Page 76 of Chubs

“Thought he wasn’t being released until tomorrow,” he states.

“He decided to go against doctor’s orders and leave early,” I reply while trying to keep a straight face.

Candy makes no such attempt and laughs loudly, causing Pooh to look at her suspiciously. He’s obviously pondering her response and must come to some conclusion rapidly because he grins hugely.

“Video?” he asks hopefully while holding out his hand.

Candy pulls her cell phone out and flips through it while Pooh almost dances in anticipation. Handing it to him, I watch as his eyes go wide before he starts crowing in laughter. Handing the phone to Craig, the boys do the same.

“I’m going to guess that phone contains my rather unfortunate incident today,” Axel says as he exits the house and carefully takes a seat next to me.

“Just a small part of it. Unfortunately, I wasn’t there to film the actual escape,” Candy replies.

“I don’t care what it shows. I’ve done worst things than walk away from a hospital. Where’s my daughter?” Axel asks.

“Dance class. She should be home soon,” I answer.

“Prissy?”

“She’s at Ava’s. You’ll want her around when Mac finds out you’re home now,” Craig replies, then laughs. “Mac’s been plotting your death.”

“I was set up. I never touched his cashews. You know anything about that, Craig?” Axel questions.

“No, I don’t, but you’re going to need a better defense than that. Mac is pissed off!” Craig advises.

“How’s Bella doing with her riding lessons?” I ask, looking at Pooh.

“Like a duck taking to water. She’s been the easiest person ever to teach,” he answers with a small cringe, eyes darting to Axel.

“I can’t believe she asked you and not me. I’m her big brother, and she’s apparently forgotten that,” Axel says with disdain dripping in his voice.

At that moment, I hear another bike coming down the street. Unfortunately for Bella, her timing couldn’t have been worse. Stopping next to Craig and Luke’s bikes, she dismounts and bounds up the lawn, excitement painting her face as she removes her helmet.

“You’re home!” Bella exclaims as she throws her arms around Axel’s neck and squeezes tight.

“Do you even care that I am?” Axel says with a pout.

“Of course! I’ve missed you,” Bella answers while standing upright, frown now in place.

“Thought maybe you’d only care if it was Pooh,” Axel states while slightly turning his face away from his little sister.

“Ah, the riding lessons. Okay, big brother, pout if you want, but Pooh’s been a great teacher,” Bella answers with a knowing smile.

“Yes, I have been. Not to rub salt in a wound, but we’re leaving now for another shooting lesson on the range too,” Pooh informs us while his smirk proves he definitely meant to rub salt in that wound.

“I can do that!” Axel exclaims, tossing his arms in the air.

“Sorry, brother, but I’ve seen Ava shoot, and I know you were her teacher. I want to be able to hit a barn if that’s what I’m aiming for,” Bella taunts while flicking Axel’s ear.

“You’ve been spending too much time with Lucy and Trudy. You’ve grown a mile-wide mean streak because of that. Go! Go practice your shooting with Pooh Bear, and I’ll sit here recuperating from my near-death experience. You know, the one that nobody believed me about, including you! Go!” Axel hollers while the rest of us laugh at his outrage.

Bella attempts to give Axel a kiss on the cheek, but he moves his head away and glares at her. She hesitates a moment until he relaxes again, then locks him in a headlock and lays a loud, wet kiss on his cheek. Letting go, she jumps out of reach and laughs all the way back to her bike. Axel wipes the kiss off in disgust, then flips her the bird.

“Love you,” Bella shouts before firing up her bike.

“You’re not my favorite sister anymore!” he shouts as she rides off.

“On that very mature note, I’ve got to go. By the way, Axel—nice ass!” Pooh says with a chuckle, flips Axel off, and walks back to his house. A moment later, he rides out of his drive, following the direction Bella rode.

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