Page 73 of For Love & Torture

“Thanks for asking, but Bell and I have to get back home. Oh, um, maybe you and our sisters and I can get together this Sunday? I want to discuss selling the house.” I place the cash on the table to cover the meal, with a little extra for a tip. Then I pop a couple of hundred into my little brother’s shirt pocket. “And your date’s on your big brother tonight. And don’t you dare say you can’t accept it. I should’ve taken care of you. Let me make up for it now, please.”

He laughs and nods. “Thanks, big brother. And I’ll see you Sunday. Text me the time and the place and I’ll be there.” He nods toward Alice. “Is it okay if I bring my girl along too?”

Bell’s the one who answers that question as she smiles at Alice then Jake, “You better bring her. And why not come out to Grant’s place?”

“Our place,” I quickly correct her. “And that’s a great idea. We can have a cook out. It’ll be fun.”

Bell adds, “How about around one or so? We can make a day of it.”

“Cool with me. April, you game?” he asks her.

She grins from ear to ear as she says, “I’m in, Jake.”

And with that, we have a normal American family Sunday planned. Wow, look at us. A couple of underground BDSM club runners hosting a nice, normal family Sunday dinner. Who knew?