“I don’t know, Chaos. But I am going to watch and listen. I am sure if that is happening Amelia and Sybil don’t realize. They wouldn’t hurt her on purpose, but even doing it negligently it will still hurt Bitty.”
“If you need me to do anything, you just have to ask.”
Mia pats my hand, which I’ve laid on the table next to the can of soda. “I will. Thank you, Chaos.”
Walking to where the trash can is positioned, I throw my empty can of soda, then wash my hands at the sink and dry them, all the time checking out what is happening around me. Amelia is talking about the meal tonight, and Sybil is talking about spending time with the twins when they come home from school. Bitty is not speaking, and the other two seem oblivious to the fact. I walk over and kiss Bitty on the cheek. She looks at me with a kind of sad smile before looking back at the carrots she is chopping. Yeah, something isn’t right!
Meat is in the garden when I reach the area, and Hammer is giving him some nasty looks. But Hammer has a bench andseeing me holds his hand out, “You owe me for the bench.” Wow, someone shit in his Cheerios this morning.
I dig in my pocket and hand him a bunch of notes, don’t give a shit how much I handed him. I grab the bench and look at Meat. Stepping up, Meat takes one end of the bench, and we carry it between us to an area near a tree. It will be a great place to sit and think.
Looking at Hammer who is pacing the area, putting markers into the ground I can’t help but ask, “What’s up, Hammer?”
Now, that earns me a foul look. Meat grunts before walking away, heading down the compound without a care, whistling while he’s going.
“I didn’t think this was the right area. But, fuckin’ Meat logged this as the area with Axel and that was it. So, we have this area and not over at the other side where I was going to place it.”
“Oh, I see. But you know, Hammer, it doesn’t matter, there or here. What matters is that we make it nice for any or all of us to eventually rest here. Together eternally, that is what it will be.”
Hammer grunts, but I can see I made the impression I wanted to make. “I’m going to mark the area I want for my family. The rest of you can all mark out with Axel where you want. I’m done with it as soon as I’ve got the fencing in place.”
Placing his next marker into the ground, Hammer I can see is thinking hard. Standing and looking at me, a frown crosses his face. “Fuckin’ hell, Chaos. Together eternally! That means I’ve got to put up with Meat’s ass even after I’m dead?”
Throwing my head back and laughing lightens the mood, and Hammer smirks eventually. I know he’ll be okay. He just likes to be organized when he’s working on anything. Meat changing the position would have knocked him off kilter, and he’ll remember and get Meat back, eventually.
Arriving home after checking back in with Target at the range, the first thing I notice is the smell of cooking. It’s such a welcoming smell, and the sound of Corey laughing adds to the feel.
“What are you cooking?” I surprise them by asking.
“Hi, Dad. We are having homemade pizza with pineapple and ham,” Corey says, then bursts into fits of giggles.
Screwing my face up comically at the mention of pineapple, Victoria laughs along with Corey. “I’ll wash up,” I state giving a stiff upper lip kind of response, then head to the bathroom where I will quickly wash ready to eat.
Eating pizza, I pick all the pineapple and plop it on Corey’s plate, as he loves pineapple. I don’t mind it, actually. I just prefer it away from my pizza.
Victoria tells me about Corey’s schoolwork, how well he is doing, and I can see she’s excited about his progress, as well as the swell of Corey’s chest as the information is given to me.
“Well, that is awesome news, Corey. You are one clever little shit.” I ruffle his hair while grinning at him. “I’m really proud of you. Keep it up, son.”
“Thanks, Dad.” Corey stuffs pineapple into his mouth, but it doesn’t stop the smile he’s wearing.
“I’ve been thinking about a vehicle, Vicky. I have my hog and truck. You should have an SUV. I’ve seen a Toyota that is in excellent condition, and it is one of the top vehicles for safety and reliability. Would you be interested in that?”
Wiping her mouth before she speaks, Victoria gives me a serious look. “I am not a vehicle fanatic to be honest, Chaos. If it is in good condition, inside and out, then I’m okay. What color is it?”
Now, I hold back the smirk at her color comment. It’s a typical thing a woman asks, and something a man isn’t as bothered about. “It’s black with tan leather seats inside.”
“Okay, if you think it’s a good purchase, then I’m okay with that. I don’t particularly want to go vehicle shopping. It’s not my sort of thing. But I want a trike for Corey and I to have road trips.”
“Road trips? You’re not going on road trips without me.” I splutter, not telling her she’s got a trike and will get it after we’re married.
“Of course you’ll be coming. We need someone to pay for the hotel when we stop off.” My face must show the shock her comment creates, but when she and Corey burst out laughing, I know I’ve been had.
