Page 3 of Alex
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Mytwin brother, Parker, and his girlfriend, Macy, are the first to show up forthe New Year’s celebration. Macy carries a chocolate cake, and Ian scoops itout of her hands. “I know you said not to bring anything, but I couldn’t showup empty handed,” she explains.
“Yourhand doesn’t look empty to me.” My words are rewarded by a bright smile, andshe holds up her hand, displaying a sparkling engagement ring. I’d heard Parkerpopped the question a few days ago. “Congratulations. I’m so happy for you,” Itell her, giving her a big hug and slapping Parker on the back, nearly knockinga cardboard box out of his hands.
“Placeis starting to look habitable,” Parker remarks, taking in our recentimprovements.
“It’sgetting there,” Ian agrees. “Art’s side was a real mess. The last owner neverfixed anything, and he’s not able, so most of our work has been focused there.”
“What’sin the box?” I ask Parker, as he looks for a place to set it down.
“Partyfavors. Macy’s idea.”
“Well,let’s move to the living room where it’s warm and check it out.”
Beforewe can dig into the box, Everly bounces through the door with Mason hot on herheels. Jake Jensen, one of Striking Back’s security officers, and his newgirlfriend, Janet, come in behind them. Janet is Macy’s friend. Macy hooked herup with Jensen a few months ago. I swear, everywhere I look, there’s a happycouple. For once, I’m glad Ian is a slut. Misery truly loves company.
Asmall dark car parks at the curb. “Ian, I think your buddies are here,” I call,as he returns from hanging everyone’s coats in the hall closet. Cameron andTeddy come in, both carrying a six pack of beer.
Introductionsare made and drinks poured as everyone gathers in the kitchen. “Who else iscoming?” Ev asks.
Handingher a soft drink, I reply, “Ian has a date who should be here soon, and Ms. Deninsisted on bringing us her special hot chili dip. I imagine she’ll stayawhile. Oh!” I turn to Ian. “Did you invite Arthur?”
“Yep.Said he’d stop by.”
“He’sa hoot,” Ev says with a giggle. “Isn’t he about Ms. Den’s age?”
“Everly.”Mason’s voice holds equal amusement and warning.
GrabbingJanet and Macy’s hands, Ev says, “Come on, girl talk in the living room.”
Isit around the table with the rest of the guys, and Ian pours everyone a shot.“So, who’s this chick you have coming?” his friend Teddy asks.
“Imet her at the office supply store. Tall, blonde, and fond of constrictiveclothing.” Ian grins. “She texted me a few minutes ago to ask if she couldbring a couple of friends.”
“I’dbetter not find anyone fucking in my bed,” I groan.
Camerongrins. “I’d never do that. The floor or wall would work fine.”
“NowI see why you and Ian are friends,” I say, pouring everyone another shot.
“Goodness!What have I walked in on?” Ms. Den bursts into the room, carrying two largealuminum pans stacked one on the other. Ms. Den is like a mother to me and mybrothers, not to mention all the women at Striking Back, the domestic violenceshelter we own. She’s sixty-three and looks like a sweet old grandmother, buther tongue is sharp as a razor.
“Well,young man,” she says to Teddy, who suddenly looks uncomfortable holding abottle of tequila. “Are you going to pour a lady a drink or what?”
“Yes,ma’am,” he replies with a chuckle.
Masontakes the pans from her and places them on the counter. Just as Ms. Den throwsback her shot, Ev enters arm in arm with Arthur. “I found this gentleman at thedoor and thought he might like to join us.” She introduces him to Ms. Den, thenthe rest of the group.
“Wouldyou like a drink?” Ms. Den asks him.
“I’dlove one, dear.”
“Betty,”she replies with a coy grin.
“Thankyou, Betty.”
Masonand Parker are both staring, jaws agape. I’ve never heard her offer her firstname. We’ve known her as Ms. Den for years.
