to himself mainly but can’t stand injustice to women and sometimes gets involved where he isn’t needed.” She whispered co-conspiratorially, “He’s working on that.”
“Then comes our big teddy bear, Helmer Novak, on drums. You saw him, he’s huge. But he’s the sweetest of the bunch. So easy to talk to. If you get the chance, spare a minute and get to know him. Hell is an open book, very loving and affectionate. And oftentimes—” She smiled, wide-eyed. “—you’ll have to clear more than one woman out of his room. He swears he’s not into the multiple partner scene, so I don’t know what they do all night. All I know is that those women leave looking like heaven is Helmer Novak’s tongue.” She winked. “If you get what I mean.”
I read romance.
I got what she meant.
“Last but not least is our ever-ornery Connor Clash.” Her lips thinned. “Don’t expect much from him. He’s got issues. Never had a real relationship, loves his groupies. He doesn’t pretend to be more than what he is. He’s not only sarcastic but he’s a cynic to boot. Hopefully, he’ll stay out of your way and let you do your job. Just a warning though—” She looked at the closed door and opened her mouth to speak, when said door opened.
What warning?
I almost glared at the door.
Amber! I wish to be warned!
Amber straightened and forced a smiled at her husband, and when Micah looked down at my hands on her feet, Amber’s eyes widened and she pointed at me. “She offered!”
Micah blinked at me. “You don’t have to do that.”
From Micah’s reaction, something told me Amber got herself into trouble a lot of the time. But, again from Micah’s reaction, I could tell how much he loved his wife.
“I know,” I said then smiled at Amber. “She’s right. I did offer.” I massaged her swollen foot. “I don’t like the idea of someone being in needless pain.”
Micah leaned against the door, watching us closely. “You two seem to be getting along.”
“She’s like the sister I never had.” Amber blew me a kiss and I chuckled quietly.
Micah’s brows rose. “Amber, you have three sisters.”
“Yeah,” Amber stated matter-of-factly. “And they’re all assholes.”
Micah shared a tender look with his wife before turning to me and saying, “We’ve done everything we need to but you can stay as long as you like, Emily.”
“Thanks.” I smiled before checking my wristwatch. My face fell.
Ah, shoot. Is that the time?
“But I have to go visit Nanna. She’s in the hospital,” I said in way of understanding.
Simultaneously, Micah said, “Can I give you a ride?” while Amber ordered her husband, “Drive her.”
Instantly, I was on my feet, waving them off. “No, no, no. I’m fine, really. I like to walk.”
Micah didn’t look happy. “Are you sure?”
Amber looked glum. “Really? I hate to walk.”
“Really,” I assured them both. “I’m good.” They were so sweet that I laughed. “But thank you for the offer.”
Before I left the first floor, I exchanged numbers with Amber. She made me promise to call her whenever, for whatever reason, because she was “so freaking bored, like, all the time.”
She surprised me by pulling me into a hug as I said goodbye, and when Micah walked me back downstairs, I caught him looking at me curiously. At my enquiring glance, he shook his head. “You’re not what I thought you’d be.”
I took a moment before answering him.
“People rarely are,” I returned quietly.
His “touché” was equally as quiet.
When we walked back into the room and I saw the brawny band of men sitting at the table, going over paperwork of some kind, my stomach felt like it had been karate chopped.
I really needed to work on that.
“Um,” I began softly and they all turned to look at me. I tried very hard to look at them but my chin dipped as I spoke. “It was nice to meet you all.”
Noah stood. “Do you need a ride?”
“No, thank you.” I threw my thumb back over my shoulder. “Micah already offered.” I stopped to retrieve my backpack. “I guess I’ll see you in two weeks.”
“Be there or be square,” uttered Lee, making the shape of a square with his thumbs and forefingers.
Hell grinned. “Don’t stress. It’ll be fun. I promise.”
“Okay.” I laughed softly, pushing my glasses up my nose.
Noah took the few strides over. “I’ll walk you out.”
“Thanks.” As I left the room, I quickly ran back and rushed out, “Bye,” waving eagerly.