Page 144 of Rebellious

“I-I just wanted to see you,” Jana said shyly. “I didn’t say much when you visited me in the hospital.”

“You were recovering, sweetheart,” Hopper said.

Releasing Jana’s hand, Diesel got to his feet. “You had all the time in the world then, Jana. Unfortunately, that’s not the case today.”

Although she nodded, she couldn’t help but feel disappointed. She wanted to talk to Hopper a little longer. She was so kind.

“Forever a Dee Dee,” Bash sighed with disapproval. “They’re bonding. Let them do smarmy bitch shit and bond.”

“We have an appointment, Bash,” Diesel said irritably, then looked at Jana and Hopper. “Would you like to help Aunt Meggie with our wedding plans?”

“Isn’t Amy in charge?” Hopper asked in an unreadable tone.

“That cunt spent my money. Jana wants her alive, so I can’t kill her—”

“Wouldn’t matter to me,” Bash said. “If a bitch or a motherfucker stole from me, I’d kill them. How much are we talking about?”

“Tens of thousands of dollars,” Diesel grumbled. “I want Jana to have a wedding fit for a princess. Amy doesn’t think she deserves one befitting a fucking hobo. And Sue follows blindly along.”

Bash raised his eyebrows. “She’s a cat licker?”

“Sue is my dad,” Jana answered. “He likes strangers to call him Sam.”

“That motherfucker’s lucky he’s not called dead,” Diesel said.

“I think I’ll let Meggie handle it,” Hopper announced. “I…Sue reminds me of Randolph. My son doesn’t have the sense of a fly. I don’t want him to realize I have that much money and spend it on stupid shit.”

“Aunt Meggie’s nephew, right?” Diesel asked.

“Yes. Joey’s son.”

“I’m more than happy to warn that motherfucker to behave.”

“I don’t think Meggie will allow that,” Hopper said wryly.

Grunting, Diesel dug in his suit pocket and fished out a business card. “If you change your mind about helping plan the wedding, let me know.”

“I’m her motherfucker.” Bash held out his hand. “Give it to me.”

Diesel threw it on the table. “Ready, babe?” he asked, ignoring Bash’s growl.

Meekly, Jana got to her feet, then rushed to Hopper and hugged her. “Thank you for being so nice to me.”

“Amy isn’t?” Hopper whispered, her eyes widening.

“She’s lovely,” Jana swore.

“Not according to Dee Dee,” Bash said.

“We have to go, Jana,” Diesel insisted.

Jana hurried to his side.

Hand at the small of her back, they started toward the door.

“Diesel?” Bash called.

Diesel urged Jana into the hallway before he turned.