Page 28 of Vex

“Still not done, Pooh,” I say while watching him brace for the next stupid thing I did.

“Fuck me. Lay it out, brother,” Pooh states lowly.

“I tossed a fifty on her nightstand before I left. I was thinking she would use it for the morning after pill. She took it as I was paying her for the night. She didn’t realize that I didn’t use a condom each time. Before I could talk to her about it, shit went down with you and Pippa. I didn’t see her at work for several days. Let’s just say, she’s angry and probably scared of what the future holds for her. I certainly didn’t leave her that morning with the impression that I can be counted on.”

I explain the rest of the mess, the note and my current thoughts about her and the possible baby. By the end of it, Pooh’s got a thoughtful look on his face. I half expected disgust, or even anger, but I should’ve known better. That’s not Pooh. He’ll stand behind me no matter what I decide to do but with the kind of man he is, he won’t stand quietly if I didn’t do the right thing.

“Do you care about her or just what happens if there’s a baby?” he asks quietly.

“I like Taja. A baby will complicate things but even if there isn’t one, I want Taja. She’s strong, fierce and family’s everything to her. Nothing matters more to her than her sister, Tessie. She would sacrifice anything for her little sister. Taja took care of her mom while she was sick and dying while working, paying the bills and raising Tessie. She faced down Trigger and Petey to make sure Tessie would be safe working at the garage. How do you not admire and respect that? I think she’s exactly what I need. But after all my mistakes with her, how do I convince her to give me a shot?”

“Don’t let her push you away. She’s going to try after all of this, especially if she’s as independent as she sounds. Don’t try to control her, though. Just be a steady presence in her life. But if you’re going to go for Taja, remember she comes with a sister. Make friends with Tessie. You’ll want her on your side. You need to be sure about this, Vex. She’s not going to let you in easily. She’ll be protective of herself, Tessie and a baby if there is one.”

“Yeah, I know they’re a package deal. I’m good with that. I just don’t know how to proceed at this point,” I groan.

“You’ll figure it out. Here if you need help with anything, brother,” Pooh says.

“And you need to give up all the other women. Quickest way to get kicked to the curb, permanently, is if you’re still dicking your way through Denver,” Axel adds his advice while stepping around the lockers and into view.

“What the fuck, Axel? You being a creeper now?” I exclaim.

“You’ve been off for a while, Vex. Me, along with everyone else, has been wondering why. Came into the locker room, heard you talking. So, yes, I’ve become a creeper. Wanted to know what was wrong and if there’s any way I could help. What? Don’t give me that look! I have great ideas sometimes! Bailey’s still with me, and I’ve done some stupid things, so I’ve learned some lessons along the way. And I won’t tell anyone about how incredibly bad you fucked up. Way worse than me, I need to point out. Hey! I just thought of something! If your boys are good swimmers, our kids will be close in age!” Axel says excitedly.

“Axel, please, shut up now,” Pooh states.

“Fine, I will. But if you need advice on how to get yourself out of a mess, I’m your man. Just sayin’,” Axel spouts as he leaves the locker room.

“He’s going to pout all day now,” Pooh groans before laughing.

Chapter 13

Taja

I drive home with shaking hands. I can’t believe I was so wrapped up in the feeling of Vex that I didn’t notice we didn’t always use a condom. What the hell’s wrong with me? I know better and he does too. What if there’s a baby already growing inside of me? My thoughts are scattered about that. I’ve always known I wanted kids. I’ve always wanted a big family to love and care for but not by myself. Maybe God has a different plan for me than the one I wanted.

When I get to the turn for our street, I see a lone biker sitting on his bike near the curb. My first thought is Vex, but the tightness in my chest says different. When my headlights slide across his face, I recognize Popeye. I continue to my driveway but notice the bike following me. I shut my car off and step out just as Popeye comes to a stop behind me. I wait until his bike is off and walk over to him.

“Why are you here? I’ve paid the bastard on time each month. He’s getting every fucking spare penny I have. Tessie and I don’t have a dime to our name after he gets his share, Popeye,” I spit angrily.

“Rooster wants you and Tessie at our club party next weekend. Wants to show off his two girls,” Popeye answers completely unaffected by my anger.

“To who? Prospective buyers?” I ask incredulously.

“Who knows. Maybe. Doesn’t matter. Just have your asses there.”

“You drove all the way here to tell me this? I’m not exposing Tessie to his club members. No way, no how. Not happening and you need to let him know that. Next time, save yourself the trip and text me. I’d rather not have the visual reminder of your cut that I share blood with your Prez,” I inform him before turning and walking toward the house.

“Be there, Taja, or you won’t like the consequences,” Popeye orders before starting his bike and leaving.

I don’t get much sleep, and I wake up in a bad mood. I realized, while I was trying to get to sleep, that Rooster’s club party is the same day as Tessie’s birthday party. There’s no way we could go even if we wanted to. Going to Santa Fe is a hard no and always will be.

When I get downstairs, I find that Tessie’s gone already, so I’m guessing Chubs picked her up again. They’re becoming good friends, and I know she thinks the world of him. It would be hard not to when the guy is always smiling, happy and helpful. Tessie’s told me how much he loves his food, so I decide to make him some treats today. I also need to run invitations up to the garage for the other guys.

I take a few minutes and enjoy a quiet cup of coffee before hitting the shower. I dress in some old cutoff jean shorts and a tank top, slip my feet into flip flops and get to work making my almost famous chocolate chip and bacon cookies. Everyone gives me a weird look when they hear what’s in them but love them once they’ve eaten one. I’m hoping Chubs is the same.

I try to keep my mind off the possibility of a baby, but it’s hard to. I need to stop at the pharmacy and pick up a pregnancy test or two so there aren’t any more questions if or not. There’s a part of me that’s scared about knowing, but I’ve always been the kind to feel knowledge is power. No matter what happens in my world, once I process and make a plan, I can deal with it. This won’t be any different.

Before leaving for the garage, I throw together some roast beef sandwiches from leftovers we have, grab a few bottles of water and a bag of chips. I add more cookies to the bag for Petey and Trigger and head out.

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