Page 19 of Flirt

Chapter Eight

Gabriella

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“Mom, your cell phoneis ringing!” I heard Sawyer yell as the washer buzzed, signaling the end of the cycle.

I walked out of the laundry room through the kitchen and into the living room where Sawyer laid on the floor, drawing and coloring while her favorite movie played on the TV.

“You could have brought it to me,” I said as I reached for my cell that laid on the side table. I had left it there when I checked a load of laundry after the dryer timer buzzed.

Looking at the screen, I noticed the missed call was from my sister, Tori. With a couple taps on the screen, the ringing started, and I waited for Tori to pick up.

“I’m not supposed to answer your phone,” Sawyer answered without even looking up from her spot on the floor.

“Yeah, she’s not supposed to answer your phone, Mom,” Tori’s voice funneled through the cell.

“Pfft. She may not answer it, but it never stops her from looking at the screen to see who’s calling. So, how’s the public defender's life going? Did you get off any criminals this week?” I asked and pictured Tori rolling her eyes. She loved her job as an attorney for the Clark County Public Defenders office in Las Vegas, Nevada, to the dismay of our entire family.

“I know everyone thinks public defenders spend our days plotting how to get robbers, murders, and rapists released. Unfortunately, it isn’t that glamorous. An example would be yesterday. It consisted of three hookers picked up for solicitation and a homeless man who was picked up for shoplifting a couple of soap bars and a toothbrush and paste. If the excitement level stays steady, it could kill me,” she said sarcastically, and I chuckled.

“Hey, if you were looking for everyday excitement, you could have gone to work for the family after law school,” I teased.

“Ugh, as if dealing in business contracts and litigation daily would be stimulating. Not to mention working with family. Please, bring on the hardened criminals who can’t afford an attorney,” Tori griped, then in the next breath, changed the subject. “You’re trying to sidetrack me, and it isn’t going to work. You know why I am calling. Give it up, sister of mine. Did you or did you not go through with the rendezvous you had scheduled for last night?”

“Yes,” I answered and stepped out of the living room. Sawyer might have looked engrossed in her activity and the television, but it didn’t mean she wasn’t listening.

“So how was it? And don’t give me a one word answer. I want deets,” she pushed.

“Why did I mention any of this to you?” I mumbled as I entered the laundry room.

“Because I’m your sister, and we have shared every milestone together our whole lives. Besides, I have to live through you. It’s been ages since I had a date. And even longer since I had sex. I’m to the point that even bad sex would work. Either that or I need to buy stock in every company that manufactures batteries.”

“Good grief, Tori, I hear the violins playing. Why aren’t you dating? You get asked out all the time,” I reminded her.

“Oh yeah, by criminals.”

“Stop it. You’ve told me other attorneys ask you frequently,” I stressed.

“Like I said. Criminals,” she snidely answered, and I chuckled. “Laugh it up. Some should be considered criminals for posing as decent human beings.”

“Oh my God, are you still complaining about Edgar? You know not every man is like that. He was a lying, cheating creep, and it’s been well over a year,” I reasoned.

“Ugh, I am over it...to a point. I just can’t bring myself to accept a date with another attorney. Christ, the man was dating me, two other women, and he was married, and the woman was pregnant. Who the fuck does that shit? Hell, maybe dating a criminal wouldn’t be so bad. At least I’d know what I’d be dealing with.”

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