Page 31 of The Sky in Summer
“You’re reading too much into things. It was the only night he was available. You two have rich imaginations.”
“You guys drank tequila?” Tyler asks.
“How do you know that?”
Damn. I cleaned the patio and kitchen meticulously after Van went home. What did I miss?
“The bottle is in the front on the shelf. Usually it’s behind the rum.”
“You know a little too much about how the liquor in this house is stored. That tells me to be more aware.”
David shoots his brother a sharpshut the fuck uplook.
“Why would you even be looking at the alcohol?”
“I wasn’t! I just noticed a difference. It was out of place.”
“Yes, we had a drink of tequila. That’s what grown-ups do. What is this, the Inquisition?”
David and I have a staring contest, until Tyler breaks the silence.
“I mean it wouldn’t be a bad thing if you had a date. You deserve to have some fun. Right?”
“Mom’s happy with things the way they are,” David says firmly.
“Both of you are right. Enough of this. I told you what I have to say, and I don’t need to get permission for who I invite to dinner. That’s not the way it works. Now let’s go to breakfast.”
I still have the power to shut down uncomfortable conversations. But for how long?
After our huevos rancheros I put the cell on vibrate, because Inspector Clouseau and Inspector Gadget would have definitely known what a big fat liar their mother is. From Van’s first call, that came in at eleven, I knew controlling my expression would be impossible. I put it on vibrate. The voicemail left surely would bring a smile. I wasn’t able to answer in the restaurant, but once in the restroom I listened. Four times.
“Umm, this is Captain Van Lyon of the Billings Police Department, doing a welfare check. Your neighbors reported hearing screams and pleas to God last night coming from your house. We would appreciate a call back, just to confirm your safety. Otherwise, we will be required to make a welfare check. Thank you.”
I laughed out loud, inside the only stall. Then promptly returned a text.
“This is Layla Silver, returning Captain Lyon’s call. Thank you for your quick follow up to my neighbor’s concerns. The screams and calls to The Almighty were a result of the best sex of my life. No need to call the cavalry.”
I composed and edited the message, wanting to get it right. He should know I enjoyed myself as much as he did. I was sitting on the john so long, my leg went to sleep, and when I returned to the table, the boys were suspicious. But I ignored their looks.
The rest of the day, and into the night, Van and I played with each other over the phone. Texting, voicemail, one short conversation we had as he walked into his meeting with clients. But between the day’s dueling itineraries, it was a steady stream of horny out of control short messages. Our communications could teach a course on what happens when you cannot get someone off your mind. When you are in lust.
Noon
Van:Do friends think of friends every fucking minute?
Me:I think so.
Three o’clock
Me:It’sbeen three hours. Are you getting tired of me?
Van:I am very sorry to tell you it’s over. I can’t be with a frigid woman.
Me:Instead of discarding me, maybe you can show me how to thaw.
Van:Wrap a blanket around your shoulders and spread your legs. I’ll be right there.
Four o’clock
