“Almost and hanging are two different things,” I returned, beginning to get angry.
“Roxie –” Mom started again.
“Son, take my advice, you gotta get this girl in hand. You can’t let her run around with her ass hangin’ out. You al ow it once, she’l do it again. Trust me. I know,” Dad told Hank.
Good grief.
“My ass is not hanging out and Hank does not have to get me in hand,” I flared.
Hank’s arm tightened and he pul ed me deeper into his side.
“Girl, you were almost the death of me runnin’ around almost naked, your underwear showin’. I’m warnin’ your boy here before you become the death of him,” Dad flared back.
“Herb –” Mom said again.
“I didn’t run around almost naked!” I snapped.
“That’s not what Mrs. Montgomery said. Mrs.
Montgomery said you looked loose,” Dad snapped back.
Good God.
“Mrs. Montgomery also said that Ginny Lampard looked loose and she was president of the Youth Club at the Christian Church and wore button-down oxfords with a string tie every day of her life!” I shot back.
“Roxie –” Mom said.
“Herb, she isn’t changin’ her dress,” Hank cut in, his deep voice low and not inviting argument.
Dad stared at him, agog.
“She looks beautiful. We’re late. Let’s go,” Hank finished then moved us forward and opened the door, stepping away from me so we al could precede him.
Mom passed me, smiling.
Dad passed me, glaring.
I was trying hard not to do a cartwheel of joy.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Daisy Doesn’t Do Boring
“Holy cow.”
I was standing outside Marcus and Daisy’s house, understanding why it was cal ed “The Castle”, mainly because it was a castle, complete with moat.
Mom stood beside me, staring at the house.
“Is Daisy wealthy?” Mom breathed.
“Her husband must have a real good job. What’s he do?” Dad asked, standing beside Mom and staring up at a turret.
I looked at Dad then I looked at Hank who had secured the car and was approaching us.
“Um…” I said, not sure how much to share.
“Sales,” Hank replied, stopping at my side.