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Barbie claims Monroe is the anti-Lana. Bronco’s woman was awkward for months in the Woodlands. She needed Bronco’s daughters to play buffer with the other residents, and Lana always worried about everyone’s opinion.
Monroe, though, quickly gets comfy wherever she ends up. Like currently, she walks barefoot next door to hang out with Pixie at Lana’s house. She doesn’t even brush her wild, brown hair first.
“She’s a slob,” Mom grumbles after Monroe leaves.
“You have ketchup on your boob.”
Mom looks down at her shirt to find I was fucking with her. She gives me the evil eye, but that shit hasn’t worked on me in a decade.
“I love you,” I say before she can bitch.
“You’re a tricky shithead like your dad.”
“Yeah, and he loved you, too.”
Mom finally smiles for real. “How come you don’t move your bunny slut into the house?”
“I’ve already explained how Monroe doesn’t like you.”
“Well, I don’t like her, either.”
“What will you do when I have my own place, and no one lives here with you?”
Mom leans against the black granite countertop. “I might move a man into the house.”
“Someone young and obedient, I assume.”
Smirking, she shrugs. “Maybe. I’ve gotten offers.”
“You’re hot. Everyone says so.”
“Really?” she asks, sounding genuinely surprised.
“Of course, but they’ll never say it to your face. Those people don’t like you, either.”
“Well, I ain’t a fan of anyone.”
“Hey, I like you fine!” I cry dramatically and throw up my arms. “Cold-blooded shit, right there, lady.”
Barbie smirks at my bullshit and hugs me. “Fairuza likes me.”
“Yes, Pixie’s family does tolerate you better than your own.”
“My family doesn’t know how good they have it,” she grumbles, losing her smile and likely thinking of Bambi.
“Sure, sure.”
Mom pushes me off her as if upset. “People are talking about you and Monroe as if you’re married.”
“She’s the only one I want. I’m glad they can acknowledge what’s obvious.”
“I think you can do better,” Mom mutters, stomping to the family room.
“Well, the medicine makes you stupid.”
Barbie throws a pillow that I easily dodge. “You’re rotten.”
“No, I’m my mommy’s son,” I say, joining her on the black leather couch, “and she loves me so much.”
Grinning now, Mom hugs me again. “You are a good boy. Bambi’s kids are trash. Bronco’s daughters are, well, they’re fine. But you’re the best.”
“And I deserve the best, which is why the universe gave me Monroe.”
“No,” she says, trying to wrestle free of my hug.
“Monroe’s the daughter of an original Executioner. How is that not perfect?”
“She’s also a bunny. Her mom is a whore.”
“So is mine, but you don’t hold that against me.”
“Ass,” she says, scooting away from me on the couch.
“Hey, you’re the one planning to move a sex slave into the house after I leave.”
“Well, I have needs. Sexual ones that a vibrator can’t satisfy.”
“Monroe has a giant dildo. A lesser man might be intimidated.”
Barbie frowns hard. “Don’t speak to me.”
“So, is there an actual man, or are you just planning to fuck a random guy off the street?”
“Worried about me?” she asks, regaining her smile.
“No, why would I be?”
Smile gone, she looks offended by my lack of concern. “Boys should worry about their mothers dating.”
“Your heart can handle any break, and your fists can deal with any asshole. What’s there to worry about?”
Mom flashes her most winning smile. “Such a good boy.”
“Does that mean you’ll join me at Bronco’s?”
“What for?”
“I want to hang out over there.”
“Why?”
“Fine, I want to hang out with Monroe, and she’s over there.”
Sighing, Mom looks disappointed. “You need to play things cool. No one likes a needy shithead.”
“I love her with all my heart, and I have the biggest fucking heart. It’s nearly as big as my dick.”
Barbie fights laughter. “Your father had a big dick, too. Which is why he couldn't wear tight jeans.”
“Sweet mother, you’ve told me that so many times. In fact, his big dick is on my list of stories to share with my children one day.”
“I don’t want grandbabies,” Mom nearly hisses. “There are too many little people in this community already.”
I wrap an arm around her shoulders even though I have to lean down to do so. “Don’t you want a grandson to show off? Bronco had no boys, and Devlin is a dud. Your grandson will be the superstar of the family.”
“I’ll just pretend Future is my grandson. He’s past the age where I need to worry about diapers.”
“Nope. You’re getting a real grandson. Oh, and my son’s name will be something badass like Frank or Carl. Real manly.”
Rolling her eyes, Mom walks with me out the front door. “Those are stupid names. Name him after your dad.”
“Billy sounds like a porno name. I’ll name him Willie instead. Way less porny.”
Mom likes the idea of Willie, probably because of the country singer and not because she knows “willie” is a term for dick. We walk down our long drive before turning at the sidewalk toward Bronco’s house. I hear his girls in the backyard and music playing as we loop around to his back gate.
Future runs over to reveal his pineapple-and-apple concoction. “It’s a fruit sandwich.”
“You’re a weird kid,” Mom says, and Future giggles.
Fairuza waves from her spot on the lawn, where she sits with Chili and Monroe. Pixie sits half in the pool while smiling at a nearby Anders. Her sister and Bronco’s youngest daughters play in the water with Lana. My uncle enjoys a beer while working the grill.
I’m about to join Monroe when my phone rings. Seeing who is calling, I let Mom create a little distance before I answer.
“What’s the frequency, Kenneth,” I ask Aja.
“Mommy has her phone. Not sure how that’ll turn out.”
“Why?”
“She gave me a weird look when I slipped it to her.”
“How did you approach her?”
“Like I was peddling a message from God rather than one from her kid. She’s got an escort, and the religious nut angle seemed the easiest way to get to her.”
“Well, maybe the weird look she gave you was based on your fundie schtick.”
“Could be, but I figured I ought to warn you not to get your hopes up.”
“What’s it like where she lives?” I ask, already thinking of extraction plans.
“One rich guy runs everything, and everyone works for him.”
“If we went in hot to grab Needy, think we’d get out unscathed?”
“Shouldn’t be an issue. He has muscle, but they’re middle-aged dads. Though strapped for a firefight, these guys are more Gravy SEALs than the Navy variety, if you get my drift.”
“Would you be up to help?” I ask, noticing both Monroe and Mom eyeballing me.
“Always.”
“Is that offer from you or your stepdad?”
“Why would Ethan want to help you?” she says, and I can feel her smiling. “He doesn’t trust your club.”
“Got the same speech from my people about your people.”
“Well, then maybe we need to work outside our people. Like with the Killing Joes.”
Despite my relief at hearing we’re on the same page, I still point out, “That ended up with you and me banged up.”
“Scars are sexy.”
“Yeah, but I have a woman now and a future club to run. I’m sure you have a reason to play life safe.”
“Do you mean my cat? If so, you should be aware he isn’t into me anymore. They’re so fucking fickle.”
Grinning, I spot Monroe about to join me. She’s wearing a greedy look in her brown eyes.
“I appreciate your help, Aja.”
“No worries. Hope your girl’s mommy calls. I’m a sucker for happy endings.”
Not a fan of frilly goodbyes, Aja hangs up and leaves me to worry about what happens if Needy doesn’t call. Loving Monroe has been so fucking easy. That’s why breaking her heart is bound to rip apart mine.
