Page 77 of Vex

“When that heals, come to the gym with Vex. I’m going to teach you the proper way to throw a punch so only the asshat gets injured. But, with that said, you did good, girl.”

“I will. Thank you, Cash. Thanks to all of you, actually. For everything. Taking care of Tessie and I. Giving us jobs. Getting Rooster out of our lives. Thank you.”

“No thanks needed. You’re family,” Gunner says in a soft, sincere voice.

“What the fuck happened?” Axel asks as he stops next to Petey’s side.

“Taja broke her hand. Trip to the ER for you, girl,” Petey says while Pooh sets a bag of frozen peas on the table.

I carefully set the peas on my hand and rest it on the table.

“How’d you do that?” Axel questions.

“By punching Tats,” Pooh says with a laugh.

“You punched Tats? You took her downstairs and let her punch him? Why the fuck wasn’t I called? I would’ve loved to see that! You’re always leaving me out of the fun times! What the fuck people!” Axel shouts in an annoyed voice.

“Calm yourself, Axel. I videoed it. I knew there was no way she would only bitch him out. Girl had vengeance in her eyes all the way down the stairs,” Petey states while winking at me.

“Oh, thank fuck! Let me see it!” Axel says reaching for his dad’s phone.

“While you’re reliving the fun, we’ll be at the hospital. Let Tessie know so she doesn’t worry,” Vex cuts in while helping me stand.

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

Things have settled down and Vex and I are on solid footing. It’s been several weeks since the Rooster drama and life is great. He’s easy to live with, never demanding and picks up after himself. I shouldn’t say he’s never demanding, because he can be, but I’ve learned to ignore most of it. He’s bossy, but it’s cute, so I just grin at him when he does it. He usually just throws his hands up in the air and stomps off. Five minutes later and he’s back trying another angle. The man is persistent but that plays well for me in the bedroom.

Suki doesn’t help matters when she’s here. She likes to tease Vex on how we’re still living in this house and not some new one yet. She knows that’s a sore spot. And she’s here a lot. She almost always comes through the door with coffee and one of those head-sized cookies. Vex always grabs the coffee she brings for me away from her, because she never remembers to get decaf. That starts round one. Suki also likes to tell Vex to only look at homes big enough that she can move in too. She told him yesterday that with her, me and Tessie living in the same house with him we could be called Vex’s Harem. Her other favorite name is Vex’s Angels. He likes neither. They bicker and battle like brother and sister, but it’s all in good fun. I think.

Dreams has been repaired and will be opening up again next week. Vex is dead set against me working there. He wants me to finish college and grow our baby instead. I may give in and do just that. That way, I could have my degree before the baby’s born. I’m just a little concerned about money and worry about taking advantage of Vex. He says we need to have a talk about finances, but we’ve just not found the time yet.

The cast is off finally and just in time. Vex’s mom’s coming to visit us. I’m nervous about it, and terrified I won’t be what she wants for her son. Vex just laughs and says not to worry. But I do. I know nothing about her except that she doesn’t have a good marriage. Vex grew up in a home with a tyrant for a father and a mother who bows to his every wish. I’m concerned she won’t like me because we’re so different. I don’t back down when Vex and I disagree if I feel I’m right. I stand toe to toe with him and will always be that type of person. Not that we disagree much. Just over big things like buying a new house or buying me a new car. That’s his latest kick. He wants me in an SUV so it’s safer for me and the baby. Vex is big on safety, I’ve found.

Catherine Dagen will be arriving in one week. Vex is looking forward to seeing her, and he’s not afraid to show that. I’ve decided the house needs a thorough cleaning before she gets here. Vex and Tessie disagree.

“Baby, she’s staying at the Ritz-Carlton, not here. You don’t need to kill yourself spit-shining everything. We’ll meet her there for dinner,” Vex says.

“At the Ritz-Carlton? Holy shit, Vex. Do you know how expensive that place is? I don’t even own clothes nice enough to walk inside it,” I say in an exasperated voice.

“Then go buy some that are. Order online or go to town and get what you need. Quit worrying about money, doll. I’ve got us covered, okay? And take Tessie. She’ll probably need some too.”

I stare at Vex like he’s grown an extra head. Men are so clueless as to what clothes like that cost. One outfit can be more than my grocery budget for a month or more.

Vex stands, walks to me and pulls me to his chest.

“Call Tessie down here. I’ll take you two to town and we’ll get the clothes you want and need. Okay?”

“Can’t we just meet her at KFC instead?” I ask with a tiny whine in my voice.

Vex barks out a laugh and hugs me tighter. I can feel his body moving with his amusement. It’s a nice feeling, so I move closer and rest against him.

“Honey, listen. My mom came from old money. My dad didn’t, but he married into it and took it over. He’s good at what he does, and he’s made her money double itself many times over. My mom wouldn’t even know what KFC was let alone be caught dead eating in one. I don’t care what you and Tessie wear. You can wear jeans if you want. I like you in anything or nothing. But if you feel you need to dress up, then let’s go shopping and get you and Tessie set up. Okay?”

“How dressed up will your mom be?” I ask in a weak voice.

“I doubt that she owns an outfit or dress that’s worth less than $1,500. I know her shoes are always $800 and up. That’s how she was raised and that’s all she knows. I want you to just be yourself. She’s going to love you and Tessie no matter what you’re wearing. I promise. What do you want to do?”

“What are you wearing?”

---