If I punch Thayden, will it look bad for me in court? Probably. Maybe I need to go at least a good twenty-four hours without engaging in fisticuffs. And I need to get out of here and ask Lindy about that custody stuff.
Collin rubs a hand over his jaw, then swings his gaze to me. “Do not do anything stupid.”
“It’s a little late for that, don’t ya think?” Thayden asks.
“You know what I’m talking about,” Collin says, looking remarkably like James at the moment.
I actually think I DO know what he’s talking about, but I’m not going to admit it, so I only shrug. Thayden, realizing he’s missing something, glances between us. Chase simply looks resigned to go along with whatever’s happening here.
“Ooh! I want to know what stupid thing you think he’s going to do,” Thayden says. “As his lawyer, it’s better I know up front.”
“I thought it was better if you had deniability,” I say.
“Depends on what you’re thinking about doing. Murder—that, you should keep to yourself.”
“It’s worse,” Collin says. “He’s thinking about marrying The Woman.”
He’s not wrong. But I’ve been thinking about a future with Lindy since the moment I saw her again in the diner. It has nothing to do with Wolf and his stupid drumline. What kind of grand gesture was that, anyway?
If what Wolf said is true, though, and Lindy is having some kind of custody issue with Jo, I want to help. However I can. And yeah, that includes marriage. Everything is on the table.
Chase’s face is priceless, like a perfect shock emoji. I wish I could take a picture, but the cops still have my phone and wallet. “Now you want to propose?” he asks.
I say nothing, because pleading the fifth seems like the smartest option right now. It’s probably good practice for my case too.
Thayden studies me, amusement lighting his eyes. “Interesting plot twist.”
“Interesting isn’t the word I’d use,” Collin says. “Impulsive, stupid—”
I lean back in my uncomfortable chair. “I never said a word about marriage.”
“You didn’t need to. It was all over your face the minute that Wolf guy said Lindy needs to get married. What kind of custody thing is she dealing with, anyway? Does she have a kid?” Collin asks.
“She’s raising her niece,” I explain. “And I don’t know the whole story.”
“Well, don’t make a Pat Decision before you do.”
“A Pat decision?” Thayden asks.
I lean his way. “He means it as an insult. A Pat Decision is one made quickly.”
“Impulsively,” Collin adds. “Stupidly. When you’re thinking with your—”
Thayden holds up a hand. “I got it. Mind if I adopt the term? It has a nice ring to it.”
“I mind,” I mutter. “Not that anyone cares.”
“Go right ahead. Just—keep a tight leash on him,” Collin tells Thayden. “Whatever you do, make sure he comes back to Austin with you. I don’t trust him not to get married otherwise.”
“Has this been a problem before?” Thayden asks.
“Yes,” Collin says, just as I say, “No.”
“Google it.” Collin gives me a last look I interpret to mean don’t screw up anything else and definitely don’t get engaged.
Chase clears his throat and looks my way. “Are you okay, man?”