Page 35 of Body Check
I know Liza can’t stand the guy, but he’s all right in my book. Sticking my face back into my phone, I tap out a quick text.
Bridgette: That was very sweet. I might just have to give Blue a free haircut for the assist.
Dutton: I’ll pay for it if you promise to cut off the mullet and shave the stache.
Bridgette: It’s not a mullet. Those are much longer. It’s more of a wolf cut. And they’re very popular right now. And mustaches are making a comeback, too.
Dutton: Something can be popular and still make you look like a douchebag.
Bridgette: True. But Blue seems nice, and I owe him one.
Dutton: He likes you. Not the way I do, obviously, but he said I’ve been less of an asshole lately so that means you get the best friend stamp of approval.
Bridgette: I feel very privileged.
Dutton: I might go inside and make some lunch. Want to come with me? I think the house is empty.
Bridgette: Liza’s in the kitchen getting food right now. Don’t get too excited, though, I think she’s just making a big plate of bleu cheese.
Dutton: That’s cold-hearted. Funny, but ice cold.
Bridgette: What’s up with those two? Do you think they’re…you know…
Dutton: Mortal enemies? Yes.
Bridgette: Haha, yes, but also…
Dutton: Also what? I hate open-ended questions. Can you at least give me multiple choice?
Bridgette: hooking up
Dutton: What? Like, fucking? Are you kidding me right now? The only reason Liza would ever seduce him is so she could shank him once he has his pants down. And do not give her that idea. And if you do, don’t tell her it came from me.
Bridgette: Okay, but you really don’t think there’s chemistry there?
Dutton: Yeah, the kind that makes bombs.
Since I can’t just lie here and text with Dutton all day, I get up and walk over to the umbrella where Maggie and her best friend, Viv, are sitting. They’re both trying their best to soothe Calla, but she’s suddenly fussy, and they look frazzled.
“I’m happy to take her for a bit,” I say, holding my hands out. “If she’s got a hat, I can walk her around, or just stand here and bounce her right here for a little while.”
Maggie opens her mouth to answer, but Viv interrupts her immediately and hands me a tiny, baby-sized floppy hat. “Screw politeness. If you want to take the teething princess for a walk, we are not going to stop you.”
I think Maggie’s going to argue, but then I realize her eyes are drifting shut, so I happily take the baby from Viv’s armsand start patting her bottom as I take a lap around the pool. This route means we’ll pass by Dutton’s chair, but that’s merely coincidence.
I’m taking a wide berth around the waterslide area so the baby doesn’t get soaked when I see JT hop out of the pool. “No chance,” I say, waving him off. “You get her all day and night. I only get her for a little while.”
“Thanks,” he says, hopping back in the water. “I’ll come and get her in a bit. She should go down for a nap soon, if she isn’t too ragey.”
I nod and make my way around the pool a few times, bouncing and shushing as I go. It’s possible that I put a little extra sway in my hips when I reach a certain section, but that’s merely payback for Dutton’s leaf-clearing stunt. After a while, Calla’s cries settle, and she starts to gnaw on her fist and close her eyes. I don’t stop yet, though. That would be a total rookie mistake, and all those babysitting jobs I took in high school trained me better than that.
It takes another five minutes or so until I’m sure she’s sound asleep, and that‘s when I pass her off to her dad. He offers me a grateful, silent smile and ducks inside. I happen to know my brother has a portable crib set up just for visits like this, so Calla and her parents can get a little rest.
As for me? I’m feeling restless. Texting is fun, but I‘d rather be curled up beside Dutton than messaging back and forth. Still, when my phone buzzes, a little thrill races through me.
Dutton: Two things…First off, you look fucking hot holding a baby. I don’t know why that is and I should maybe talk to someone about it, but there it is. Also, do I look like a serial killer?
Bridgette: Thanks and whaaat?
