The Buy-In (Graham Brothers #1)(88)

Backtracking, I put both feet on that step and shift my weight back and forth until it makes a screechy creak that could wake a mummy from its tomb. I pause to listen, but only hear Lindy’s steady breathing. Does she HAVE to be such a sound sleeper? I give the creaky step a few more bounces until I hear Amber groan downstairs.

Fine. I give up. Lindy sleeps deeper than the dogs. Noted.

Changing into pajamas, I leave my not-so-lucky shirt on the closet floor so it can think about what it’s done. Every night in this house has continued to be torture. Beautiful, exquisite, gut-wrenching torture. Tonight, though, I feel like Odysseus, needing my crew to tie me to the mast so I don’t heed the sirens’ call. Only, I don’t have a crew, a rope, or a mast.

What I do have is a fully charged phone, a strong Wi-Fi signal, and the pen name Lindy has been writing under. I’m sure she never meant for me to find the printed-out article with her secret writing name, just like I never meant to snoop in her office when I left the mail on her desk.

I knew it was Lindy the minute I saw the byline. And boy, did it give me a thrill. I mean, Birdie Graham? Birdie, as in, Lindybird—the nickname I gave her. And, duh—Graham. As in ME.

Now, if I could only get her to change her actual last name …

I locate Birdie Graham’s latest post and can’t stop the grin spreading across my face. Four Underrated Parts of a Man, huh? Well, well, well. What a fascinating topic for some late-night reading.

Settling in for what’s sure to be scintillating literature, I begin to read.





From The Neighborly App





Subject: Flaming Squirrels

LindyLouWho

For your viewing pleasure, I give you: Flaming Squirrels. Consider this video a cautionary tale about lack of grill maintenance.



1BigBass

This only gives me more reason to hate squirrels. Also, they’re not so bad grilled. If he’d just left them in there for a while, you’d have had dinner.



BagelBytes

I hope you got rabies shots! I also hope you had permission to post this video.



DeltaDeltaDelta Even when being attacked by squirrels, Patrick Graham is a total hottie. It had to be said.



Vanz

Were the squirrels harmed during the making of this video

The_Real_Shell-E

Oh my gosh this is so mean! Poor Pat! I’m reporting this video for bullying. He deserves so much better! Also, did he get tested for rabies? I’m concerned.



SaintValentine Can it, The_Real_Shell-E. He’s a married man. Also, this is the best video I’ve ever seen in my life.



BobToo

This video is hilarious, but I also have rabies concerns. We don’t want to lose our coach.



WayneNGarthBrooks Speaking of rabies, I’ve got a possum living under my couch. I thought the feller was dead and brought him inside, and now he’s hiding under there and won’t come out. He’s not the worst pet I’ve ever had, but I don’t want rabies.



MaddieDVM

I thought I’d weigh in with some rabies facts! Squirrels rarely pass rabies on to humans, but in cases of direct contact like in this video, it’s possible, especially if the skin is broken through scratches or bites.

Opossums—the correct name—almost never carry rabies. It’s extremely rare. They’re particularly helpful in ridding areas of other unwanted pests but do not make good house pets. Call animal control and do not attempt to pick it up again! They may not carry rabies, but they have a wicked bite!!



DeltaDeltaDelta I’d be happy to check Pat out just to make sure he wasn’t scratched.



LindyLouWho

Don’t worry—I’ve already given him a thorough examination. An EXTREMELY thorough examination. Happy to report there were no scratches. Pat is rabies free! No worries, BobToo. Your coach is happy and healthy and not going anywhere.





Chapter Twenty-Eight





Lindy





I love Jo. And my love for her is not defined by how often I volunteer at her school. This is what I tell myself as I get dressed to help with Galaxy Day, trying on and discarding at least three outfits before deciding on my most comfortable skinny jeans, boots, and a simple striped sweater. I dropped Jo off at school earlier, then came home to change. Apparently, the school frowns on parents volunteering in their pajamas.

If I ran a school, everyone would wear pajamas all the time. Pajamas would be the required uniform. Pajama school: where everyone is comfortable learning. Great tagline, right?

“You’re doing this for Jo,” I tell myself, brushing powder over my cheeks.

This is my mantra lately, even though the hearing is tomorrow. TOMORROW. I can’t see how anything I’m doing will have any impact. It feels like trying to sweep up feathers while in a wind tunnel.

But I cannot think about the hearing right now. I’ve been getting a PhD in avoidance lately. No need to skip out before I get my diploma. The other thing I’m avoiding this morning: thinking about that kiss. As a tactic, avoidance is only partially successful.

“LINDY! Where are you?”

Pat’s voice booms up through the floorboards as the kitchen door slams. I jump, dropping my compact, which of course sends a fine dusting of powder all over my counter, shirt, and jeans.