Page 31 of Red's Revenge

“That’d be me,” I turn to see who could only be Red’s mother, and one single question pops into my mind.

How did this tiny woman birth all these humongous men?

My stomach lets out an embarrassing growl, and I cringe. It seems to bring everyone back to themselves, and that southern hospitality I’ve not witnessed since arriving in Serenity finally shows its face.

“Kit, take that bag upstairs. BJ and Ram, y’all make sure the spare room is ready. Any of you fools introduce yourselfs?’” Mama Justice takes her apron off and hangs it on a hook while approaching me.

“Was just about to do that, Bunny.” Mr. Justice throws an arm around his wife and kisses her like no one is watching.

All their kids make some kind of weird noise and leave to either follow her orders or find somewhere else to be. The oldercouple breaks apart breathlessly, but it’s Justice senior who chuckles before looking back at me.

“Works every time. Nothing clears the room like your parents making out.” He winks at his wife as she slaps his chest with a kitchen towel that is still hanging from her shoulder.

“Fredrick Allen Justice, Jr. This is my wife, Elizabeth Ann. Pleased to meet you.” I shake his hand, and then his wife grabs me quickly as she whispers in my ear.

“I’m a hugger. You must be Red’s girl. Well, let me look at you.” She pushes me away even quicker, and I struggle to keep my footing.

My stomach gurgles again, and she clicks her tongue.

“Come to the kitchen. Ya missed supper, but I’m sure I can fix ya a plate.” I follow her as my nose lifts in the air.

“I’ll just have a salad if it’s not too much of a bother. Please,” I tack the last part on when she turns a frown on me.

“Well, you’re as thick as a 2x4, Sugar.” I scrunched up my face, trying to figure out what she meant.

“Is that bad?” I need to pick up a Texas Slang for Dummies if I’m going to be around this family more.

Am I, though? He’s not even here, which makes me think of where he could be. I grit my teeth and tune back into the conversation happening around me.

“Have you seen my boys? If you don’t want to end up in the hospital, you’ll need some meat on those bones.” Well, that was forward, and I opened my mouth to tell her where to go, but her eyebrow arched in a challenge, so I shut my mouth in my best fish impersonation.

“You lack the cushion for the pushin’, Darlin.” Kit appears out of nowhere, winning a glare from his mother.

“You watch your mouth, Kit!” He goes over to a pot and ladles out a thick, creamy soup, and I realize that’s the smell.

My mouth fills with saliva, and I want a taste so badly.

“Yes, Ma’am.” He places the bowl and a spoon in front of me with a wink.

“Wow, can you teach me how to do that?” I look at his mother.

“What, bring my boys to heel?” I take a spoonful of the stew and moan.

I nod after a few more spoonfuls.

“I’d settle for him just to listen,” I say once I come up for air.

A large chunk of bread and a butter dish are placed next to the bowl, along with a tall glass of iced tea. I nod a thank you so I don’t have to stop eating. Elizabeth watches me closely, probably trying to figure out when the last time I ate was, and I honestly can’t say.

“Oh honey, I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but Red’s never listened. Best learn how to hang on and enjoy the ride.” The spoon falls from my hand, and I clear my throat.

“That sounds like something he’d say.” She laughs at me as she nods.

“Probably ‘cause he grew up hearing his daddy say it to me. I can promise you one thing from one city girl to another.” She leans in close to me with a mischievous grin.

“What’s that?” I move closer as well when she drops her voice.

“It’ll be the best ride of your life.” My eyes widen, and I catch her husband’s smirk.

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