Page 19 of Fractured
I got her all buckled in. Then said, “Let me check with your mom, okay?”
She nodded and smiled.
I rounded the SUV, climbed in, pulled my phone out, scrolled to Tatum’s name, and shot her a text.
Me – Okay to take Sage to that new Jurassic movie?
I started the SUV and started driving in the direction of the drive-in.
My phone pinged not even a few minutes later.
Tatum – Yes, please. She’s been talking about it, but with the expansion y’all did to the garage, we haven’t had the time. Thank you, Dom.
Then I pocketed my phone and winked at Sage in the rear-view mirror.
She fist pumped the air.
I laughed.
***
The Griggs family had welcomed me in with open arms after I made friends with Garrick.
And that was why my ass was in a seat at all their family dinners.
This one included.
The meal had been great.
Chopped brisket sandwiches and fresh-cut fries.
When I heard Misty call out, “Dom?”
I lifted my head at her and said, “Yes?”
She looked at Talia, who had surprisingly been quiet the entire night, and I watched as Misty’s face softened.
I got it.
She felt bad for taking my side.
And... so did I.
I winked at her and nodded.
She smiled.
But Talia tensed ever so carefully.
I hadn’t missed it.
And that alone told me Misty had not yet apologized to Talia.
Just another one of the reasons I gave Talia a hard time.
My Ma had been right.
Being the so-called surprise baby and the only girl in their family other than Misty, it had forced her to dull her shine.
