The Mane Event
Page 20

Not to be rude, but you may be screaming no way now, but out there you were screaming dear God, yes! So I wanna make sure you aint about to hurt my boy.
Dez turned to face her. Me? Hurt Mace? What are you, high?
I beg your pardon?
Look, Sally Mae
Its Sissy Mae.
Whatever. All Im saying is, I couldnt hurt Mace. I dont think theres anybody who can.
Thats where youre wrong. You are his one weakness. Maybe his only one.
Dez stared at Sissy Mae. Her mouth open. The woman must be sniffing glue. She didnt think Mace had any weaknesses, but if he did, she couldnt be one of them.
Honey, I dont know what load of crap hes told you, but Im guessing Maces only interest in me right now is that he didnt fuck me before.
Well excuse me, darlin, for being a bit direct and crass herebut thats a huge load of bullshit.
Dez blinked in surprise. Like that, Sissy Mae went from charming, soft-spoken Southerner to a bitch on tractor wheels. Look, Sissy
Sissy cut her off. That boy has been drivin me crazy with stories about your ass since Ive known him. And Ive known him for more than ten years now. Let me just say that, no offense, but I am tired of hearing about you. Trust me, if Mace only wanted to fuck ya, youd have had your ankles around your ears by now. Hes looking for more than that. So get ready for the ride, darlin.
With that, Sissy stomped out of the bathroom, only to glide back in ten seconds later, her demeanor completely back to old Southern charm. Well, come on, darlin. The boys are waitin.
Sissy Mae gave a charming smile, and Dez felt that need again. The need to find out where all the exits were.
What exactly is your sister doing in there?
Telling Dez she should run for her life?
Mace was in no mood. He checked his watch. If they left now they would end up at the restaurant a little early, but he had to get Dez away from these two. He admitted to himself the Smiths had truly become family. Because only family could embarrass and worry him this much.
Sissy Mae dragged Dez back toward them. Mace Llewellyn. You be sweet to this darlin little gal. I just love her! Dez pulled away from Sissy and attached herself to Maces side.
He leaned down and asked against her ear, You okay?
Just keep me away from your hillbilly friends, she murmured back.
Mace kissed the top of her head and focused back on the siblings.
The ballet? What the hell am I going to do at the ballet, Smitty barked.
Ididnt invite you, Bobby Ray Smith. Its only for me and the girls. So piss off. With that, Sissy Mae Smith walked off, or sauntered depending on your perspective, tossing over her shoulder, Bye, Dez. It was nice meetin ya.
Uhyou too, Sissy Mae.
Smittys big shoulders slumped in defeat. Now I have nothin to do.
With a wild look of relief, Dez clutched Smittys arm. You could come with us. To dinner.
Oh no, she didnt. No, he cant.
Dez glared at him. Yes. He can.
Mace glared back. No. He cant.
I dont see what the big deal is. Ive got my SUV, I can drive us all down there.
Smittys got a date.
No, I dont.
Mace took a menacing step toward Smitty, but Dez stepped between them. Youve got two choices, Llewellyn. Either Smitty comes with us or you go alone.
Smitty shrugged and in that slow drawl Mace suddenly detested, Now, yall. I dont wanna be puttin anybody out.
Mace pinned Smitty with a look. I hate you.
Back off, Mace. Dez turned and rubbed Smittys arm. Youre coming with us, Smitty.
Well, if you insist. He smiled at Mace, and Maces entire body tightened with the need to beat Smitty within an inch of his life. Where yall plannin to go, anyway?
Van Holtz Steakhouse.
Smitty started laughing and couldnt seem to stop. Yeah. Hed never hear the end of this one. Mace Llewellyn willingly heading into Pack territory for one reason and one reason only.
Dez stepped away from the two men. Is there a problem with this place I dont know about? I mean, do they piss in the food or something?
No. No. Smitty cleared his throat. They are a fine, fine establishment. And if you like your steak bloody, youll love it there. Its almost like they hunted it up that very mornin.
Okay. Although Dez appeared seriously wary. Umlet me buy a couple more gift certificates and then we can go.
Mace watched her move off toward a cash register. Once out of his line of sight, he grabbed Smitty by the neck, lifted the mans entire body up off the ground with a roar, and then went down on one knee, slamming Smitty against the floor. The crowd of people milling around dashed away from the two men like they were on fire. No one was brave enough to step between them.
Mace released Smittys throat and stood. Just so were clear, Mace sneered, barely able to control himself.