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Ruby breaks the silence, her voice soft yet firm. “It’s okay, Oak,” she says. “We support you no matter what. It doesn’t matter if you need some space, are being a downright bitch, or are your perfectly normal self. We’re here for you.”
Rosa nods in agreement. “No one should ever feel like they have to apologize for having feelings.”
Oakleigh sighs, then busies herself by handing us our sandwiches.
The familiar smell of bacon fills the kitchen again.
It’s a small distraction from the heaviness in here.
Oakleigh licks her lips and continues, “Everything is still really fresh. I’m doing my best to put it all behind me, but that kind of shit sticks with you.”
Rosa nods, “Naturally.”
Oakleigh offers us a soft smile before licking her lips nervously. “Not a lot of people know this, but after I was shot I became addicted to cocaine. Razor just so happened to stop at the club I was working at during the time. I suppose you could say he saved me.”
Ruby finishes chewing on her bite and speaks up. “It sounds like he did. I’ve been wondering something though, if you don’t mind if I pry.”
Oakleigh cocks a brow. “What’s that?”
“How’s your dad handling everything?” Ruby sucks in a sharp breath, “I know how he can be, so I don’t know if it came as a shock to him.”
Oakleigh takes a moment to breathe in and out. “At first, he hated Razor. He thought it was gross that we were together because of our age gap, but once I explained I was addicted to drugs and Razor helped me, he understood a little bit more. I wouldn’t say he hates Razor anymore, but I know he isn’thappy we’re still together. If we were to ever break up, I could guarantee he’d throw a party.”
I shake my head, “That’s mean as all hell.”
I don’t know anything about Oakleigh’s father, but from what I’m hearing, I’m not a fan.
Rosa is quiet for a moment and then speaks up, “How’d he take it when you told him about the drugs, though? I mean, I know your father, and I know how much he cares. Sometimes his heart is misguided, but he’s a good man.”
Oakleigh swallows hard, “He couldn’t understand why I kept it from him. I had to explain being addicted to cocaine wasn’t exactly something I was proud of, and how I thought he’d be disappointed in me.”
I pipe up, “Both of your feelings are valid.”
Rosa’s phone starts ringing out of nowhere.
She digs it out of her back pocket and answers it. “Hello,”
It’s not on speaker, but I can hear every single word because she has her volume up so loud.
“Rosa, it’s Xavier. How are things going with you?” The man has a thick Mexican accident, and I begin to wonder if this Xavier guy could be related to her as well.
She sucks in a sharp breath, “What the hell! I’ve been so worried about you. Why haven’t you called me sooner?”
Xavier laughs, “I’ve been a bit busy. I’m in Russia right now,”
Rosa’s expression grows more serious, but I try not to make my eavesdropping so obvious. “What are you doing out there?”
There’s a brief moment of silence before he answers. “Pippa turned twenty, and I’m here speaking to Slasher and Katya. It’s time they were made aware of who her birth mother is.”
Pippa.
Who the hell is Pippa?
Rosa practically gets as white as I am. “Do you think it’s a good idea? I mean, do you think it’s the right time, honestly?”
Xavier’s quick to stand his ground. “She’s no longer a minor. I let her grow into adulthood a bit and get her bearings. Your sister needs to know who her birth family is, and waiting will only cause more issues. Trust me.”
Rosa sighs heavily, “If you think it’s time, then do it. I just . . . I know this is going to be a big change for her”
