Lennon: What are you talking about?
Phoenix: If you weren’t interested, you could have hung up…but you didn’t.
My nostrils fill with the delicious aroma of bacon, pancakes, and banana bread.
“Is this heaven?” Phoenix questions as I open the dividing door and head out to the kitchen where everyone is already eating.
Storm stuffs his mouth with a forkful of pancakes. “Nah. Heaven is when she makes biscuits and gravy.”
Grams slaps the back of his head. “Are you insulting the food I just made? Be grateful you have a nice home-cooked meal instead of that stale cereal I found in the cupboard.”
Storm sulks. “I’m grateful, Grams.”
She smiles when she sees me. “Come on, sweet pea. Grab yourself a plate. Let’s put some meat back on those bones.”
Never thought I would hear that.
I’m happily loading up my plate when I hear, “She doesn’t need more meat on her bones.”
Seven pairs of eyes swivel to George.
Grams pops a hand on her hip. “Care to explain what you mean by that, young man?”
George looks like he’s going to shit his pants. But I don’t feel the need to come to his defense like I usually do.
“Well, you know.” He visibly gulps. “She’s not that skinny.” When several jaws drop, he quickly adds, “But it’s not like she’s fat or anything.”
I put my plate down.
Memphis points his fork at George. “Dude, you really need to quit talking.”
Dismissing that excellent advice, George looks at me. “I didn’t mean you were fat. You’re not. You’re perf—”
Phoenix pounds his fist against the table so hard the dishes rattle. “Shut the fuck up. Now.” Cocking his head, he zeros in on me. “Eat your breakfast.”
“So, breakfast was…unexpected,” Skylar exclaims as we tidy up the kitchen.
“Yeah, those pancakes were the best I’ve ever had.”
“They were delicious.” Her lips quirk. “But I was referring to George putting his foot in his mouth and Phoenix almost ripping it out and beating him to death with it.”
Before I can respond, Grams strides into the kitchen.
Phoenix, Storm, and Memphis are right behind her.
A pang of sadness shoots through me when I notice Phoenix is carrying her luggage. “You’re leaving already?”
The woman just got here.
“Afraid so, dear. Got me a booty call in Miami, thanks to that app.”
Phoenix gives Storm a shit-eating grin as he heads to the front of the bus. “Looks like Grams has more game than you.”
Storm raises his middle finger before wrapping Grams up in a big hug. “Call me when you land.”
“Sure thing, baby. Stay out of trouble.”
He laughs. “I’ll do my best.”
Turning to Skylar, Grams kisses her forehead. “Make sure he doesn’t get arrested.”
Skylar smiles. “I’ll do my best.”
Her attention shifts to Memphis. “And you. Don’t be a fool, wrap your tool.”
A sheepish smile tugs at his mouth as he hugs her. “I’ll do my best.”
After they break apart, she folds her arms around me. “I’m so happy you’re back.” Face lined with worry, she cups my cheek. “Please don’t give up on him.”
I don’t have the heart to disappoint her, so I say the only thing I can.
“I’ll do my best.”
CHAPTER 44
LENNON
The moment the elevator doors open, I take off in a sprint.
Phoenix isn’t behind me like he should be though because—as usual—he’s taking his sweet time and lagging behind.
Impatient, I tap my foot while I wait for him to catch up. “Chandler’s going to kill me if I don’t have you at the venue in the next ten minutes.”
He meanders down the hall like one would if they were having a leisurely stroll through a park. “The venue’s only nine minutes away. We got plenty of time.”
So help me God…
When the sloth finally joins me, we make a quick left down the hallway leading to the private exit out back.
I feel him appraising me. “You know, our relationship would go a lot smoother if you’d learn to chill the fuck out.”
“Easy for you to say. You’re not dealing with you. “Also…” I gesture between us. “This isn’t a relationsh—”
“Phoenix,” a masculine voice slurs from behind.
Weird. Since everyone we know is already at the venue.