Page 15 of Stuffed

“Jesus, Randy!” I exclaimed. “And you haven’t told her yet?”

“Just got the news last night,” he replied. “Was waiting to talk to you first. If I wasn’t such a cruel bastard, I’d send you over there to handle it for me, but seeing as how you just got back from a three-year bid, I figured I’d give you a well-deserved break.”

Part of me wanted to just volunteer to take the job right then and there. If I was in Ireland, that meant I wouldn’t be here around Autumn. If I wasn’t around Autumn, I wouldn’t have to worry about keeping my hands off her…or her hands off me.

But I didn’t volunteer. I couldn’t.

“So, will you do it for me, buddy?” Randy asked. “I know she’ll be okay in your hands.”

You have no idea…

“Of course,” I said quickly. “Of course I will.”

“I knew you’d come through for me,” he smiled, slapping me on the knee. “Now I’ve just got to have the talk with her. I dunno how well that’s gonna go.”

I could think of a talk that Randy and I also needed to have, but try as I might, I couldn’t find the words.

Hey, Randy, ol’ buddy ol’ pal. Yeah, your daughter and I? We’re a thing now.

Hey, man. I appreciate you giving me work and being my best friend, but uh…can I bang your daughter? I know I’m twice her age, but it’s just a number, right?

She wants me, man. I don’t know how else to break it to you…

No. None of that sounded even close to being right.

“Well, all right, man,” I said, getting to my feet. “I’ll just head home and give you and your family some time before you head out. Just let me know if you need anything.”

I was anxious to be gone. If I stayed in this house with her any longer, there was no telling what might happen.

“For sure, bud,” he said, shaking my hand firmly. “I appreciate you doing me this favor. I really do.”

It wasn’t a favor—not even remotely.

“No problem.”

We headed back inside and I saw Autumn and her mother sitting in the living room together. Autumn flashed me a smile as I headed for the front door, but I just kept moving.

“Thanks for the meal, Michelle!” I said as I got my shoes on.

“Leaving so soon?” she asked. She got up and came over to say goodbye. Autumn was right behind her looking like an even better dessert than the pie I’d just had.

“Yeah, I’m gonna get out of your guys’ hair,” I smiled. “Got some stuff to look at back at home. You know how it is.”

“Sure, hon,” she smiled, giving me a hug. “We’re so happy to see you. You take care and come by anytime!”

“I will, thanks,” I replied. “Good to see you again, Autumn.”

“You sure you don’t want to stay for a bit?” she asked in a tone that was just bordering on raising some eyebrows. “Have some more pie?”

There’s only one type of pie I want now, I thought. And it sure ain’t pumpkin.

“No, I have to go,” I said truthfully. “You all have a nice night.”

“See ya, bud!” Randy called after me as I stepped out the front door into the evening and walked quickly away, putting as much distance between me and their house as I could.

It didn’t help that I lived in the same damn neighborhood and could see their house from my living room window, but I got inside as fast as I could and shut the door.

Judging by Autumn’s behavior earlier upstairs and at the dinner table, I wouldn’t put it past her to sneak over here later on and come and see me, so I locked the door behind me too.

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