Page 78 of Vex

“Fucking jeans with a button down. The shirt is my only concession to dressing up,” Vex states with a laugh.

“Then I’ll wear something I already own. You’re right. I need to just be who I am, and Tessie does too.”

“I happen to like who you are. A fuck of a lot. Don’t want you to try to be someone else. Ever. It’s the Taja Davis I met at Dreams that I care about. That’s the Taja I want my mom to meet. That’s the Taja that’s growing my kid and will someday be growing more with me. Yeah?”

“Yeah. Thanks, baby,” I answer.

“Thank fuck that’s done with. Now pull your shirt up so I can see my baby.”

I have a small baby bump now and Vex can’t get enough of it. If we’re close to one another, his hand’s usually on it. Resting, rubbing or caressing. He kisses it often, and I know he’s anxious for the baby to start moving. I have a feeling he’s going to be as bad as Axel when the baby arrives. And that makes me smile every damn time I think it.

-*- -*- -*- -*-

Vex’s mom is meeting us at a local steakhouse. It’s upscale but not to the point of being snooty. Tessie and I are both dressed in nice slacks and blouses while Vex has on nice jeans and an untucked, fitted dark grey button down. He looks delicious. Vex has a hold of my hand as we enter and Tessie’s only a step behind us. Vex gives his name and we’re led to a large table in a darkened corner, and I feel Vex’s body stiffen. Looking past him, I see why. His mom’s not alone. There’s a handsome older guy sitting to her right. I know instantly it’s Vex’s father. The resemblance is remarkable. His father stands, without a smile, as we approach. I watch his eyes do a once over of me, then Tessie and finally Vex before they go blank. No emotion at all. First time he’s seen his son in years and he doesn’t seem to care. Wow.

“What’s he doing here?” Vex says quietly to his mother. His voice has a bite to it though and I move closer to his side.

“Vex, please. Your dad insisted on coming so he could see you too. Please, honey, take a seat and introduce me to these lovely ladies you’ve brought,” Vex’s mom says in a soft pleading voice.

Vex hesitates for a moment then turns to help seat me and Tessie. He sits between us and does the introductions. His body and voice are stiff. I slide my hand onto his thigh and give it a gentle squeeze. His eyes meet mine and for a brief moment I see rage. His eyes warm and his hand lands on the top of my mine, lacing our fingers together.

The waiter takes our drink orders and disappears leaving an awkward silence behind.

“What do you do for living now, Vex? Do you work or just live off your trust fund?” Michaeli Dagen asks with a slight sneer.

“I work security for a strip club,” Vex answers with a grin.

“You what?” he father barks.

“You heard me,” Vex replies with yet another grin.

“I’m guessing that’s where you met her at?” Mr. Dagen says in a condescending tone.

“Yes, as a matter of fact, that’s where we met,” I answer.

“I figured as much. Classic story. Rich guy meets stripper. Stripper gets pregnant. Rich guy pays through the nose for a baby that may, or may not, be his. Make sure you have the kid DNA’d, Vex,” his father says while giving me the side-eye.

“Michaeli!” Catherine says on a gasp.

Vex is on his feet before she gets the whole name out of her mouth. This is bad. This is very bad. I hang tight to Vex’s hand and try pulling him back down but to no avail. He’s seething mad, and I’m surprised his dad’s not on the floor knocked out yet.

“Is that what you’ve done, Father? Got them all DNA’d?” Vex spits out.

“Sit down, Vex. You’re causing a scene. God, you’re so predictable. I’m giving you sound advice, and you know it,” Michaeli says in a perfectly calm voice.

“Not sure I like what you’re implying about my sister. She’s never been a stripper or anything close to that. She’s studying to become a nurse so she can care for people. She was a bartender there when she met Vex. And she was only bartending to help pay our bills after our mother died of cancer and my dad demanded payment for me. If she didn’t pay him, he was going to forcibly become my pimp. Yes, my own father. And yet, I still think we scored higher in that department than Vex did. And one more thing before I walk out of here and leave you to your pathetic life you stuck up snobby bitch. I’m a sixteen-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a mechanic. Ha! Bet you’re glad I’m not your daughter. Blue collar all the way, baby. No shame in getting your hands dirty,” Tessie says on a rant before standing up, tossing her napkin on the table and turning to Vex’s mother.

“I like you. You seem like a nice lady, but you can’t be very damn bright. What kind of woman allows a man to keep her from her own child, her son? A son that’s good through and through. A son who fought for two women who had no one else to fight for them. Only death could make our mom leave us. Never some man. I’m sorry it’s went down like this, Mrs. Dagen. But you should be ashamed of yourself,” Tessie finishes with a soft voice before giving Vex a quick hug, me a shoulder squeeze and walking away.

I stand, set my napkin on the table and turn to Catherine.

“It was nice meeting you. You’re always welcome in my—in our—home. If you want to meet your grandchild, we’d love to have you. But your husband is not welcome. Completely your choice, but I have to agree with Tessie. You allowing your husband to keep you from Vex shows weakness. And Vex deserves better than that. He deserves everything good and nothing bad in his life. I aim to see that’s exactly what he gets.”

“Of course, you do. On his dime. How long before you got your name on his bank account?” Vex’s father says with a sneer.

“She doesn’t know anything about my money. We’ve never discussed it before. Taja isn’t with me because of my bank account, Dad. That’s how things go in your life, not mine. Don’t come back. Mom, love you but don’t come back either if you’re bringing him. You won’t be welcome if you do,” Vex declares. “Warning, Dad. The next time you insult Taja, in any way, you’re going to get the beat down you’ve deserved for many years. I kind of hope you make that mistake again. I want to cause you pain. You’ve been warned.”

Holding hands, heads held high, we walk out and leave his parents behind. Tessie’s waiting on the sidewalk and she’s fuming. Before she gets her mouth open, Vex tosses his other arm over her shoulders and pulls her tight to his side.

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