Level Up (Violent Circle Book 5) by S.M. Shade

Author:S.M. Shade [Shade, S.M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-07-20T16:00:00+00:00

I throw a glance back at my shiny new truck parked in the driveway as we walk up the front porch steps. It’s not brand new, but close, and it’s such a relief not to have to wonder if it’ll start every time I turn the key.

Sasha pauses before opening the front door and takes a deep breath, like she’s about to face a dragon, not her parents. “Just remember, it’s easier to let their weird shit go right over your head, and don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Come on. It’ll be fine.”

I follow her inside, and we barely step through the door before she’s tackled with a hug from a woman who looks so much like her, it’s almost creepy. It’s like I’m looking at the future Sasha.

“There you are! I was worried!”

“We made it in record time, Mom.” Sasha squeezes her back before extricating herself.

“Well, I hope you didn’t speed.”

Sasha’s eyes try to roll out of her head. “No, we didn’t speed. We’re way too drunk to drive fast.”

“Still a smartass,” her mom replies, shaking her head. “And you must be Trey. Sasha told me she was bringing a boyfriend.”

“He’s not my—”

“Trey Bryant. It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Baker.”

“It’s Ms. Bell now. I may have to live with the jackass, but I don’t have to keep his name. You can call me Holly.”

Sasha lays her face in her palm behind her mother.

“Holly,” I agree with a smile.

“Where’s Dad?” Sasha takes off her coat, and I follow suit, hanging them in the foyer.

“Upstairs. This is my part of the house, you know. He has to use the back door.”

“You’re still doing that?”

“Oh yes, and it’s working wonderfully! I have the front of the house, he has the upstairs, and we share the kitchen. Front yard is mine. Back yard is his.”

A very excited chocolate lab bounds into the living room as we’re led in. Sasha drops to the floor to pet him, and giggles at his frantic licks and tail wags. “And what about Hershey here? Do you have a custody agreement?” she taunts. I can’t blame her. They have literally divided the house. It’s like a bad sitcom. I’m surprised there isn’t tape down the middle of the room.

“He goes where he wants. And we have decided to lift the restrictions for today, you know, for your sake.”

“That should be fun,” Sasha says under her breath, getting to her feet. “Where’s Tina?”

“She should be home anytime. I told her you’re in charge while we’re gone.”

We’ve just gotten settled in the living room when footsteps on the stairs draw my attention and a man pops his head through the doorway. “Did I hear my doodlebug?”

A smile breaks across his face as Sasha hugs him. “Hey Dad, how are you?”

“Good, good,” he replies absently, his gaze on me. “Introduce me to your friend.”

“This is Trey Bryant. Trey, this is my dad, Howie Baker.”

We exchange the usual pleasantries, and considering the situation, I’m surprised at the lack of animosity in the air as Sasha’s mom looks on.

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