CRYPTO: Infidelity (Book 1)

CHAPTER 28: CRUSH

After a long day of work, I came home and crashed on the couch still in my uniform. Uncle Blade woke me up just a few minutes later.

"There's someone here to see you," he said, "at the door."

"Who?"

He shrugged.

"Is it urgent?"

"I don't think so, but why don't you go see for yourself."

I got off the couch and stretched then went to the front door. Birdie was standing there with a plate of dessert.

"Hey, Crypto!" she said. "Who was that? He looks like he could be your dad."

"No," I laughed as I attempted to fix my fur. I didn't check myself in the mirror before answering and I was sure I looked like a mess. "No. He's actually my dad's younger brother. He's probably around Rockie's age."

"Well, I missed you," she said. "I mean we missed you since you couldn't make it to the poker game."

"Oh, that's right. It's Tuesday, isn't it."

"Yeah, but I made you chocolate peanut bars. Maybe you can share them with your uncle. I hope neither of you is allergic to peanuts."

"We're not. Thank you." I took the plate from her. "We're definitely gonna enjoy these. You made them yourself?"

"Yep! Made them from scratch. I hope you like them. Rockie and I already tried some. We think they're pretty good."

"Wanna come in? I wasn't doing anything, I mean, other than sleeping."

"Oh, did I wake you? I'm so sorry."

"It's okay. I would wake up to you any time of day," I said. "..Sorry. That came out weird. I mean-"

She giggled. "I know what you mean. But I should be getting back home. I wouldn't want Rockie to worry about me."

"Right. I guess, goodbye then. Thanks for the um, the peanut butter bars."

"Yeah, bye." She hesitated for a second and then quickly gave me a peck on the cheek and walked briskly back to her car. She normally greeted me with a kiss but she must have forgotten until just then.

I watched her get in her car and buckle up. I waved at her and she waved back before driving off, then I finally closed the door.

"Who was that? A girlfriend?" Uncle Blade asked.

"No. Just a friend."

"Sure didn't look like just a friend."

"She's Rockie's girlfriend, actually. Not that it's any of your business. You shouldn't snoop."

I set the plate on the kitchen counter.

"Does Rockie know you two like each other?" Uncle Blade asked.

"What are you talking about? We don't like each other. Not in that way."

"You're right. It's perfectly normal for someone's girlfriend to bring another guy dessert and kiss him goodnight."

"That's just how Birdie is. Rockie isn't bothered by it."

"You better hope so," he said. "You definitely don't want to create any issues in the Family."

"I know the rules, Uncle Blade. You don't have to remind me."

"Alright. I'm just looking out for you."

"Well, don't. It's not your job to look out for me. That was my dad's job, and you killed him."

"You're never gonna forgive me for that, are you."

"How could I? Why would I?" I asked him.

He didn't have an answer.

"I'm going to bed now," I said.