Page 78 of Fox
“Okay,” she says, taking a short breath. “So remember last week when I said I uploaded a short video introducing you guys, and it went viral? And then the shirtless pictures?” I nod and notice Atlas, Ash, and Derek are around us now.
“Yes,” I mutter. “I think we all remember, and I seem to remember we agreed never to mention it again after Gale manhandled us.” That old woman was so unsuspecting. Comingup to us with her shaky old lady hands until she grabbed the oil and started her very personal rub-downs that left all four of us feeling very filthy.
“Yeah, yeah.” Janie waves her hand dismissively. “Well, I announced pre-orders on the first of the new merch for the shop, the one with the picture I drew, and we sold out with just pre-orders.” I watch her bouncing up and down, squealing. “They love my drawing, Fox! I did it!” I smile as I wrap my arms around her tightly and squeeze her.
“That’s amazing, baby doll! I’m so proud of you!” I release her, and she takes turns hugging each of the guys.
“This is just the beginning! Atlas, we will get this one out, and in two weeks, you guys have the convention in Florida. We will be doing teasers for that design to get people ready and interested in the convention. And because we are doing that and have a great following now, the convention center is comping your rooms. Meaning, be on your best behavior.” She says the last part in her scolding mother’s voice as she stares at Atlas and Ash, who both give her round-eye innocent looks.
“What?” Atlas asks, earning a slap on the chest and a death glare.
“No strippers, no parties. I heard about what happened with you guys in Vegas after Fox left.”
“What happens in Vegas, sta-” Ash’s mouth slams shut at the warning look Janie gave him while pointing to his cast.
“Good, now I have to go to dance class with Ren.” She stands on her tiptoes and gives me a soft kiss. Being the immature assholes they are, the guys make kissing noises behind us.
“So, what kind of dancing are you girls learning?” I ask as she grabs her bag.
“Pole dancing.” She says simply and gives me one last kiss before walking out, leaving me flabbergasted.
“Wait.” Atlas looks from the door that Janie just walked out of to me. “Pole? As in strippers?”
I blink several times and shake my head. “No.” I chuckle hesitantly and look back toward the door.
“There’s no way she and Ren are taking stripper classes. I mean, she’s gone to like four classes since we’ve been together. She would’ve told me. Right?”
Derek shrugs as he grabs a water bottle from our mini fridge. “She's an adult. Maybe she doesn’t feel like she needs to tell you.”
I roll my eyes at his remark. “Obviously, she doesn’t need to tell me. I just feel like I would’ve known by now.”
“Oh?” Atlas snickers. “You mean she’s not asking you to put a pole in your bedroom?” I punch his arm before hearing the bell chime.
“I’ll deal with you later,” I mutter as I go out front to help the customer.
“So,things with you and Janie seem good.” Atlas muses as he and I clean up the shop. Derek and Ash were already gone, so it was a rare moment he and I had alone.
“Yeah,” I can’t help the smile forming. “She’s really great.”
Atlas makes a gagging sound before sitting on his chair. “I'm happy for you. I’m glad you two finally admitted you’re in love.”
My whole body goes rigid, and I feel cold sweat wash over me.
In love?
“I never said anything about love, brother,” I state softly as I feel my anxiety rising.
Atlas laughs, “Okay, right; you look at every girl you fuck like that, then?” I glare at him, which only seems to solidify his point. “So what? You just haven’t told her yet?”
“Nothing to tell,” I grumble as I sit on my chair. “Love is not a part of what she and I have. I like her, I like being with her, and that has to be enough. Love, marriage, and all that are not in the cards.”
I see a serious look wash over Atlas’ face, which startles me. I wasn’t used to seeing anything besides his relaxed, happy-go-lucky expressions. “Why? Because you’re so old, and you’ll be a senior before your kids are in elementary school.”
My face falls. “No, you fucking prick!” I throw a pillow wedge at him before sighing. “I just don’t have it in me to fall in love.”
“Oh my god.” Atlas groans as he looks up toward the ceiling. “Dude, how fucking broken are you behind all of that flannel and hair?”
“Fuck off!” I yell defensively.
