Read Online The Fable of Us by Nicole Williams - Free Book Online Page A

his.
    He tried to wag it off, but Charlotte’s hold was unbreakable.
    “What I’ve never understood about you all is why you’re so concerned with everyone else’s business when you have no shortage of your own business that needs serious attending to.” Boone leapt down the last couple of stairs to land beside me. He shot me a sideways look before continuing. “I think that’s what Reverend Simmons would call fixating on the speck in your neighbor’s eye while ignoring the fucking plank in your own.”
    “Reverend Simmons doesn’t say that word,” Charlotte said, like she was just as innocent of never saying it. Which she wasn’t. I’d heard her moaning it a handful of times before I stumbled in on her and my boyfriend.
    “He should reconsider. Packs a punch, don’t you think?” Boone said, grinning at Charlotte in such a way it was clear he was teasing her.
    Her eyes narrowed. “Like you’ve ever sat through a Sunday service in your life, Boone Cavanaugh. Who are you to preach to us about morality?”
    Boone stuffed his hands into his front pockets and shrugged. “No one, but with you all being regular church-going members, I would have thought you’d be on the whole speck/plank bandwagon. But clearly I’m way off, because I could see that plank in your eyes, Charlotte, from a mile back. The one dropped there when you decided to set your sights on your sister’s boyfriend and fuck him silly in your sister’s—”
    My mother’s throat-clearing rattled the chandelier.
    I nudged Boone. He hadn’t accepted what I had—bringing up the past and the wrongs held within it didn’t result in an apology, but it could wind up declaring war.
    “So you’re unemployed, Boone?” Ford said, moving closer to us while my mom started fanning herself like she was close to passing out.
    What a mess. I hadn’t meant for this to happen like this. I hadn’t meant to shock and alienate my family from the word go.
    “And I only needed to say that once. Good for you for improving your listening and comprehension skills, Ford. You get an A-plus. And that’s one your daddy didn’t even have to buy you.” Boone kept that half-smile pasted in place, acting like this entire thing was a game he was enjoying. Actually, I knew he was enjoying messing with Ford. It was one of Boone’s favorite pastimes, just like messing with Boone was one of Ford’s.
    “And being unemployed is something new for you? Because that’s not what the unemployment office is claiming . . .”
    Charlotte tugged on Ford’s arm like she was trying to warn him to shut up. I would have done the same to Boone, but I was afraid to touch him. I’d never been able to just touch Boone Cavanaugh.
    “And high marks for wit and comic relief as well.” Boone clapped in Ford’s direction. “On a roll tonight, McBride. Nice to see what an Ivy League education and a couple hundred grand can buy a guy these days.”
    “I’m pretty sure Estelle here has a gardening position open.” Ford lifted his arm in my mom’s direction, waiting for her to confirm.
    Her lips stayed sealed. She wouldn’t offer Boone anything, I knew. A job pruning her roses included.
    “Should be able to score a lot of overtime this week with the wedding and all,” Ford continued. “Enough for some pocket change for the next time you find yourself with a woman and consider stopping by a convenience store to pick up some supplies. You know, in case you want to learn your lesson from the first time.”
    I felt like I’d just been punched in the ribs. My lungs collapsed, and I wavered in place. Around the room, my mom and sisters shared a gasp, while Boone’s hands curled into fists as he squared himself in front of Ford. His tense shoulders quivered with what I knew was anger. Some people trembled when they were scared; some quivered when they were sad. Boone? Anger was only that emotion that could truly shake him.
    “I’m not the only one who forgot to show up with