"Sam," Madeline began.
He knew that tone. That was her sweet lull-you-into-a-false-sense-of-security tone.
"Yes Maddie?"
"I need you to do me a favor."
There it was. He set the level down and turned to her. She had one hand on her hip and the other brought a cigarette to her mouth.
"What is it?" he sighed.
"Don't sound so enthused to help me! You only blew up my house and I'm only letting you stay here!"
"No, you're making me stay here to fix the damage!"
"You're splitting hairs!" she snapped as she blew smoke out of the side of her mouth.
"What is it you need me to do?"
"We're out of bread. I need you to run to the store and get some. I'd ask Michael, but he isn't returning my calls. What are the three of you up to now?"
"Nothing…"
"Right. Are you going to go get the bread or not?"
"Do you want me to finish fixing your house by next Christmas?"
She gave him a smile. "I'm a patient person."
"Fine. I'll go get some bread."
"The good stuff, not the cheap kind. We also need some eggs and beer," she added.
He started towards the door. "Okay…good bread, eggs, and beer. Anything else?"
"Cigarettes."
"Of course. Is that all?"
"While you're out, do you think that you could pick up my medications from the pharmacy? Oh and I need…maybe I should just go with you. We'll make a day of it. I'll get my purse."
He waited until she had left to scowl. He quickly smiled when she came back.
"Don't just stand there! We have things to do! I'll be in the car."
She rushed out while he grabbed the car keys.
"Blow up one house and this is what you get…" he muttered as he shut the door.
