’teven know I want anything to do with her.”

“You’ve made Millie your oldlady?”she asked.Rose never asked about church.

“Yeah.We’re going to provide herthe extraprotection at the shop that only an old lady can afford,”Baker said.

“How are you going to gether to become your old lady?”Rose asked.

“I’ve been thinking aboutthat.”He leaned forward, putting his elbows on his knees.“I waswondering if you’d stop by the shop, maybe invite her back here,cooking dinner, and I could stop by.”

Rose burst out laughing.“So I’m the onewho has to do all the work?”

“I can’t get her alone,” he said.“When I doget her alone, she’s always talking about something or another.She’s clueless.”

“That’s a bit harsh comingfrom you.You’re not exactly a bright spark right now.”Shegiggled.

“Please, helpme.”

“I’ll go and invite her back herefor dinner.You’ve got to do all the work though.I’m not going tosay what a great guy you are, and then have you screwing everythingup.I happen to like Millie.”

“I like her, too.”

Rose softened.

“What are we talkingabout?”Hardy asked, coming back in with a large bowl ofpopcorn.

“Millie,” Rosesaid.

Hardy took his place, and Rose snaggeda handful of popcorn.

“I like her.She’s a great girl,a little slow on her own personal safety, but with time that willbe rectified.”Hardy sat back, taking some popcorn for himself.“What’s the plan then?”

“I’m going to invite her backhere for some food.Baker’s going to be here, and ta-da, we’llshare a meal, have some fun.Hopefully, Millie won’t be so cluelessby the end of the meal,” she said.

“I could come round andhelp out,” Hardy said.

Rose frowned.“How would youhelp?”

“It’s quite simple.If I’m herethen it wouldn’t be a case of Millie feeling like a third wheel.Itwould be a very subtle situation, and she wouldn’t be pressuredeither.A bunch of friends having some good food and somecompany.”

“Minus the cuts,” Rosesaid, nodding at both men wearing The Skulls leathercuts.

“What’s wrong with thecuts?”Baker asked.

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