14. Alisha “Kitty” Quinn #3
“Since you have to do this at night,” Tha’lab said. “I suggest parking here and going the rest of the way on foot. That way headlights won’t draw attention to you.”
“I’m not scheduled for another surgery for three weeks.” Yang pointed out. “I’m in.”
Squirrel said nothing.
When I looked toward him, he was leaning against the wall, his arms folded over his chest, his gaze serious as he stared at Exodus.
“Dinner is ready!” Mama Tan called. “Put away the work. Tha’lab, you’re staying the night, right?”
“Yes, Mama.” She grinned. “I have a bag in the car.”
“I’ll get it.” Yang left the house while pulling out his phone.
The rest of us wandered into the kitchen, taking a seat at the table, being sure to save Yang’s spot.
Dinner with the Tans was warm and delicious. Mama Tan ensured everyone was eating, everyone had their fill and food had been cooked separate to cater to Tha’lab’s diet and religion.
It seemed, Tha’lab was a part of this family—an integral part of it and while I wasn’t jealous she might want Exodus anymore, I felt like a third wheel.
After dinner, I hid away from the others under the guise of helping Mama Tan with the dishes and cleaning up. In the backyard, Squirrel called his wife and I felt almost as if I was committing a crime overhearing their conversation.
But he was sweet to her, loving, funny—playful.
He was a whole different man than the man I’d seen earlier at our meeting.
“You’re worried about this mission.” Mama Tan spoke.
I nodded.
“I know we won’t be sitting on the road and watching their house.” I answered, drying my hands on a dish towel. “But it’s still nerve-wracking.”
“Get some good sleep tonight.” Mama Tan recommended. “You need to be on your game tomorrow. Try not to worry about anything.”
But that was easier said than done.
Once we were finished with the dishes, Exodus was sitting around with his twin, Tha’lab and Bambam. I found Sam in Mama Tan’s chair on the front porch, leaning backward, staring up at the sky. Sitting beside him, I stretched my legs out in front of myself and sat in the same position he was.
No words passed between us.
My brain whirred a million miles a minute of possible things I wanted to vent to him about, but the words wouldn’t leave my lips.
“You’re never at a loss of words.” Sam finally spoke. “Why is tonight special?”
“I’m tired—worried about the insurance with the house. Worried about things with Exodus.”
“Things with him?” Sam wanted to know. “The night you spent at the hotel?”
I flushed.
“You don’t honestly think we don’t know what happened that night, right?”
I choked.
Sam sat up to stare at me.
“I know you’re shy, Alisha. But trust me. You’re going to have to get over that real quick.”
“What do you mean?”
Sam sat back again, his eyes going to the sky as a shooting star streaked across the heavens.
“Make a wish.” He told me.
I didn’t believe in that but as I sat there with Exodus and my father criss-crossing through my mind, I couldn’t help wishing for Exodus to be mine and for my father to either go to prison or just go away.
“And to confirm, yes.” My voice wavered. “We slept together that night. We didn’t want to do it here because the entire family was here. It felt weird with Mama Tan?—”
“I get it. You’re too proper for your own good.” Sam chuckled. “Well, how do you feel about him and everything now?”
I thought about his question for a little then rolled my head to the side to look at him.
“Should I be talking to you about this?” I questioned.
Sam rolled his eyes.
“And who are you going to talk to about it? Your other best friend?”
Sighing dramatically, I walked over to the rail and gripped it tightly.
I didn’t speak again until after my heart stopped racing at the very thought of the things I’d allowed Exodus to do to me that night.
I enjoyed every one of them and didn’t regret any but speaking to Sam about that left my face on fire.
“Let’s get something out of the way.” Sam lowered his voice. “He fucked you in all the positions you know and some he made up special. That about covers it?”
I swerved on my heels and rushed over to clamp a hand over his mouth.
“Would you keep it down?”
I looked around.
Sam pulled my hand away from his mouth and leaned in close to my face.
“You keep beating around the bush. For what reason? You don’t think I know my brother likes it rough? There are very few secrets between the Tan boys.”
“Oh gawd.” I tapped my heated cheeks and sat beside him.
“All I’m going to ask is that—did you enjoy yourself?”
Covering my face, I groaned but nodded.
“So much so that you want to do it again?”
I dropped my hands.
“I want to do it again and again and again—but it’s all up to your brother.” I admitted.
“Fair. Look, we don’t judge. We let the members of this family live their own lives.” Sam stretched his back then leaned back to the seat again. “The only issue is if you hurt my brother. Then we get a little bit rowdy. Otherwise, go. Be as freaky as you want. You’re both grown.”
I laughed and rested my head on Sam’s shoulder.
“Thanks.” I whispered.
“For what?”
“For understanding—for giving me your blessings.”
He laughed again.
“You’re very welcome.”