Page 18 of Pax

“Good morning, Deanna,” they said in sing-song voices smiling in her direction. She blushed, laughing at them.

“Good morning, everyone.” Pax kissed her, smiling at the others.

“Ignore them. They’re just jealous,” he laughed.

“I’m not jealous of shit,” smirked Benji. “I’ve got my woman. These other assholes are the slow ones.”

“What’s with you guys, by the way?” asked Deanna.

“What do you mean?” asked Brax, looking away.

“What do I mean? I mean, you run in the opposite direction of Stephanie every time you see her. That beautiful, brilliant, stunning young woman who actually thinks you’re the only man in the world. You might want to grab that before she discovers you’re not the only man in the world.” Saint laughed, shaking his head.

“What are you laughing at? You’re so terrified that Marilisa might actually love you that you can’t see what’s right in front of you,” said Deanna. “Do you know that while I was in the hospital, she visited me every day, asking me questions about what you were like growing up, what you enjoy doing, your favorite movies and foods.”

“She’s just a kid,” he frowned.

“Patrick,” laughed Deanna, “she’s not a kid. She’s a young woman who’s experienced some of the worst aspects of life and this world and still came out the other side confident, intelligent, and loving. Those men at The Well see it. You’d better see it soon, or you’ll be out of luck.”

“Wait a minute,” frowned Pax. “How do you know what the men at The Well see?”

“You weren’t always in my life, Pax. I went out there a few times with friends from work. Usually, I was meeting up with someone from Belle Fleur. You forget that I was still connected to all of you.” He looked like he was about to spit nails, and his father just shook his head.

“One day, you’ll all figure out that loving someone isn’t a choice. You either love them or you don’t. It’s a feeling in your gut, your soul, your heart. You can try to fight it, but you’re going to be one miserable son-of-a-bitch.”

“Trust us,” said Bogey. “Benji and I can both say it was the same for us. They’re not children. You’ve just known Marilisa since she was a child. Stephanie is the most unique woman you’ll ever meet, but don’t make her feel differently, Brax. I don’t think you can possibly imagine what it’s like to not feel fully real, fully human.”

“She’s as human as you and me,” said Brax, staring at Bogey.

“I agree. Have you made her feel that way?” Brax stared at Bogey, then at his father. “Listen, son. I’ve watched you walk around her, avoid her, watch her eat from the other side of the cafeteria, like she’s a science experiment. Don’t you think she feels it?”

“Shit,” he muttered. Saint stared at his father and Benji, shaking his head.

“You’re not innocent either,” said Benji. “Marilisa has grown into a beautiful young woman. A young woman with a PhD, Saint. That’s not a child. We’ve been to The Well when she and the others are there. Men flock to those two girls, and I do mean flock. So far, they’ve been lucky that no one has gotten physical, but I think it’s because one of us is always with them.”

“Why didn’t someone say something? Why didn’t someone stop them from going?” asked Saint.

“Because they’re grown women!” said Alice. “Good lord, you boys are slow. Deanna? Honey, do you feel like a walk on the beach?”

“I’d love to go for a walk,” she smiled. “Let me grab my coffee.”

Pax watched as she grabbed her thermal mug and headed to the door with his mother and Alice. He looked at the others and just shook his head.

“You can sit here and stew or get some fresh air. I’m following the woman I love.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

“What a gorgeous day!” said Alice.

“I’ve always loved coming here for little weekend getaways,” smiled Annie. “I lived here for a long time, but it ended badly. It’s been better returning with Benji.”

“Why did it end badly?” asked Deanna. Annie had a sad look on her face, and Deanna apologized. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked something so personal.”

“Nonsense,” said Annie. “You’re part of the family now. My father was a SEAL with Otto, Kegger, and Pork. They were all on the same team.”

“I didn’t know that.” Annie nodded.

“My dad became power-hungry and delusional, wanting to create a race of superior warriors. He kidnapped me, placing me on an island with a man who had been given a powerful steroid designed to force horses to breed.”

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