“Silver lining, gorgeous, your to-do list is one lighter,” she said, still laughing.

“Yeah,” he agreed.

She held his hand and hers tightened as the humor slid from her.

“Sucks, baby,” she whispered. “Wish it didn’t go down like that for you.”

He did too.

But at least it was done.

He just had to hope his message finally leaked in so Mia would stop her shit.

Then again, he was going to look for a new place (another reason to hope his TV was there when he got back; he didn’t need that outlay lightening his down payment). Eventually, he’d move and she wouldn’t be able to find him.

Or he’d have her ass arrested for harassment.

One way or another, the message would get across.

He looked into Cher’s warm brown eyes as they looked into his, assessing to see if he was okay.

To show her he was, he asked, “My good girl find time for just her and me?”

Those eyes went soft and her fingers stayed firm around his when she replied, “Batten down the hatches, Merry. Had a chat with Mom. Family dinner is set for Thursday with your ass in a seat at her table.”

“Terrific,” he muttered, and she smiled.

“But I got Saturday off and Ethan has a sleepover at a friend’s, so I’m all yours.”

“I’m on call.”

“Fuck,” she whispered.

“On call doesn’t mean on a desk,” he told her. “Just means I might have to leave, but it also means I can come back.”

Her eyes brightened. “That works, honey.”

It did. It was his life. And if he didn’t jack it up, it could be hers. So it was good she could work with it.

“Now, you gonna let that whisky sit forever, or are you gonna rinse away the shit and get loose with me while I’m workin’?” she asked.

He gave her his answer by letting her go, grabbing his glass, and taking another sip.

She approved by smiling.

“Gotta make sure things are covered,” she told him. “But I’ll be back.”

“I’ll be here.”

She liked that. He knew because she didn’t hide it.

And he liked all that.

Yeah, they were working and doing it in a way he knew deep into his gut that wouldn’t quit.

Unless he jacked it up.

“Go easy,” she advised as he let her hand go. “That shit only costs ten bucks a go, but a pissed off ex-wife left at your pad, you might be dealin’ with more than a boosted TV.”

“Way to kill a calm, baby,” he muttered but did it grinning.

“Just bein’ real, makin’ sure you don’t get blindsided,” she returned and leaned back in. “But, just sayin’, the bitch trashes your place, you can catch your shows at mine. The spirit of Jerry Garcia likes company.”

That was when Garrett busted out laughing.

Which was when Cher knew it was safe to leave.

She did, making drinks, filling Dee’s tray.

But she came back. Jack also came over to chat. And Dee stopped by to shoot the shit.