Page 20 of Lucy
“I’m not putting words in your mouth. I know you. You’re petty.”
“Then what the fuck does that makeyou?” I frowned.
“Let’s not do this. I’m tired. I just need a favor. It’s a big favor, please don’t say no, Nora.” I rolled my eyes again and rested my chin on my fist.
“What is it?”
“I got evicted. I need somewhere to stay until I get back on my feet.” I squeezed my eyes shut knowing she couldn’t go to our parents and Abel wouldn’t allow it. I didn’t know all their brother-sister secrets but I knew he wanted to put distance between them.
“Call one of your little bar friends,” I said.
“I can’t. I don’t have anyone that will let me stay with them. It won’t be for long. I need time to save money.”
“Where’s your savings, Lucy? That’s exactly what it’s for. Times like this.”
“I don’t have a savings account anymore. Well, I have one but it’s empty.” I could picture her face and see her giving that little shrug or hers. I let out a frustrated growl and paced the floor. I nearly forgot about my noodles I was so annoyed. I snatched the pot off the stove and let it cool for a minute.
“Mom and Dad should beat you,” I glowered.
“I need somewhere to stay, Nora. Please?” It was killing her to ask, let alone beg. I smirked over the phone and sighed softly.
“I suppose. Let me talk to Eric first.”
“Eric? You’re not even married to him.”
“Yet. I’m not married to himyet. After I talk to him tonight then we’ll see. If we let you stay here though you have to be serious about getting your shit together. You can’t slack off and you have to really save.”
“Okay, Nora.”
“Do you have somewhere to sleep tonight?” I asked. I really did care about Lucy but I needed to whip her into shape or else her staying with us would be a disaster just like everything else in her life.
“I’m at Abel’s but I shouldn’t be. Not for another night.” Her words were heavy with something untold. I didn’t push.
“Why don’t you stop by for dinner and I’ll talk to Eric later on? You can crash in one of our guest rooms. We have so many.”
“Wonderful,” she said in a phony cheery voice. “Send me your address and I’ll come over after I’m done packing at my apartment.”
I told her I would and then we ended our call. Hearing her voice was so strange. It made me realize how long it had been since we talked or hung out or…did all the crazy shit we used to do.
Lucy and I were wild back in the day. We did everything together and I do mean everything. We shared boys as much as we shared clothes. Sometimes, they didn’t even know we were twins. It was hilarious. I let a small laugh slip thinking about some of our adventures.
**
Lasagna, salad, and breadsticks were on the table by the time Eric came home. “Damn, it smells good in here. Hey, babe.” Eric kissed my cheek and set his things down.
“I made peach cobbler for dessert,” I sang and pushed my ass against him.
“You must want something,” he cocked an eyebrow up at me but he didn’t push my ass away.
“My sister is coming to dinner,” I sighed, turning to face him. His arms locked around my waist and he rocked me from side to side while he stared at the ceiling.
“Your sister? You mean…Lucy?” He said her name so apprehensively like she’d appear any second.
“Yes. I only have one sister.” I pressed a kiss to his lips while he groaned. Eric and Lucy didn’t have much interaction. He’d seen a glimpse of her once but mostly, he heard about her from me bitching.
“Why didn’t you tell me before?”
“She called out of the blue and needed to talk to me,” I shrugged.
