The Wild Hunt

[ 9 ]

Copyright © 2018. All Rights Reserved.

At approximately nine o' clock, Everett found me in my room and asked where Dad was. "How should I know? This is what happens when you forget to put his collar on," I said, and snorted to hold back my laugh when all he did was glare at me. "I haven't lived with him for all my life—don't ask me."

"I can't find him," he complained as he marched to the window. He sat on the sill and ticked his fingers against the wood while I stifled a groan that was bound to come up if he kept at it like that. He huffed a sigh and stared wistfully out the window.

I was going through all my things looking for something suitable for the girl downstairs—I doubted she'd want to wear a bra anytime soon. Hell, I was hardly eager to wear a bra after going a week without one. This girl hadn't worn one in years, if Dad and Griffin were correct. I tossed it in the "no way" pile.

Everett was still sitting at my window sill, and the groan finally slipped out. "'What are you doing Reagan?' Oh, just doing some spring cleaning. 'Mind if I take a look?' Oh no, please, do go ahead. It's not like my underwear is all over the damn place."

"What? I'm just sitting here!" he whined, dropping his hands down. "I'm tryna find Dad! He's gone AWOL!"

"That definitely is not the case," I snapped, and stooped down to swipe up my bikini bottom. I chucked it at him and he screamed like I just tossed him the intestines of a pig. He yelled at me and kicked it away. "It's not even my underwear!"

"It looks like it! Ew, fine, I'm leaving," he shouted, throwing his hands up and exiting the premises. "Fuckin' glad I never had to live with two sisters."

I heard his feet march down the silo stairs, and I went back to picking up my lazy pajama bottoms and a silky-smooth jersey top for the girl. I topped it with some of my less-scandalous underwear bottoms, though I had to admit, my selection of thongs happened to be pretty scarce. Who needed a string scissoring by cheeks apart? They were all Rosanna's, regardless of what Mom said. Something about how "Innocent and sweet Rosanna was." Please.

As I wandered down the stairs, I heard tires over the gravel, and peered out the silo door to let in the humid air. A pair of headlights were approaching, and in an instant Dad's figure was washed over in yellow light, waiting on the four wheeler by the garage.

I called Everett's name through the door before hurrying out to meet our guest. Jillian hopped out first and kicked the driver's door shut behind her. Louise didn't even have to wait long before Dad was holding open her door with the most childish smile I'd ever seen. He barely ever smiled like that as far as I knew. I quickly realized how much Louise's trip meant to Dad—she took part of him with her wherever she went.

"I missed you," he said, and buried his head against the crook of her neck, practically pulling her straight out of her seat. Her purse swung against her arm as she staggered back against the car with a laugh.

"You always say that," she said, holding her hands to his shoulders. I could only see her dusty blonde hair past Dad's shoulder, until she pushed on him a little harder. "Now stand back, I have to get my things you know."

"Leave it—I'll take care of it later," Dad said, clinging to her. Aunt Louise tucked her arms under his jacket, and hugged his torso until Everett rushed through the door to greet her.

"Mom!" he shouted, and leapt at them when Dad turned. He barely fit in the crevice between Dad and Aunt Louise, but he made it work.

She brushed her hands through Everett's hair until Dad finally backed off and tucked his hands in his pockets, as if it was the only way to prevent himself from smothering her again. He was still grinning like a kid madly in love.