Page 46 of Ash
Well, that can be her excuse… Now, what’s mine?
Chapter19
Ash
“Brooks!” Atlas groans out loudly from his spot behind the convention table. “Man, if you don’t come and sit the fuck down, I’m coming over there and tickling you. You are scaring off the people.” The large, bear-like man in question looks over towards us with his dark green eyes zeroing in on Atlas.
“I don’t get paid to sit on my ass, Mr. Hart.” Not only does he look like a bear, his voice sounds like a one–if a bear could talk–-deep, irritated, and commanding. Brooks is the most intimidating man I’ve ever met, and that is saying something considering my size and the three overly large men I work with. But none of us compare to the six-foot-six giant that is Brooks. Seriously, his arms might be bigger than my thighs.
“Don’t call me that!” Atlas scoffs. “My name is Atlas.” Brooks rolls his eyes before looking towards Derek and Fox. Derek shrugs, seemingly annoyed that Brooks is even here, and Fox chuckles.
“We are just a lot more laid back than I think you’re used to.” Brooks nods and continues to survey the crowd.
“Ms Pierce didn’t hire me to be laid back. I’m here to make sure no one tries to start anything with you.” Derek lets out an annoyed laugh.
“Right, because we are incapable of taking care of ourselves.”
“Well, considering that your career could end if anything happened to your pretty little hands. I would say you could use the help,” he mutters before shrugging his massive shoulders. Derek slams his notebook down and stands up before deciding against something and turning to walk the other way, muttering he would be back later.
Atlas walks over and pats Brooks on the shoulder. It’s weird watching Atlas having to look up to meet someone’s gaze. “Some of us aren’t as receptive to having new friends. I, for one, feel much safer knowing you are guarding my body.” I snicker and shake my head as Brooks looks like he’s trying to decide if what he’s being paid is enough to deal with Atlas all weekend.
None of us are overly thrilled with Brooks being here, not that there's anything wrong with the man. We just all feel that we can handle ourselves. But since Janie still wasn’t too pleased with us after last year’s convention when Atlas and I tried to start a grey sweatpants competition that resulted in a little bit of a brawl among the losers, and I may have broken my hand, making it impossible to tattoo for months. So here we are with our babysitter.
Pulling out my phone, I open up my messages and quickly tap one out to Sunday.
Me: knock knock
I smile that it only takes a few seconds for her to respond.
Sunshine: knock knock
Me: How are you feeling?
Sunshine: I’m alright, just a little sore. Though, I’m feeling off today.
Me: What’s wrong?
Sunshine: I dunno. Might be the meds they adjusted yesterday, might be a seizure coming on. It’s hard to tell right now.
I frown as I stare at the screen. I’m in Seattle which is over a thousand miles away from her and Wade. I hate it.
Me: Anyone with you?
Me: Besides Wade?
Sunday sends me a picture of Alice Cooper sleeping on her feet.
Sunshine: I need to pee, but every time I move, she hisses.
Me: Yeah, don’t let her hurt those fine ass legs
What the fuck. I smack myself in the face. Fine ass legs? I shouldn’t be commenting on her legs.
Me: So, who is with you besides Alice?
Sunshine: No one. Indy is having a blue day, so I sent Wade to hang out with her and help her out.
Me: So, Wade is hopping between you and Indy?
