Mind Games - Page 227

“Still miss you,” she murmured as she put on the pink diamond studs, strapped on her mother’s anniversary watch.

“He’ll remember you, both of you. I’ll make sure of it.”

When she went downstairs, Rem stopped pacing, pulled his hands out of his pockets to stare at her. Lucy stopped playing tug-the-rope with Bunk and put a hand to her throat.

“I forget sometimes how smart you are.” Rem shoved at his hair. “You look so much like her.”

“Part of the plan. I don’t have a pink dress, but I don’t think it matters.”

Rem took her shoulders. “Don’t screw this up. You screw it up, I’ll lord it over you forever.”

“If that’s not incentive, what is?”

When he grabbed her into a fierce hug, she felt it all. The love, the anger, the worry.

“I’ve got Bunk.” Lucy moved into the hug. “And if you’re not back before, I’ll be waiting for the school bus, and take Bray home with me.”

“I promise I’ll contact you the minute it’s done. I have to leave my phone, everything but my ID, in the car.”

“I know.” When their eyes met, the flash came that was strength and connection.

“And I know you have my blood, and the blood of all the women who came before me. We are formidable, darling. Don’t forget it.”

“I won’t.” She turned when the door flew open, expecting Ty. But Maddy rushed in.

“I tried to get here earlier, but I got hung up.”

“Maddy.”

“I’m not here to argue with you. Did I argue with you when you told me what you’re up to?”

“No.”

“And look at you! Duded up right. Your mama’s earrings, her watch. I got one more.” Reaching up, she unhooked the chain she wore. “Remember when you gave this to me, Miss Lucy?”

“Your sixteenth birthday.”

“And what you said when you put it on me?”

“You have the key to unlock your own future.”

“That’s right, that’s just right. You wear this today. Crouch down, Legs. Some of us aren’t built like flamingos.”

“Thank you, Maddy.”

“You have the key.” Maddy gripped her, gave her a little shake, then a kiss. “Remember that.”

“I will. There’s Ty now. Be a good boy for Grammie.” She kissed Bunk’s nose. “Try to send strong vibes, not worried ones.”

They stepped out with her and stood on the porch together as Ty got out of the car.

“That’s a look a guy has to open the door for.”

He kissed her lightly before she slid into the car. After closing the door, he looked up at the porch. “She’s got this. And I’ve got her.”

Lucy took Rem’s hand on one side, Maddy’s on the other. “That’s just what she meant by strong vibes. Let’s follow his lead.”

In the car, Ty paused at the foot of the lane. “That’s a new look for you.”