Kaden
“You should see a masseuse.”
I turn around, catching Kit by the back door. His arms are crossed over his red and black flannel shirt, sleeves pushed up to his elbows. His black-framed glasses sit on top of his head.
“What?”
“Your posture’s shit, and you keep cracking your neck. You should see a masseuse. Take care of that.” He waves at me.
“I don’t have time,” I say as I shrug my stiff shoulders.
“Liar.”
“Excuse me?”
“That was a lie,” he says, pointing at me. “Which makes you a liar.”
I roll my eyes.
“You’re scared, Kaden. I get it. It’s scary out there.” He nods at the window. “But your life is happening now.”
“Carpe diem, brother.” I nod slowly, knocking my fist against my chest.
He glares at me. “Your sarcasm’s gonna get you killed.”
I tilt my head back and forth. “My money’s either on COVID or your cliché quotes, though.”
He pinches the bridge of his nose, sighing. “Just call a masseuse, Kaden. Get it done. Wear a face mask. What’s the difference between customers here and a masseuse? You can get sick here too, you know.”
“Yeah, well, I asked you to pay me for staying home, but you turned me down, so... That’s on you.” I shrug and turn around. “Also, small advice?” I add. “Maybe don’t come for my posture when yours is in the league of vultures.”
“What?”
I turn to face him, gesturing with my hand. “You look like a question mark.”
He glares at me. “I should fire you.”
I laugh. “Have at it, old man.”
If there’s one thing I’m sick of, it’s the constant hassle from people around me, telling me that I’m the crazy one around here when I’m the only one following the fucking restrictions.
Everything’s not fine.
People are still getting sick.
Just because they’ve dialed down doesn’t mean it’s safe to roam the streets.
And my posture isn’t shit!
“Somethin’ wrong with your kitchen?”
I raise my brows, dragging a hand over my chin.
Mom’s by the stove in her kitchen, loading my plate with enough food to stop world hunger.
Her braids are down today, draped over her back, and she’s wearing an orange tunic that complements her dark skin.
She’s a beauty, my mom. That Homer guy better treat her good.
“’Cause I know I taught you all how to cook but I just about see you behind that candle, you’re so skinny,” she adds.
I glance at the taper candle on the table in front of me, raising a brow at her.
“You know you gotta eat when working out like you do, K. You need your protein. Can’t rely on my meals once a week.
” She turns around, squinting at me. “Did Tara cook for you?” She clicks her tongue, shaking her head as she hands me my plate before she puts a hand on her waist, cocking her head. “Cat got your tongue?”
I scratch behind my ear, blinking slowly. “Are you done?”
“Psh! You can put that attitude where it belongs.”
“Up your butt,” we say at the same time. I give her a cheeky smile, and she shakes her head with a smile.
“You’re lucky you’re cute,” she says, dropping down opposite me.
“I got it from you,” I say, picking up the fork and peeking at her under my lashes. Throwing in a wink to make her laugh.
“So, how’s life?” she asks.
“Good.”
“Just good?”
“What do you want me to say?” I shrug.
“I wanna know what’s happening in life. You seeing someone?”
“I didn’t tell you?” I raise my brows, tapping my chin.
“Huh, could’ve sworn I slipped the save-the-date in your purse last week.
” I shrug. “Well, I’m married now. Bridget’s her name, she’s an accountant, and we’ve got two kids on the way.
Mazel tov!” I beam, holding my glass up at her before chugging it back.
She shoots me an unimpressed look. “You know what you should do?”
“What?”
“Read one of—”
I huff out a pained laugh, dropping my head back.
“—my romance books. Might help you get some tricks up your sleeve.” She nods at me.
“Oh, I’ve got tricks, Momma.” I wink at her.
“Then why’re you still single?”
I roll my eyes so hard, I’m surprised they don’t get stuck.
“What? You spend your Saturdays at your mom’s house, knitting.”
“That was one time!”
“Why’re you not out there, meeting someone?”
“Okay, so, there’s this pandemic happening right now. Like, people get really sick, and so the government basically stopped people from seeing each other unless absolutely necessary. And I haven’t asked, but I’m pretty sure that hook-ups and dating don’t fall into that category.”
“Smart-mouth.”
I shrug. “Yeah, well, you know what they say about apples.”