Anticipation by Sarah Mayberry Read Free Book Online Page B

character?”
    “I’m simply making an observation.”
    Eddie slid a plate in front of her before taking his place to her left.
    “You know what? Bring on the day you’re in my power. I can’t wait to turn the tables. And it’ll happen, too. One of your women will try to run you down in a dark alleyway after you dump her, and then I’m going to show you what gracious and generous means, buddy. You wait.”
    “I almost want to jump in front of a speeding car, so I can experience this generosity,” Eddie said.
    He raised his beer, and she lifted hers so they could clink necks.
    “To being gracious,” he said.
    “To turning the tables,” she said.
    They were both smiling as they concentrated on their meals. Eddie’s satay sauce was a delicate balance of spice and nuts, and she made appreciative guttural noises for a few minutes before asking about Brothers Ink. Eddie had already told her that her regulars — customers with full chest, back, or other major body tattoos she’d been working on for several months — had all signaled their willingness to wait until she was well again rather than have their work completed by another artist. She took a high number of walk-ins, however, as well as acting as an informal second-in-charge to Eddie and Rafel, and she wanted to know how they were covering her absence. Once Eddie had assuaged her concerns, talk moved to his mother’s upcoming birthday, and the fact that Eddie had yet to buy her a gift.
    “You always leave it till the last minute,” she said.
    “ You always leave it to the last minute, you mean.”
    She pushed her empty plate away, acknowledging the truth of his words. She always helped him pick his mother’s presents. The Lord only knew what the poor woman would end up with otherwise.
    “We can go shopping on the weekend.” She’d seen a selection of French silk scarves in a local shop a month or so ago and made a mental note that Gabriela Oliveira would love one of the more brightly colored ones.
    “I knew you would save my bacon.”
    Blue eyed the fridge pointedly. “Shouldn’t we be stuffing our faces with chocolate about now?”
    “Of course, my liege. My apologies, my liege,” Eddie said, pretending to tug on his forelock as he stood and collected their plates.
    “I quite like that. Keep it up,” she said, leaning back in her seat and assuming the most regal/arrogant posture she could manage with half her leg encased in fiberglass.
    Eddie placed a platter of sprinkle-covered chocolate balls on the table with a bow.
    “Try not to make yourself sick,” he said.
    “When have I ever been sick from your cooking?” she asked, eyeing the treats with avaricious intent.
    The doorbell sounded before he could respond, and she reached for a truffle as he headed toward the front of the house.
    “Man, these are good ,” she told the empty room as she swallowed the first mouthful of sweet, creamy chocolate.
    She could hear voices as Eddie spoke to whoever was at the door. Probably someone selling something. No doubt Eddie would give them short shrift — he hated being harassed in his own home.
    She’d just popped a second brigadeiro into her mouth when she heard the click-click of high heels. Sugar dissolved on her tongue as she glanced over her shoulder. Sure enough, a statuesque woman entered, Eddie following her. Her blonde hair was long and tousled, her skirt short and tight. Blue could smell her perfume from across the room, something heavy and floral.
    Blue didn’t recognize her, but that was no surprise. No one could keep up with the women in Eddie’s life, including Eddie.
    “This is Leanne,” Eddie said. “Leanne, Blue.”
    “Oh. Hi,” Leanne said, confusion creasing her pretty face.
    Obviously Eddie hadn’t mentioned he had a house guest.
    “Hi.” Blue reached for her crutches. “I’ll give you guys some privacy.”
    Eddie frowned. “You don’t need to do that. Leanne was just dropping off a magazine for me.”
    Blue’s