Page 30 of Pooh

“Honey, that was Gee you saw. He’s super friendly, I promise you! He loves kids and skateboarding and clothes. He’s a pig. Have you never seen a pig before?” Ava asks, a little calmer now.

“Where the hell would I see a pig? I live in a city, woman!”

“Craig! No swearing and you are to apologize to Miss Ava!” I tell him sternly.

“Sorry, Miss Ava. That thing scared me,” he mumbles out.

All the adults are now chuckling at Craig and his unfortunate meeting with Gee. I look up and see a cute, jiggly little red and black pig standing by the corner of the building. Oddly enough, he’s wearing a Hawaiian style button up shirt in blues and greens with pink muck boots. I swear he’s smiling as he slowly clomps his way to us.

Craig eyes Gee skeptically as he waddles closer, but I think he’s adorable. Pooh crouches down, still holding Craig, and reaches a hand out to pet Gee on the head. The pig gives a small snort and ruts his head up against Pooh’s hand.

I bend down and give him a body rub and receive a snort in return. Insta-love for me! Tammy does the same and when we both escape uninjured, Craig slowly slides out of Pooh’s hold and stands staring at Gee.

“What do pigs eat, Miss Ava?” he asks.

“A lot of things, really. They like fruit and veggies. He will steal them if you turn your back,” Ava informs him.

“I like that idea. He can have all my veggies. He kind of scared me but he is kind of cool,” Craig states, slowly reaching his hand out to pet Gee.

It’s not long before boy and pig are best friends and are running back around the building together.

Pooh

Inviting Pippa was a great idea. Inviting Tammy was not. That woman won’t take “gay” for an answer. I’ve made sure that both Pippa and Tammy are introduced to everyone they haven’t already met and I keep trying to steer Tammy towards the women but it’s not happening. Damn woman. She gravitates toward Trigger every time my back is turned. They seem to enjoy each other’s company, both smiling and laughing, and that just increases my guilt. I’m going to have to come clean to Trigger tomorrow and hope for the best. The best being that he doesn’t put a bullet in me.

I have to admit that I like having Pippa at the club, hanging with my family, and having her close. She doesn’t drift far from my side and that makes me feel ten feet tall. I’ve noticed the looks she’s receiving from the other guys and, on one hand, it makes me grin and, on the other, it makes me want to gouge their eyes out. Vex and I will be having a chat tomorrow too.

After we ate, laughing at Craig sneaking his veggies to Gee, Pippa and I grab seats together and enjoy a beer. I like how comfortable she is with the men and women that have become my family. Craig fits right in and everyone is making sure he’s having fun today.

“How’s it going with Craig’s mom?” I ask.

“Ugh. She hasn’t come home in two days. She sent a text saying she was tied up with something but it was vague and I haven’t heard from her since. She doesn’t answer my calls or texts. The sad part about all of this is that Craig hasn’t asked about her once. Not a single damn time.”

“It sounds like he’s used to her being a flake. That’s just wrong. The kid needs a parent and stability. Pisses me off that she’s not worried about how any of this is affecting him,” I add.

“She never even asks about him when she does text one of us. She hasn’t utilized any of the services that New Horizons offers except for the babysitting for Craig. She refuses to follow any of the rules. If it continues, I’m going to have to kick her out and I’ve never had to do that before.”

“And what happens to Craig then? That’s a bad situation to be in, Pippa. If you need help with any of that, let me know. I’ll be there,” I assure her. “I can have Rex find her and we can speak with her together, if you want.”

“I’m hoping it doesn’t come to that, but thank you. I’ll let you know if I need Rex’s help.”

Gunner and Petey walk up to our table and take seats. Each is holding one of Gunner and Ava’s twin daughters, Mia and Zoe. I reach for the twin that Petey is holding and he pulls her out of my reach and glares at me.

“What the hell, Old Man? Let me hold my niece!”

“I just got my hands on her! Grandpa outranks uncle. Back off!” he informs me.

“My god, they’re gorgeous,” breaths out Pippa.

And they are. Big green eyes, chubby cheeks, black hair all make for beautiful little girls. Add in the fact that they’re happy babies and their little smiles are killer. I still can’t tell them apart though.

Craig comes running up to our table, dirty and out of breath. Behind him is Gee. The babies start giggling and cooing and holding their hands out to Gee as soon as they spot him. Yeah, Gee has a lot of fans.

“Pips! Guess what? I saw a bird and he’s huge! He’s all colors, too!” gushes Craig.

“You did? How cool!”

“Yeah, look! He’s coming over here!” Craig shouts excitedly.

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