Free A Little Bit of Truth (Little Bits) by A. E. Murphy

worried, it’s not unlike Jacob to let people down, but he always lets you know. I should text him but I don’t want him to think I need him here. It makes no difference to me.
    Should I text him? No. If he was hurt the world would know about it by now. He’s probably out with friends. Maybe he’s pulled. This wouldn’t surprise me.
     
    I pad into the kitchen and open up the refrigerator, smiling slightly at all of the food, I grab my left over dinner and chow down. Normally I wouldn’t indulge in food but recently with all of the sex, food is all I can think about. Well, food, sex and work are my main focuses.
    My phone sounds into the quiet, making me almost drop my plate. I pick it up and tap the screen.
     
    Loryn : Can you have Amelia for me tomorrow? Pretty please?
     
    Marie : What time and where?
     
    Loryn : From noon? And anywhere you want.
     
    Marie : No problem. What are you doing?
     
    Loryn : I’ve got to help Maya pick a centerpiece for her wedding tables seeing as you refused.
     
    Marie : Laughing my ass off right now! You poor unfortunate soul.
     
    Loryn : I’m never getting married. It’s too much hard work.
     
    I drop my phone on the counter still smiling to myself, put my food away and get cleaned up and ready for bed.
     
     

Chapter Seven
    Red Handed
Marie
     
    With a bag full of candy and crap and a purse armed with essentials I head straight up to Lucas’ apartment to pick up Amelia. I’m actually looking forward to spending some time with the kid. This is why I’m here an hour earlier than expected.
    “Oh hey, I wasn’t expecting you for another hour,” Loryn grins and opens the door.
    “We have pancakes to eat and a movie to catch,” I say and look around the room. “Where’s the kid?”
    “Auntie Marie!” a squealing blonde haired child launches herself at me. I catch her easily enough and give her a tight hug. “Are we doing stuff today?”
    “Uh-huh.”
    “Awesome!”
    “Yep, go get ready.” I watch her run towards her room before vanishing from sight. “She’s grown.”
    “She’s forever growing,” Loryn smiles fondly.
    “How are you getting on as a step Momma?” I follow her into the kitchen. She shrugs, “Amelia is a great kid, we get on really well.”
    “That she is,” I share her smile. “Where’s Lucas?”
    “James took him to his hospital appointment so Maya could kidnap me for this centerpiece viewing. I swear I’m going to hit her over the head with something heavy one of these days. Talk about Bridezilla at her worst.”
    I laugh so hard I choke, “Well, she didn’t plan her first wedding. Fortunately my friends know not to bother me with that shit. Not including the cake tasting. The cake tasting is definitely my thing.”
    “So you get all the fun stuff and you still get to be a Maid of Honor?” she scoffs with humor. “Unfair.”
    “I have to plan her entire bachelorette party, on an island I know nothing about,” Loryn’s face drops at my words, “Shit babe. Do you need help?”
    I shake my head, “Nah. I’ll just throw the sort of party I’d want… Maya and I have similar tastes.”
    “Let me guess, strippers and cocktails?”
    My grin is wicked, “Half naked waiters, fireworks, alcohol, and games with strippers… you name it, it’ll probably have it.”
    “Petting zoo?”
    I laugh at her weak attempt to prove me wrong, “Babe there will be things to pet but not the fluffy cute things you’re thinking of.” With a wink I slide off the bar stool and meet a ready and waiting Amelia in the hall. Leaving a gaping Loryn in the kitchen.
    She quickly catches up and whispers, “Lucas will kill me if he thinks I’ve been dancing with strippers.”
    “You’re forgetting one thing,” I add in a low voice so Amelia doesn’t hear. “Guess who’s helping Lucas throw the bachelor party for James?”
    “Jacob?”
    I laugh once, “Hell yeah. The parties are the only part of this wedding I’m looking forward to.” With a