Page 16 of Blood

“Better now that my favorite boy has called,” Judy sweet-talks me. The woman is probably close to eighty and still works her ass off.

“I’m going to tell your husband you said that,” I tease.

“Oh hush. He already knows. He’s my favorite man, and that’s all he cares about.”

Sam scrunches her nose. But I think it’s sweet. Even in their golden years, Judy and Duke are inseparable.

“I thought you were away driving for a few more days?”

“I was, but Charlie went into labor, so I’m needed for Sam and Shelby,” I explain.

“Ahh, say no more.”

Like the rest of the town, Judy knows how close our family is.

“What would my favorite customer like?”

I repeat the girls’ orders and then add on my own. “Strawberry waffles.”

“Extra strawberries, extra waffles,” Judy finishes for me.

“I’m feeling extra cream today too, please,” I add.

“Ohh.” Shelby sits forward in the back seat. “Can I have extra cream too, please?”

I raise a brow and point a finger at Sam, who shakes her head.

“Extra on the pecan one, please, Judy, for takeout.”

“You’re not coming in?” Judy asks, her voice tinged in disappointment. We do love to have a good gossip session when I’m back in town.

“Not today. It’s been a long night, and I need food and sleep.”

And a good fuck.Buttwo out of three isn’t bad.

“Well, you head on around back, and I’ll bring it to you. No wait for you.”

“We’ll see you soon,” I say, ending the call.

Chants of, “Waffles, waffles, waffles,” fill the car as I take us across town. Clearly, we’re all desperate for sleep.

When we get there, Judy is waiting out back as promised.

Sam and Shelby stay in the car where it’s warm while I jump out to get our food.

Holding my arms out, I wrap Judy up in a solid hug. She’s the grandmother I never had.

“I hope you’re being careful with the burglaries happening.”

“Duke’s inside. Refused to let me come to work alone like I’m some kind of child. I’d like to see someone try to rob me.”

“I wouldn’t,” I whisper, pulling her in tighter. “Call me if you need me?”

Judy nods, patting my back. “You’re a good boy. I’d have had to bribe Junior to watch his sisters.”

“How do you know I wasn’t bribed?” I ask, pulling back.

Her palm is soft against my cheek. “Because I know you.”