Page 8 of Home in the Country
Sorren makes a strangled sound while also gripping his glass harder than necessary. “First of all, Isla is the scariest person I know, and if you fuck with your girl and shit goes sideways—well, I wouldn’t want to be you.”
“Thanks—”
He cuts me off with a semiamused look. “Also, if I have to listen to them bitch about how you’re an asshole because you didn’t just stay away from Fallon,I’mgoing to kick the shit out of you.”
“I didn’t think you knew her name.”
“That’sthe part you want to focus on?”
I shrug because it’s as good a part as any.
“It’s a good thing I don’t drink because you’re hangover enough.”
“I think I’m offended.”
The bartender drops off another round for me, and I take a sip of beer before throwing back the shot.
“She’s got a kid?” Sorren’s voice is muffled by the shouts over the game, but I hear him just fine.
“Yeah.”
He turns his head and waits until I look up at him.
“Do not fuck around with her unless you’re serious about that kid.”
“I never said…”
“You didn’t have to, but that kid is innocent in all this, so don’t bring your bullshit to his door.”
“How do you know she has a son?”
He scoffs. “I know damn near everything. Itryto be unapproachable, but here I am…” His voice trails off as he lifts his glass to his lips.
There is a minefield in this conversation that I’m not equipped to handle right now. Sorren and Marlee’s history is complicated and makes me want to rage if I think about it too long.
I don’t even have all the details and I don’t need ’em. The most important thing is that they came to Clementine Creek, and we’ve loved the shit out of them every day since.
Their grandparents, Gran and Pop, were thebestkind of people. Pop always let me ask him a million questions about everything and nothin’, and Gran knew when I needed an extra hug and a treat.
“What are you thinkin’ so hard about over there?” Sorren’s voice cuts through my memory, and I have to take a sip of my drink to cover the lump in my throat.
“Honestly? Gran teachin’ me how to make banana bread and Pop showin’ me how to tinker with my bike.”
His smile is soft and almost wistful as he nods but doesn’t say anything.
He doesn’t have to becauseI know.
And as much shit as I’ve given Sorren tonight, he’s one of the best men I know. Guy’s been dealt a hell of a hand, but he never complains. After seein’ how bein’ with Isla changed Hank’s life, I can only pray Sorren pulls his head out of his ass to see what’s in front of him.
I can’t help the smirk that forms on my lips because that would be a hell of a wake-up call.
“So what are you gonna do with Fallon?”
“Avoid her at all costs.”
He snorts—like actually snorts as if this is hilarious. “You’re so fucked.”
“Am not. She’s got a kid and a life that don’t include me, so I’ll just mind my business and carry on as usual.”
