Page 69 of Brooke's Bliss
“Well, now we know for sure she’s not herself since she’sdecided to take up with those two,” Rye accused.“And Max is just annoying.Those two have serious time on their records.”
“I don’t have any time.”Shane was confused.“I mean I didspend a night in the Amarillo jail because I got caught in a bar fight.But Ipled out and did thirty days’ worth of community service.Bay, too.”
“Bay shouldn’t be getting into damn fights because he coulddamage his hands,” Stef said with a shake of his head.
“I jumped in so he didn’t hurt his hands,” Shane admitted.“I remembered what you said.It doesn’t matter if my hands get broke.”
Wow, that sounded bad, and it wasn’t at all what Stef hadsaid.He had told them they were too old to pull this crap anymore and asked ifBay had thought about what he would do if he couldn’t paint or sculpt anymorebecause he got his hands crushed at a honky-tonk.
“Shane.”Brooke turned to him.“Of course it matters, andStef is an asshole if he told you that.”
“I did not say that.”Stef defended himself.
“Yes, Sheriff.”Elisa was on her radio.“He totally saidthat.I think Max still thinks you were Callie’s second choice and that’s whyyou jail him so often.”
“Hey.”Even in the dim light, he could see how pale Max hadgone.“I didn’t put it like that.Nate, I was kidding, man.Your deputy ismean.”
Shane leaned toward the radio.“He absolutely said that,Sheriff.He said it like he was proud.And his wife is standing right here.Also, could you weigh in on who has the worse criminal record?Because he’susing that as an excuse to make Brooke feel bad for dating us.”
All true, but Bay wasn’t sure Rachel needed to hear thatright now.Something was up with her.Tears caressed her cheeks, and she put ahand to her stomach.He suddenly remembered one of the only smart things hisfather ever said to him.
You got to use the things you have.Everything you ownis an asset, and if it isn’t you should probably throw it away.
Sometimes he wondered if his father had been talking abouthim.
But tonight he at least had something he could offer.“MissRachel, I’m sorry we interrupted your dinner at Stella’s.I have some leftovercookies.Brooke likes it when we bring her a picnic for dinner.”
He didn’t mention what they liked to do after.
Rachel sniffled.“From the bee lady?”
“Oh, Rach loves those charcuterie boards they make there.You know I didn’t get to finish my dinner either,” Max pointed out.“By nowthose waitresses will have thrown it all out, and I was looking forward to thatpeach pie.”
Brooke’s head shook.“You are such an asshole.Look, both ofyou.I am leaving with Bay and Shane and there’s not a damn thing you can doabout it.And I would back off right now if you know what’s good for you.”
Max’s head shook.“Rye, we’re going home.Rach needs abreak.Stef, will you make sure Brooke and those two can get back to the G?”
Stef pulled out his keys and offered them to Shane.“I’ll doone better.Take it.Mel can drop us off on his way home, and we’ll drive Jen’suntil we can get your tires replaced.And do not fight me on this, Bailey Kent.You need transportation and so does she.”
“And I want to finish my report,” Elisa announced.“Ichecked my dad’s truck.It was fine.”
“Also, I definitely remember seeing Bay and Shane’s truckwhen I came in,” Mel offered.“Been worried about them getting stuck out on thealien highway because that truck is on its last legs.You know the greys havebeen working that highway lately.”
He’d been taught that little green men were actually littlegray men.He tried to stay away from Mel’s world.Nice guy.Weird world.“Thewhole cast was here earlier and the crew.They left a couple of hours ago.”
“So you were bugging my sister at work,” Rye said under hisbreath.
“You can’t help yourself, can you?”Rachel sounded dull, herhead shaking.“Is this the way you’re going to treat Paige?”
“Are you asking if I’m going to protect our daughter?”Ryeasked.
“Protect her from what?From enjoying herself?From havinggood sex.”She looked to Brooke.“Unless the sex isn’t good.”
“I’m not wearing a butt plug for my health,” Brooke replied.
Max winced and his head hung low.“Too much information.”
“She’s doing it to rebel.She’s feeling bad because she gotfired and she’s acting out,” Rye replied.
