Page 38 of Rex

“You are so fucked,” Reeves says into the silent room.

“Oh God. Chubs, brother, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to imply Aria is overweight! Shit! It came out wrong,” Axel states, and I know he’s being sincere. That’s not going to save his hide, though.

“What’s her favorite flower?” Axel asks as he pulls out his phone.

“I’m guessing black dahlias,” Pigeon mutters, and even I have to laugh at that.

Petey and Trigger walk into the office and come to a stop. Looking around the room, Petey’s eyes end up on his son. Nobody can ever say that Petey can’t read a room.

“What did you do, and who’s taking out a bounty on your head this time?” Petey asks in a resigned tone.

“He managed the impossible. He fucked himself,” Gunner responds. “And it’s Aria that will be stashing cashews.”

“She said she’d talk to you in a few days, Chubs! Please explain that I didn’t mean it the way it came out! She was calm when she left, so does that mean she’s not really that mad?” Axel asks in a hopeful tone.

“Nope. Calm is her danger zone. Les and I never worried about her until she was calm. Good luck, Ax. You’re on your own,”Chubs states in a cheerful voice before he starts rummaging through Freddy’s desk drawers.

“No food in there, Chubs. You wiped me out before the shooting,” Freddy says.

“Since we’re all here now, let’s talk about tonight’s shit,” Gunner states, and the room quiets.

I don’t get a chance to call Aria the next day, but I heard through Reeves that Rod got his antibiotics from her. Thursday evening, I call, but she doesn’t answer. I wait a while then text Candy instead.

Me: Aria okay?

Candy: Yeah. A few bruises, pissed and vengeful, but okay.

Me: I called but didn’t get an answer.

Candy: If you’re worried she’s mad at you too, don’t be. She’s gleefully plotting against Axel but no one else. She’s also at a spa appointment with Lisa and their moms. Probably why she didn’t answer.

Me: What are you doing tonight? Working?

Candy: No. Nothing really. Trying to decide what to make for dinner.

Me: Can I buy you dinner? You choose the restaurant.

Candy: Really? Yeah, I’d like that. Jarrod’s?

Me: Perfect. Will pick you up in 10. Need to run to the clubhouse first if you don’t mind.

Candy: That’s fine. I’ll wait out front of the bakery.

Me: See ya soon

Arriving at the clubhouse, we find Craig sitting at the bar, sipping a root beer and chatting with Mac. Candy and I take a seat on each side of Craig and return Mac’s greeting. Reeves, the bartender for the night, sets a beer in front of me and a Coke in front of Candy.

“Tomorrow’s a big ass day,” Craig states. “Know why that is?”

“Pooh’s officially your dad tomorrow,” Candy answers. “Are you going to start calling him Dad?”

“No, probably not, but that doesn’t mean he’s not my dad. At least I don’t have to go see the judge this time. That man dresses like a girl. What’s up with that? Anyway, Mom said it’s just paperwork this time. Miss Ava’s doing up a big deal dinner on Sunday to celebrate, though. She said she’s making all my favorites.”

“Cashews, too,” Mac chimes in before strutting down the bar, shaking his tail feathers.

“Yep. I told her I’d come early and help,” Candy responds.

“Everyone keeps saying the dinner is a celebration because I’m getting a dad. Not sure why no one is celebrating Pooh getting me, though,” Craig states, then laughs loudly.

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