Page 47 of Rex

“He did what?” Ava screeches from Trudy’s side before punching Axel in the shoulder.

“I did not! I didn’t mean what I said the way I said it, and, well, hell, we all know I say stupid shit all the time!” Axel sputters in his defense.

“Axel! You did not say that! Did you?” Bailey questions in a disbelieving tone.

“No!” he shouts. “I mean, it’s not what I meant to say. It came out wrong!”

“He did, and I couldn’t even eat dinner today because of it,” I state with a small sniff and sad eyes.

“You said I was carrying pregnancy pounds!” Axel shoots back in a sad attempt at a defense.

“At least what she said was true,” Craig says. “I’m so sorry for Axel’s lack of manners, Aria. You’re not fat. You’re beautiful, and I’m glad you’re my friend.”

“You’re a major suck ass, Craig! Stay out of this!” Axel orders.

“My son isn’t a suck ass. He’s just honest. You’re beautiful as you are, Aria,” Pooh states while tossing Axel a taunting smile.

“It’s okay, Axel. Maybe I just needed to hear the truth I’ve been trying to deny. I should head home now, taking all my chins and rolls with me, so I have time for a workout today,” I say before hanging my head and walking away.

“Oh, she’s good! You’re evil, Aria! Evil!” Axel shouts at my back.

“Not all fat people are jolly, Axel. Sorry I couldn’t be one of those for you,” I reply in a mournful tone.

Stopping at the table Les and now my mother are sitting at, I take a seat. I listen to several of the women chew Axel out and grin at Les.

“That’s so wrong,” Les says, then laughs. “And I’m so glad it’s Axel’s ass you’re after and not mine for a change. It’s really nice to have other men around to take the burden off of me sometimes.”

“I’m not even going to comment on this,” Mom says while closing her eyes in dismay.

“Not to change the subject, Mom, but are you going to adopt a pig anytime soon?” I ask.

Me: How’s your head? Any double vision?

Rex: No. It’s fine but thanks for worrying. Maybe it is a concussion and I shouldn’t be alone though. What are you doing?

Me: Not working out regardless of what I told Axel. Flipping through Netflix hoping to find something worth watching.

Rex: You nailed his hide to the wall. Even after you left the women were giving him shit. Found anything yet?

Me: It was evil but fun. No, not yet. Any suggestions?

Rex: Want company? You can keep an eye on my concussion symptoms, and I can find something for us to watch. I’ll bring snacks.

Me: Yes, please! I’m not my brother but snacks are still always appreciated!

Rex: Be there in 30.

Me: Perfect!

I squeak like a young teenage girl and bound off the couch. Flying down the hall, I race into my bedroom and stop in the center. What to wear? Hair up or down? Redo my makeup? All this and more fly through my brain before I decide to leave the hair and makeup alone because I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard. I quickly change into leggings and a comfortable t-shirt that hangs below my hips. I spray a light perfume in the air and walk through the mist and then brush my teeth.

Racing back to the kitchen, I put a bottle of wine in the fridge to chill and check on my beer supply. I grab a fuzzy lap blanket from the closet, lay it over the back of the couch, and rearrange the pillows. Double-checking that my space is neat, I take a seat at the kitchen bar and wait impatiently.

When the doorbell rings, I force myself to walk at a normal pace to the door and open it. Rex is standing there, battered face and all, holding a reusable grocery bag and a six-pack of beer. Stepping to the side, I wave him inside.

We chat about nothing important while putting away the groceries. While I cut up some cheese, Rex opens the crackers and lays them on a platter I handed him. I wash some grapes, and Rex slices a few apples into wedges. We work side by side, seamlessly, until we’re ready to move to the couch. Picking up the TV remote, I hand it to Rex.

“What kind of movies do you like?” he asks while clicking the power button on the remote.

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