Page 60 of Pinch

“I’m good. Let’s get on back.”

“What are you so eager to get home for?” He glances over at me, my hands clenched on my thighs. “The girls don’t cook when I’m gone. They’ll probably just have pizza and tater tots on the stove.”

The mention of tater tots makes me smile, and I picture Haddy with that messy bun on her head, sitting at the bar munching on a little golden potato nugget with salt and ketchup.

“I could go for some tater tots right now.” Mixed in with the sweet taste of Haddy’s lips.

“Napoleon, give me some of your tots,” Mav imitates the bully from the movieNapoleon Dynamite. “Now you’ve got that in my head!”

“You said it. Think you could light a fire under your ass? I’m tired of being in this car.”

“Dang, keep your shirt on,” he complains, but he does hit the accelerator a little harder.

The Halloween decorations are all gone when we arrive at the house, and now the porch has turkeys and scarecrows on it.

“I can’t believe we’re closing in on Thanksgiving already.” Mav slams his door, and I do my best not to jog up the steps. “Damn, the time starts flying when our season begins. Next thing, we’ll look up and it’ll be Christmas.”

“It’s true.” I’m tapping the code on the lock, the breath tightening in my lungs in anticipation of seeing her.

A little hiss, and I open the door. Stepping inside, the downstairs is empty. A light is on in the kitchen, but the girls are nowhere to be seen.

Maverick bustles past me, carrying his suitcase to the laundry room just off the kitchen.

“What did I tell you?” His blazer is already gone when he returns. “Pizza and tater tots.”

I follow him to the small area where he takes a plate from the microwave oven. Several slices of pepperoni pizza are on it, and he puts a bowl of tater tots on the counter.

My shoulders fall, and I can’t believe she didn’t wait up. Not even after our text conversation. Glancing towards the stairs, I wonder if I might tap on her door.

“I think I’ll head on up.” I turn, suitcase in hand.

“Hey, hang on. You can’t go to bed on an empty stomach.” Mav stops me before I can make it out of the room. “What if I order up some burgers and wings for us? Pop open a beer, and I’ll see if I can get express delivery.”

I look toward the dark landing above. How could she go to bed so early? She knew we were coming home tonight. Is it possible I’m the only one who started to get invested in our daily conversations?

“Big Kahuna burger?” Mav is on his phone tapping in an order.

“Is that really a thing?” I frown at him, and he nods.

“One for you and one for me with a side of fries? Actually, they have tater tots if you want more.”

I’m about to tell him to skip it when the back door leading to the patio opens, and Gigi bursts through it laughing and holding Spanky’s leash. She’s talking to someone behind her, but when she sees us, her eyes light.

“You’re home!” She cries, running forward to give her cousin a hug.

My breath disappears when Haddy steps inside after her, smiling and looking like the best thing I’ve seen all day. Hell, she’s the best thing I’ve seen all year.

“Lookin good Mr. Knight. I love a sharp-dressed man.” Gigi turns, crossing her arms and nodding at me. Then she elbows her cousin. “Where’s your suit, Mav?”

“Laundry room.” He starts for the living room, calling to me. “Throw yours on the pile, and the cleaners’ll pick em up tomorrow.”

I don’t answer him. I’m still facing Haddy, who’s standing quietly inside the back door with her little dog in her hand. Her blue eyes blink up to mine, and her full lips press.

My stomach is tight, and I want to pull her into my arms. Instead, I put my suitcase down and take a step closer. I’m about to speak when Mav returns, passing me and going to his cousin.

“I prefer knowing where she is before I sit anywhere.” He takes the little brown dog from her hands. “Did you miss us, Peepee? Food should be here in ten minutes, Gav.”

He carries the dog into the living room where Gina and Spanky are waiting, and Haddy’s arms fall to her sides.