Everything on speaker

Darnell turned onto my road when Vic called. I answered and Vic’s voice came through the speakers, softer than it had been earlier in the day; just before he left in the morning.

“Hey,” he said, “I want to say something before you hang up. I’m sorry if I sounded harsh. I didn’t mean to. I know you try, and I know cooking just isn’t your forte.”

I leaned my head back against the seat and smiled despite myself. “It’s okay,” I told him. “Not everyone can cook like you do. Or like my brother can.”

He laughed, low and warm. “Yeah, well, Bob’s got skills.”

“We made it back to my place just fine,” I said, glancing at the darkened house in front of us. “Darnell just pulled into te driveway. I’m going to clean up a little and then take a nap.”

“A nap?” Vic asked. “Is that really necessary?”

“Yes,” I said without hesitation. “You kept me up last night, and I know damn well you’re going to keep me up again tonight.”

There was a brief pause, just long enough to make it deliberate. “Oh yeah?” he asked. “And how exactly am I keeping you up tonight?”

I laughed. “By fucking me senseless, obviously.”

“Ew. Gross,” Darnell said instantly, recoiling in his seat. “That is absolutely something I did not need to hear or know.”

Vic laughed, and so did I, the sound bouncing around the small space of the car.

Still on speaker, I said, “Hey, thank you again for lunch today. And thank you for helping me out with Aditi. I really appreciate it.”

Darnell nodded, then glanced at the phone like he regretted making eye contact with it. “Yeah, no problem. Glad I could help.” He cleared his throat. “And, uh… Vic? I wish you fun tonight.”

Vic didn’t hesitate. “I always do when I spend the night with her.”

I rolled my eyes, grinning. “For the record,” I added, turning slightly toward Darnell, “I always stretch before Vic and I fuck.”

Darnell made a face like he’d bitten into something sour. “Gross.”

Vic and I laughed again, unbothered and entirely amused.

I opened the car door, stepped out into the evening air, and slung my bag over my shoulder. “I’ll talk to you later,” I told Vic.

“Get your nap,” he said. “You’re going to need it.”

I shook my head, smiling as I closed the door and walked toward the house, already knowing he was right.