Page 33 of Chubs

Slowly cracking open one eye, I wait until it adjusts to the light before opening the other. When I’m sure the sunlight won’t cause my head to split in half, I push myself up to my elbows and look around. This action causes a scream to erupt from the depths of my soul and to shoot a lightning bolt of agony through my brain.

Grasping my head, I focus my eyes at the two staring back at me from only a foot away.

“What the hell, Axel?” I moan.

“How’d you know it was me?” he asks incredulously.

“I’m in your living room, and what other muscle-bound bald guy would be sporting a sparkly gold face mask here? Do I even want to ask why your face is smeared in that gold concoction?”

“It’s good for my skin. The twins and Alex have a daddy/ daughter dance after their recital coming up, and I want to look my best when Alex and I beat Gunner. No way has he been practicing, and I have. We’re going to mop the floor with him,” Axel replies smugly while handing me a cup of coffee along with two aspirin.

“Pretty sure it’s not a contest.”

“That’s exactly what he’ll say when he sucks ass there,” Axel says with a large grin.

“What’s the odds that you’re going to show up in matching outfits with your daughter?”

“I have no shame in my game, so they’re pretty high. The guys are already placing bets, so get in on it while you can.”

“Do I need a ticket for this, or can anyone come?” I inquire.

“I got you covered.”

“Hey, Lucy. Want some toast or juice?” Bailey asks as she enters the room with Alex on one hip and Prissy on her shoulder.

“Did I wake everyone with my scream?”

“No, we ladies just came back from Pippa’s. Did you wake up to that?” Bailey asks while tipping her chin to Axel.

“Yes, and I’ll never see the color gold again in the same way,” I mutter.

“Give me my daughter and my girlfriend. We have nails to buff,” Axel states while snatching away both kid and bird before leaving the room.

“Petey said you did some damage last night,” Bailey says with a laugh.

“To the clubhouse or just to my aching head?”

“Both. Snots scooted out the door the first time it opened, and it took Livi an hour to find him. Toes threw a towel down, screamed that he was resigning from this sea of unnatural black witchcraft he’s been enduring, and stormed out. His words, not mine. You passed out, and Petey carried you here, but before that happened, Gunner called Lisa so she wouldn’t worry,” Bailey tells me.

“I only have one question. Did anyone get video of something I’m never going to hear the end of?”

“Let’s get you something to eat before we get into all of that,” Bailey says before flashing me an amused look.

Me: Did you rent out the apartment yet?

Ava: No. It’s yours if you still want it.

Me: I’m not asking for myself but thank you. I have a friend that needs a roof over her head. Can she move in?

Ava: If you trust her, then yes, of course.

Me: I should tell you it’s Candy. Axel won’t be happy but she’s living out of her car and really needs the place.

Ava: Absolutely she’s welcome! Axel will pretend to be mad but he’d be upset if he knew she was homeless. The key is at the bakery so she’s welcome to move in anytime.

Me: Thanks! I’ll help her get settled.

Ava: Let me know if she needs anything.

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