Page 37 of Pieces of Us
“Hi, Linc. How was your Friday?”
“Busy. Playoffs are always insanity. I brought beer.”
“Oh, good. You can put it in the fridge. Feel free to help yourself to anything in there.”
I take a bottle out of the six-pack before I put it in the fridge.
“Anything I can help with?”
She taps my cheek. “You’re cute, thinking I would be doing anything in a kitchen that required help. No, I’m good. Just taking foil off the containers from the Italian place we like.”
“Italian sounds awesome. I didn’t have time to finish lunch today.”
“Good thing I ordered half the menu, then.” She laughs. “You know, there is something you can do for me, though, now that I think about it.”
“Shoot.”
She starts to whisper. “Can you keep an eye on Melonie? She says she’s fine, but I don’t think she feels good.”
“I can do that.”
“Thanks. Can you go let everyone know the food is ready, please?”
“Sure thing.”
I walk into the living room, and Marcus gives me a “hey” from the couch where he’s sitting next to Gigi. Jax is flipping through channels, looking for a game. Then I see Melonie in the recliner off to the side. She’s curled up, but she doesn’t really look sick. I mean, her hair and makeup are done. Her eyes look tired, but other than that, she looks put together. I walk over and sit next to her on the arm of the recliner, and address the group.
“Audrey said food is ready.”
“Finally! I’m starving!” Gigi jumps from the couch. Marcus and Jax follow her, leaving Mel and me.
I take a drink of my beer and look down at her. “You okay?”
“Yeah, just really tired. This week was brutal at work.”
“I hear you on that. Do you want me to bring you some food in here?”
“No, I’ll go eat with everyone.”
“Alright. Well, let me know if you need anything, okay?”
“Okay.”
She gets up and we head to the dining table. I pull out her chair, and she lets me. Usually, she rolls her eyes or scolds me if I try to do it, but today, she just flops down. Audrey gives me a “told ya so” sort of look.
We start passing around the food. I try to hand Mel the carbonara.
“Um, no, thanks. Can you just grab me a couple rolls?”
“You just want bread?”
“Yeah, if that’s okay with you,” she snaps at me.
I raise my hands in surrender. “Rolls it is.” I hand her the plate.
Jax passes me the shrimp, and I drop a few on my plate. I notice Mel staring at me.
“What?”
