Page 6 of Cash

“Pooh’s trying to make my nips leak! The bitch,” Axel complains loudly.

“Normally, I’d ask ‘What the hell?’, but I know you well enough to have figured out what’s going on here,” Ava says to Axel before turning to Pooh and asking with a huge grin, “Did it work?”

“Must have. Positive I felt leakage when he dove on me,” Pooh answers grinning back.

“Where are my nieces?” Axel asks while ignoring the rest of us.

“With Trudy,” Ava answers.

“Why’s that baby hound get them more than I do?” Axel says with a whine in his voice.

“She didn’t teach them to swear,” Ava answers with a small eye squint.

“You said you weren’t mad about that little incident, but I feel you’re holding it against me,” Axel mumbles before storming away.

“You ready to hit things?” I ask Ava.

“Always.”

*~*~*~*

After I close the gym for the day, I take another short bike ride before heading home. I thought about stopping at Dolly’s for a beer, but I’m ready for bed.

Parking my bike in the two-car attached garage, I enter my home and remove my boots, leaving them on the doormat. It’s not a large place, but it’s perfect for me. It’s absolutely spotless at all times because I can’t do messy. Dirt, clutter, smudges all make my head hurt. I bought the lots on each side and behind me, so I have plenty of space. Fenced in backyard, pool and grill make it a great space. Brick, ranch style home with a finished basement, three bedrooms and a large eat-in kitchen. The master bedroom has its own bathroom, and that’s where I head to shower off the day.

After drying off, I pull on a pair of cut-off sweats and head to the kitchen to rummage up some food. I make a couple of huge sandwiches, grab a beer and a bag of chips and head for the living room. I click on the TV and surf until I find the UFC fight being shown tonight and settle in. Kicking back on my leather couch, I get down to the business of feeding myself.

My phone pings several times with texts, but none of them are important. Pigeon wanting me to come hang out at Dreams with him. Axel bitching me out for not siding with him over Pooh today. Terry reminding me, again, that Dad has an appointment this week. Dad asking if I found a woman yet. Jesus H. Christ that man’s like a dog with a bone. I quickly respond to each one and then switch my attention back to the fights.

It’s late and I’m just sliding into bed when my phone goes off again. Glancing at the clock, I’m concerned because no one would text this late if it weren’t urgent. Grabbing up the phone, I read the message and quickly dial the number.

“Tessie? You okay, honey? Are you injured?” I bark.

“No, I’m not hurt. It’s just a minor fender bender, but the guy’s being a real asswipe. I’m so sorry to call, but you’re closest and Vex said to—”

“You’re a fucking bitch! You’re paying for this! Maybe a beat-down would teach you to look where the fuck you’re going!”

“Who’s that?” I question while pulling on clothes.

“The guy whose fender I bended,” Tessie replies calmly to me before shouting, “Told you I would! You need to take a few steps back and get your hands out of my face, dickhead! Don’t make me call Trigger too!”

“Address, Tessie. Then get into your Jeep and lock the doors. I’ll be there soon,” I instruct her.

Tessie gives me the info, and I’m on my bike in seconds. She’s only a few blocks away, and I arrive quickly. She took my advice and is sitting in her Jeep, windows up, staring straight ahead.

While she’s doing this, I see a guy kicking the side of her Jeep, throwing his arms around and screaming. I park at the rear of Tessie’s Jeep, shut off my bike and step off. As I’m walking toward the man, he finally realizes that it’s not just a teenage girl here anymore.

His mouth slams shut, mid-rant, and his arms fall to his side. I’m a big guy, and I’m a currently pissed-off big guy. I stop a few feet from him and cross my arms. Looking to the side, I can see the dents he caused during his temper tantrum. I look to his prissy little sports car and notice a small scrape on the bumper. Swinging my eyes his direction, I pin him to the spot. I fight the grin that Tessie’s giggle brings forward.

“There a reason why you think it’s cool to scream obscenities at an underaged female? Or kick dents into her rig? Or threaten her with bodily harm?” I ask in a low voice.

“Uh, hey man, this doesn’t concern you. This is between her and me. She backed into the corner of my bumper, and I’m pissed. You don’t need to get involved. I’ve got this covered, Bruh,” the preppy little twit says.

“Uh, hey man, it does concern me. That female you were threatening a few minutes ago? Bad luck for you because she’s family. My family,” I respond.

I watch as the guy’s Adam’s apple bobs a few times, and he shoves his fingers through his $600 haircut nervously. Without taking my eyes off him, I listen as Tessie’s window slides down.

“Okay, look. I don’t think we need to get the cops involved, but she does need to pay for the damage, and then I’ll be on my way,” the asshat says in a much calmer voice than he was using with Tessie.

---