Page 90 of Redd

Chapter Twenty

Redd

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“She likes you.” Layingacross the bed, I watched Bijou tie back her hair into a messy bun.

Pieces flew around her face, falling with precision against the soft curve of her jaw. Dipping down, she tugged the socks Vicki had given her off, snuggling her toes into the carpet.

“What?” she asked, looking up at me.

“Vicki, she likes you.”

“Good, I like her too.” Wriggling her toes, she looked back down at the floor.

“Why are you doing that?”

Shrugging her shoulder, she tilted her head. “I don't know, it feels good.”

“It's just a rug, it's nothing special.” Pushing up on my forearms, I arched a brow in wonder.

“Yeah, well, tell that to my feet. They weren't exactly given this type of comfort. It's like crack to them.”

Chuckling, I reached my hand out towards her. “Come sit.” Taking my hand, she walked with slow strides. “You know I'm serious.”

“About what? The rug?”

“No, about Vicki. She really likes you, and that makes me happy. I haven't seen her smile like this in a long time.”

Bijou sat down next to me, falling against my side from the divot my weight created in the mattress. “I'm glad, Redd. She deserves to smile.” Kicking her legs back and forth, her feet skimmed the tight coils of fiber, unable to stay still.

I kept watching her. I couldn't help myself. There was this freshness to the way she was experiencing life again. Noting the smallest things and giving them appreciation. I never once stopped to think about where my feet were placed or what it felt like.

Maybe I should. It couldn't hurt to appreciate the small things in life.

Trailing a single finger up her arm, I caught a loose strand of hair and swirled it into a spiral. “She's not the only one you know, I like you too.” Tugging the lock, I smirked. “If you haven't noticed.”

Giggling, she twisted her head, anchoring her attention on me. “This sounds like you're about to ask me to prom, Redd.”

Sitting up straight, I twined my fingers into hers. “I'm serious, I really like you. I wanted you to know that, you know in case. . .” My voice trailed off as I put my foot into my mouth.

No, don't do it. Don't give her anything to worry about.

“In case what?”

Leveling my gaze on the floor, I drew circles over her knuckle with my thumb. “Nothing, I just wanted you to know, that's all.”

“No, that's not all. In case what? What do you think is going to happen?” Her grip tightened on my hand, squeezing it like I was about to jump and run away.

I couldn't lie to her. Even if I tried she'd probably see right through me.

“If anything happens to me, can you make sure Vicki is alright? I need to know that she won't be alone.”

“Redd—”

“Bijou, Please, just promise me that you'll make sure she's alright. Don't let the state take her and ship her off to some fucked up family that only cares about the monthly check.”

Her eyes scanned my face, confused, unsure, and aware all in the same instant. “Of course.”

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