Page 108 of Badges
Libby’s a wild card though.
I see his Stetson before I see him. But his face is hidden in a close conversation with his wife who looks like she’s dressed up as a…cow?
“Blue, Libby, I wanted to bring Elena by to say ‘hi’.” I might as well cut to the chase.
He straightens and half-stands, extending his hand. “Glad y’all could make it.” His palm turns when he reaches for Elena’s. “Welcome.”
I’m glad to see he’s smiling, even if it’s a little forced.
“Libby, I wanted to say I’m sorry.” Elena stammers. “It was the only way I could get my sister back. I didn’t want to hurt—”
Libby holds up her hoof-covered hand. “I know what happened. I would have done the same thing if someone had my little brother.” Her chin tilts to let her long blond hair drape over her shoulder making the horns on her headband aim for Blue’s hat. “Do I like it? No. But I can’t be angry at you.” Her blue eyes flick between me and her husband. “For their sake—” Her thumb rocks between Blue and I. “—let’s talk. Tell me about your sister?”
I can feel Elena relax next to me.
My own shoulders lighten with Libby’s peace offering as I pull out Elena’s chair for her to sit.
I lock eyes with a man in an opera mask a few feet away who’s intently watching Elena.
“Fuck off,” I mouth at him, then pull out the seat next to her.
As soon as my butt lands on my own, my phone dings in my pocket.
Blue jerks his cell out at the same time. “Well, holy shit on a stick.” He looses a low whistle.
“What is it?” Libby leans towards him, showing off her very round pregnant belly that was hidden under the table.
“Ford’s a dad. It’s a boy,” I answer, flipping my screen along with Blue to show our matching texts.
“Iknewthere was a group chat,” Elena mutters with a smile.
Always in a group
Elena
I hate that Libby’shysterical. It makes me feel even worse for the crap I did this past spring.
But as the evening goes on, her laughter comes easier and I find that I can’t help but like her.
“I gotta do one more set.” Blue playfully tugs on the fabric udder over her swollen belly. “Unless I can get milk outta these.” His grin is contagious.
“Only thing that’s happening right now is the need for me to pee.” Libby pats her abdomen and glances at me. “It’s an hourly occurrence lately.”
“Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl yet?” I get a twinge of guilt remembering that I nearly jeopardized her baby.
“Nope. We wanted it to be a surprise. It made Char mad. I think she’s hoping we’ll both have baby girls together and she keeps insisting I should paint the nursery pink.”
It’s strange that I know exactly what her house looks like. My stomach rolls remembering having to sneak in when I was trying to map out where they slept so I knew how long I’d have if I alerted them.
There’s a piece of me that never wants to forget how down a scary dark path I had to travel to get my sister back.
As Blue works towards the stage, Libby stands with a groan, bracing herself on the table. “I really gotta go.”
“I do too, want me to go with you,” I ask hesitantly.
I wouldn’t blame her if she said no.
“I’d like that. I’m like a damn wide load.” Her smile contradicts her words.
