Remi reaches over and pats my hand. “There’s no need to worry. Everything is fine. Judge will explain things to you.”
I frown, not liking her answer one bit. I look over and see Elijah hitting the water, splashing Maisy, Thea, and himself. Maisy’s lying back with her head resting on the edge of the pool, her hands covering her face, laughing.
Did I make a mistake bringing her here? What could Remi and Eden possibly be talking about? And why in the hell are there so many secrets surrounding Judge?
I open my mouth to ask them to explain more, but a screech comes from the side of the house.
“Hi!”
Looking over, I spot Sierra strolling toward us, her hand in the air waving dramatically. She stops at the edge of the cement slab.
“Do you mind if I join y’all?” she asks, sounding chipper.
“Not at all,” I say, pointing to a chair to my right. “Would you like something to drink?”
“No thanks, I’m good.” She smiles, and I can’t help but smile back.
She looks at the laughing kids. “That’s just so sweet,” she comments, her smile turning wider.
“How have you been, Sierra?”
She glances at Remi, and I notice something dark cross her face. The look is gone in an instant, and I wonder if it was just my imagination.
She beams a smile. “Great! I start at the library next week. I’ll be taking over Greta’s position during story time while she’s on pregnancy leave.”
“That’s great! I’ll make sure to bring Elijah by sometime.”
She tucks one leg beneath her. “I’d like that. And you should bring Maisy by as well, Ellie.”
“I think she’ll like that. She loves books.”
Just then, the sliding glass door opens, and Judge walks out. He’s been in his office, taking care of business matters. His eyes light up when he spots the kids having fun in the pool.
“Think we’ll ever get them out?”
I laugh. “Probably not.”
“Hi, Judge,” Sierra says, catching his attention.
He offers her a tender smile. “Hey, Sierra.”
She smiles shyly back at him, her eyes shining with affection. I’m surprised at the change in her demeanor. She went from bubbly and loud to quiet and bashful. It doesn’t take a genius to realize she’s got a crush on Judge. I’d be jealous if it wasn’t for the fact that she’s so young, and I know Judge would never mess around with someone her age.
“You ladies staying for dinner?” he asks. “Should I call Trouble and JW and tell them to get their asses here too?”
“Not me,” Remi answers. “Mae’s watching Elijah tonight so Trouble and I can have a night to ourselves.”
“I can’t either. Caleb’s got friends coming over to watch the game and he wants me to host.”
Judge’s gaze moves to Sierra, and something passes over his face. Worry? Concern?
“How are things going with him?”
She tugs on her lip with her teeth and looks down at her lap. “It’s going good,” she answers in a low voice.
“Sierra,” Judge calls. When she looks up at him, he gives her a firm look. “You tell me if you have any more problems with him, okay?”
She nods sedately. “I will.”