Page 16 of Pretty Poison

Marla’s mouth hung open for so long Rocky worried he’d actually offended her. Then her head fell back, and she laughed so hard she needed to lean against the doorframe for support. After a moment, Marla composed herself and said, “I may resemble that.”

Rocky quirked a brow. “A nosy queen or a douche nozzle?”

Marla swatted his arm. “You can tell Mama about your troubles,” she said silkily.

Rocky nodded. “I could.”

“You could also offer a lady a drink and someplace to sit.” Marla craned her neck to look down the hallway. “Unless you’re trying to hide something…or someone.”

“Nope.”

He suspected Marla knew about Asher, even though she’d never mentioned it directly. Jonah wouldn’t divulge his secret, but Felix sure as fuck would and most likely had. Fucking Felix. Betty came to the rescue by running back into the living room and letting out a series of short barks. Marla turned to look at her beloved dog. “What is it, Miss Thing?”

Betty responded with two more barks.

“Outside?” Rocky asked. Energy radiated through Betty’s wiggling body as she spun around in a circle. “Why don’t we go out back so Betty can play in the yard while we drink lemonade and get caught up.”

“Sounds simply divine, baby.”

Rocky set the cinnamon rolls on the counter and filled two glasses before heading outside with Marla.

“Thank you, darling,” Marla said before taking a big drink. “That hits the spot.”

Rocky took a sip, then set his glass down on the table. “Sure does.”

“I absolutely love your home, and Miss Thing won’t want to leave this big ole yard.”

Rocky watched as Betty sniffed her way across the grass until she found the perfect spot to squat and pee.

“Did everything go okay with Karen?” Marla asked, yanking Rocky’s attention back to her.

“She’s nice.”

“Nice?” Marla asked with a grimace.

“Okay, Karen is a bit of a smartass, which is why I like her a lot. I have a tough time opening up to anyone, let alone a perfect stranger.”

Marla placed her hand over his. “It takes time to build a bond. I happen to be a great listener.”

“I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

She gave Rocky an encouraging smile. “The beginning is usually a good place.”

“It all started thirty-five years ago on a rainy day in September. I think it was a Tuesday.”

Marla snorted. “Maybe not back to the beginning of your existence, dear. I was thinking more along the lines of the origin of your current problem.”

Rocky released a deep sigh. “When I was thirteen, I realized I had a crush on my track coach.”

Marla patted his hand. “Fast-forward a little, my pet.” Rocky had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing at her eager expression. “I’m thinking maybe a few weeks ago.”

“Okay. It all started when Felix called me fat.”

Marla growled, and Rocky couldn’t keep up the pretense any longer. He burst into laughter, earning a scowl.

“I’m going to smack the sass right out of you,” she warned.

Rocky sobered and straightened in his chair. “Oh, the day is starting to look up now.”