Page 18 of Pigeon

“If you’re referring to the pedicure and leg warmers, then no. That’s all Terry’s doing,” Livi answers with a laugh.

I have no idea who Terry is, but I’m getting the sense that pedicures are common in this club. I nod like all of this is normal when it’s really not and turn to accept a cup from Gunner. When Pigeon nods to the stool next to him, I take a seat.

“Ivy? What are you doing here?” I hear Craig’s voice before his face appears on the opposite side of the bar. I instantly recognize his voice, but it takes my eyes a moment to recognize his face under all the dirt and grime covering it, though.

“Hey, Craig. I stopped by to help Gunner and Ava with where to put their barn,” I answer, having no idea that I’m about to unleash Craig on society.

“Their barn? Their barn for what?” Craig asks while aiming his look at Gunner.

I have to admit to being impressed that someone Craig’s size shows zero fear of someone Gunner’s size. The look Gunner received was one of a young boy just realizing he’s the only one who doesn’t know something, and he’s not happy about that fact.

“Before this turns ugly, Craig, are you sure you’re okay with babysitting Snots for me?” Livi asks quickly as she grips James by the shirt sleeve and starts pulling him toward the door with her.

“Yeah, Livi, I got him. Go make Denver safe,” Craig answers while keeping narrowed eyes on Gunner.

As Livi and James bolt out the door, I hear Pigeon snicker. Looking at him, I see his amused face watching Gunner.

“Gunner and Ava are adopting a couple of donkeys from the rescue. They asked Ivy for some advice on a barn for them. I can’t believe the twins or Luke didn’t tell you. They’re so excited about it,” Pigeon says, and I realize he’s loving the fact that he’s stirring the pot.

“And nobody told me? No one?” Craig asks in a voice that can only be described as an alpha bear in training tone.

“And they didn’t ask you to go to the rescue with them when they went to see the donkeys either,” Pigeon interjects.

“Shut it, Pigeon. You’re not helping,” Gunner states.

“Not trying to, Prez,” Pigeon answers nonchalantly.

“I know all about donkeys. Chubs helped me while doing our learning things. I learned about goats too, so if Miss Ava got some, I would know how to help her with them. I learn all these things, but I don’t know that donkeys are going to be living here. How come? Huh? How come?” Craig demands in a rising voice.

While Craig’s talking, I see a biker walking up from behind Gunner and Craig. I’ve seen him before, helping Trigger build the dog park at the rescue, and I think his name’s Pooh. Next to him is Axel with a tiny, female version of himself riding on his shoulders. I can’t help the grin when Pooh stops abruptly, cringes at Craig’s words, and turns to make an escape.

“Hey, Brother Pooh!” Pigeon shouts as Gunner’s head swings around to where Pooh’s trying to reach the door before he’s noticed.

Turning back to face us, Pooh shoots a dark look toward Pigeon before saying, “You suck, Pigeon.”

“Maybe I should get going,” I mutter.

“And miss all this fun?” Pigeon asks with a wicked grin while slinging his arm over my shoulders and pulling me tight to his side.

“Hell, even I went and saw them at the rescue already,” Axel states while turning fake, sad eyes to Craig.

“Why would you take Axel and not me? I love going to the rescue, and you left me out of that too! I babysit all the animals, and I take good care of them!” Craig shouts with anger rising.

“Craig, honey, it was a spur-of-the-moment visit there and kind of late in the evening. And yes, you do babysit, and all the pets love you because you’re so good with them,” Ava interjects while trying to soothe the little boy’s hurt feelings.

“I met a gorgeous bird named Prissy when I was invited to go,” Axel says in a clear attempt to goad Craig’s anger.

“Axel, stop!” Ava says, shooting a look at Axel.

“What? I did, and she loved me,” Axel defends.

“Prissy’s cool, but she would never like you. She’s very fussy about who she likes,” Craig says with a small sniff of disdain.

“She did too! She flirted with me and everything,” Axel answers smugly. “Even told me I had a big dick.”

My eyes go wide at this statement and the fact that it was made in front of kids.

"You're a project, aren't you?" Craig asks Axel while dropping his hands to his hips and shaking his head.

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