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“There is a God and he sent us Antoinette.” He looks me up and down, but it’s not sexual, more like an approving father kind of way. “I’ve been waiting for you for years. You’ve no idea.” And I swear to God, he looks like he wants to lift me on his shoulders. I smile back, but sheesh, all his buddies seem so happy that Axel has me.
“It’s nice to meet you both.”
“If you need anything, you let me or Dolly know,” Edge says.
Dolly gives me the once-over, causing me to flush even more. Still, I hold my head high.
Thankfully Doug takes pity on me. “Let’s all go for a swim before it’s not sanitary.”
“I have to sit. My feet are swelling,” Dolly informs Edge who looks a little lost.
“Wait, you okay?” His eyes caress her face.
“She’s doing great, Edge. Just pregnant,” Eve says.
Edge frowns but stays focused on Dolly. “If you’re tired, maybe we should go—”
“I’m fine.” She laughs. “We’ll be at the pool.”
“Just take it easy, babe.” He kisses her so tenderly it’s strange that a man that rugged can be so gentle.
Doug’s phone rings as soon as he sinks into a cushioned chair under the umbrella. Dewey walks up, sweating, his face red.
I have a soft spot for him. He’s one of the sweetest guys. He adores Eve and is basically the manny to James Dean and Nicole.
Since Axel’s been gone, I’ve started having coffee with him before I go to work. Sometimes he drops me off.
“Eve, I need to talk to you.” He looks at me. “Hey, Antoinette.”
“You okay, Dewey?” Eve’s face instantly softens as she takes his arm, trying to move him to a corner of the gated pool area.
“That new girl, Memphis, is trying to be a nanny. Have we checked her out completely?” He wipes sweat from his brow with his hand.
“We’ll… it’s Donna and Bear’s daughter. Dewey, you grew up with her. Is she doing something wrong? Because she’s meant to help you.”
“I guess she’s fine. But I need her to know I’m in charge.” He starts to pace, but it’s crowded so he’s only able to take a few steps while trying to avoid some bikers who are laughing and drinking.
“Well, I’m sure she does. And I’ll tell her later on. Now come on, Dewey, it’s Dolly’s welcome home party. Sit and enjoy yourself.”
He nods. “I should go check on them. I’ll be right back.” He takes off, his large, muscled body weaving in and out of the crowd as a few other bikers bring out the grills.
“He’s so wonderful.” I look at Eve who watches him with a small smile.
“He truly is my sweet Dewey. I tried to get him help, and I think I created more anxiety for him.” She sighs and sits down next to Dolly and Doug who’s smoking and laughing on the phone.
“Grab a lounge chair,” she says. I glance around for an empty lounger or anything to sit on, but all of them are occupied by heavily tattooed women. Eve and Dolly are laughing and I stand next to them as the sun beats down on me, wondering how I could not have put on sunscreen. I’ve already started to burn.
“My ladies.” Rip comes over with what looks like a pitcher full of margaritas.
“God.” Dolly throws back her head to rest on the pillow. “I’d kill for a margarita.”
Rip pours a plastic cup and hands it to Eve.
“My Queen.”
“Thank God, I’m not pregnant. Keep them coming.” She looks at Dolly. “Sorry. Remember, it’s almost over.”
Dolly’s eyes are huge. “No, it’s not. I’m not even six months yet.”
“I’m trying to be positive,” Eve says. After taking a sip, she moans. “God, so good.”
Doug motions for Rip to give him one, lowering the phone to say, “I’m not pregnant either.”
Rip laughs and dumps a cup into Doug’s hand so he can pour the frosty margarita into it. “What about you, my goddess?” He winks at me. “Oh babe, you need to get under the umbrella. You’re pink. Did you put on sunscreen?”
“I didn’t and I can feel it already. Maybe I should go upstairs.”
Eve and Dolly stare at me. “Stop it! Dougie, give Antoinette your chair and spray her.” Dolly slaps Doug who stands, motioning for me to sit, a huge frown on his face.
“That’s a good idea.” I lift my dress and toss it onto the glass table waiting for the cool spray.
“Oh shit.” Rip eyes me. “Yeah, you should put your dress back on.”
“I don’t understand.” I look over at Eve who’s in a bikini. Aside from Doug, everyone is half-dressed, even Rip. What the heck?
“Trust me,” he says. “I don’t want to deal with this today.”
Doug hangs up the phone and grabs the Coppertone from the glass lounge table. “What’s the problem?” He looks at Rip.
