Page 72 of Count On Me

You’re welcome. Have you met any of the other Bradys?

Me/Angie

Ugh. Just one. And believe me, it was enough.

Penny

Which one?

Me/Angie

The annoying one.

Penny

Wait…that could be either of them.

Me/Angie

I know. Nice speaking with you.

Penny

Damn she’s good. I like her A LOT.

Me

What are you up to? Jenson is gonna kill you.

Penny

Just asking some questions. The dress will look lovely. Tell the bridesmaid to message me, send me her number.

As the shop assistant packs the dress and mask into a box, I take Angie to one side.

“She wants your number. She likes you.”

Her gaze snaps to mine and she narrows her eyes. “I’m flattered but I don’t swing that way.”

“Not like that. Penny doesn’t either. Or at least I don’t think she does.” I frown in confusion as she rounds on me.

“And would it matter if she did?” Her eyes flash daggers at me and I scoff at her rage but commend it too.

“Of course not. My brother’s gay. He’s been out and proud for a long time. I couldn’t give a shit whether he likes pussy or peen as long as he’s happy. Same goes for Penny.” I fold my arms smugly across my chest and smirk at her shocked expression.

“Right answer, Jaxson.” She smiles and I take a step closer to her, which I instantly regret when she places a hand on my shoulder and sweetly tells me, “Oh and FYI, if any member of the Brady family ends up with my phone number, you won’t be able to walk again let alone kick a ball about. Comprende?” She stares into my eyes, unblinking but smiling like an angel, and I gulp and nod my head.

She’s fucking worse than Penny and Mama put together.

Before she gets too far away from me, I muster my courage and call her back. “Angie, thank you.” Her attention is piquedand she stops and turns to face me. “For looking out for them. Penny and Edie. For being on my side and not blaming me for everything that happened. And for helping me with all of this. It means the world to me to have you as an ally. Do you really think she’ll be happy?”

“She’ll be ecstatic. She loves you, Jaxson. Always has. She just needs to know you love her as much.” She turns away from me, a glimpse of emotion flickering over her face and gone in an instant. She turns her head over her shoulder and tells me, “You should be thanking Tom too. He’s the real reason you two got together.” She smirks at me and I step next to her and bump her shoulder with my own.

“Thanks for making up Tom and nearly making my head explode with jealousy.”

She grins and winks. “You’re welcome.”

The assistant hands me my items and we head out of the shop and into the waiting car. Nerves fill my stomach as we approach Edie’s apartment. Even though she isn't there, I’m anxious. It’s been so long since I saw her, smelled her, heard her voice, and I know once I step foot inside her place I’ll be bombarded with all of her.

---