Page 61 of Ballads of Lines Blurred

“I haven’t decided what I want to do with my free time yet,” Vail said. “This is fun. I used to work in finance. Milo might remember me from when I’d come to Untouchable to watch and not help. I don’t miss the suits.”

“Did you get sick of the job?” I asked.

“Yes and no. I didn’t mind what I did. The money was more than I needed. I owned a firm with my ex. When shit went downhill with him, I sold my share, which only served to piss him off more.”

I didn’t want to bring it up, but I’d heard Vail had a protection from abuse order on his ex. Apparently, some in our extended family offered to help him outfit his home with a top-of-the-line security system. Vail turned them down. Dexen, Greer, and JJ liked to check in with him regularly to make sure he was doing okay.

“The money I earned from the sale,” he continued, “bought me this place. I love being in the city, always have. I could have moved away, gotten far from my ex, but why should I give up my friends and family because he’s a piece of shit? I’ve never feared anything like that in my life until him.”

“Good for you for not letting him chase you away,” I told him. “I know you’ve talked to Xaiden before but if you ever need anything, we’ll be there for you.”

Vail smiled. “You’re a lot like him. Strong, confident, but not to the point of being cocky. You don’t use that strength to intimidate others. It’s admirable.”

I ducked my head, not sure what to say. I’d been complimented before but not like that. Men and women had called me attractive, desired me for my looks. What Vail said hit different. It was genuine.

“You know, I look at you three and how much you care about each other,” Vail said. “I can see that it works. That not every relationship goes down the road mine did. I haven’t been with anyone since him. No one has caught my attention. At least, no one who would give me the time of day out of more than a courtesy. You’re lucky. So are the others in your circle.”

“That circle is yours too,” Milo told him. “You’re not on the outside looking in, Vail. You’re in it with us. If Dexen hasn’t drilled that into your head yet, you haven’t spent enough time with him, Greer, and JJ. They like to gather everyone they care about and keep them close.”

Chuckling, Vail said, “Oh, believe me, I know how Dex is. Dana has brought me to gatherings with him when Cat couldn’t go. My sister just gave birth to their second child, a girl this time. Dana does a lot for Dexen and in turn is paid very well. Dex is good though beyond that. He gives him time off when he needs it. I’ve spent the last week at the club.”

“No shit,” Milo said. “Man, I really need to pay better attention. The food is just like Dana’s. I wouldn’t have known it was you and not him if you hadn’t said something.”

“I like to keep to the kitchen while I’m there, focus on the work. You not being able to tell Dana wasn’t there was the point. He’s set the bar high. The members expect great meals from him. I have to deliver. He’ll be back in another week and I’m taking a few days off.” He pulled out his phone then turned it so we could see the screen. There was a cute baby girl on it being held by Dana.

“She’s adorable,” Slater said. “Next, it will be your turn.”

“No way,” Vail shook his head. “I’m good being the best uncle in the world. I don’t need kids of my own to add to the mix. I like to spoil Cat and Dana’s and give them back.”

I hadn’t given much thought to kids before. I was still young and so not saying that out loud. Could I picture myself adopting one day or using a surrogate? I could, but only if my partners wanted the same.

28

MILO

“That was damn good.” I rubbed my stomach. There was nothing left on my plate but a smear of seasoning. “We should cook for you next time.”

Vail grinned. “I can’t remember the last time someone’s offered to cook for me outside of my family.”

“I can,” came a new voice to the conversation.

I turned in my seat and saw a man walking down the short driveway toward us. His hair was swept back, gray mixed with dark brown. A short beard that was mostly gray did nothing to disguise the tense line of his lips. Even with his hands pressed into his jean pockets, the man exuded confidence. “Vail.” He nodded.

“No,” Vail said and pushed back from the table. “You can’t be here, Gil.”

Cody was next to stand followed by Slater. I did the same, feeling the tension rise in the air. Vail stepped backward toward the house like he was about to run. This must be the ex. Vail was clearly terrified of him.

Moving to stand in the guy’s path, Cody’s entire demeanor changed. “Go before I call the police.”

“Do you think I don’t know who you are, Cody? Or the rest of you for that matter? You’ve graced the news, along with your friends and family. What you fail to recognize is that Vail is mine. Always has been. He’s just been confused, remembering things differently than they actually happened.”

“You know who says shit like that?” Cody asked. “Abusers. Rapists. You’re violating the PFA by being here.”

Tahoe started barking inside, jumping at the closed back door. Vail kept him inside so he wouldn’t bother us while we ate. By the way Tahoe snarled, he was much more of a fighter than Vail gave him credit for.

Moving his eyes back to Vail, not seeming to think Cody was a threat, Gil said, “Darling, you know where you belong. Come home to me. I’ll take care of you.”

“Your way of caring is using your fists,” Vail said, his voice shaking. “I don’t want anything to do with you.”

---