Page 160 of Sadistic

"No shit. I'm guessing Uncle Liam had a chat with him. The kind that involves pliers."

"Rhiannon."

"What? We both know how Uncle L handles shite like this." Her voice softens. "But hey, at least he's staying away. That's something."

"Yeah. That's something."

"How's married life? Rev still tolerating your cunty arse?"

"Surprisingly well."

"Good. I like her. Don't fuck it up." She pauses. "Oh, and tell Dalla I'm excited about Monday. Mom's been gushing about her talent for weeks."

"Will do."

After I hang up, Revna's watching me. "Olyvar?"

"Apparently apologizing through Rhiannon. Claims he's getting help."

"Do you believe it?"

"I believe Uncle Liam made it clear what happens if he comes near us again." I reach for her hand. "He's not our problem anymore."

"Our problem," she repeats with a small smile. "I like that we have joint custody of problems now."

"Oh, you’re not getting rid of me. I am sorry for my brother, though."

"Speaking of siblings," Dalla interjects, "I should probably tell Mom about the whole dropping pre-med thing. In person. Before she hears from someone else."

"Want backup?" Revna offers.

"Please. She can't kill me if you're there."

They make plans for when we’re having Sunday dinner tomorrow night.

The rest of the day passes in the blink of an eye.

Revna studies while Dalla sketches and I pretend to read but really just watch my wife.

We order Chinese for dinner and argue about movie choices.

Sunday morning brings conversations about dinner tonight, with both of our families.

"Your mother wants to bring dessert," Revna informs me, hanging up the phone. "And Rhiannon's bringing someone."

"Someone?"

"That's all Greer would say. Someone."

"This should be interesting."

"Your family's always interesting. Mine just gets drunk and tells embarrassing stories."

"Mine does that too. We just have better alcohol."

She laughs, crawling back into bed. "Fair point."

Sunday dinner arrives too quickly.

---