Ava grabs the TV remote and passes it to Elena. “I’ll be back.”
Elena flicks through the channels, then turns her head to me. “What do you want to watch?”
I shrug, not having the mental capacity to think about it.
“I’ll put a comedian on then,” Elena says.
Ava comes back holding a blanket. She sits next to me and drags the blanket across us. This is what Misty and I used to do... and as if someone clicked their fingers, I’m transported to reality. She’s the reason I’m feeling this way.She’s the reason for all my pain.
Watching comedian after comedian make jokes, I’m struggling to focus on what they are saying, but then I’m distracted by the loud snoring that has started up next to me.
Elena turns and sits forward to stare at her sister. “Jesus Christ, it’s like a freight train coming through the house.”
My lip curves up as I smile. We peer at Ava, whose head is back on the couch. Her mouth is wide open as she draws in air, breathes out heavily, snorts, and gargles. It makes me giggle.
I can sense Elena’s eyes on me, and when I peek at her, she has a warm smile.
“Reaper,” Elena calls out. “Your ol’ lady is snoring her head off. You might want to take her to bed.”
Reaper and Axle make their way over. Reaper smiles at Ava adoringly. He looks back at us. “She’s been exhausted lately.”
Axle bursts out laughing, his shoulders shaking. “She’s got some pipes on her.”
“She doesn’t believe me that she snores,” Reaper tells us.
“These women, I tell you what. They act all sweet and innocent at first... a couple of months later, it’s all farts and burps, or, in your case”—he looks back at Ava—“snoring.”
Elena gasps. “When have I ever farted in front of you?” she asks, sounding offended.
He raises a brow. “Are you serious, babe?” I’m not sure whether he’s joking or not. “You literallyblow me awayin your sleep!”
I peek back at Elena. Her face is red. “You lie!” she spits.
Axle shakes his head, chuckling. “Nah, it’s like you hold it in all day, then wait till we’re in bed and then you just let it riiippppp. You’re way too comfortable if you ask me. You think Ava sounds like a freight train, you sound like foghorn.”
I feel immature, but I can’t stop a laugh escaping.
“Well... I didn’t ask you.” She crosses her arms. “I call bullshit.”
Axle puts his hand on Reaper’s shoulder and looks up at him. “I think we are going to have to start videoing them.”
Reaper chuckles and shakes his head. “No, Ava will be embarrassed. I’ll take her to bed.” He lifts the blanket from her and passes it to me. With an arm around her back and one under her legs, he lifts her and they leave.
I shuffle over, allowing Axle to sit between us so that he’s next to Elena. He gives me a smile and sits.
“Do I really fart that much in my sleep?” Elena asks.
“I was exaggerating. You’ve done it twice.”
She slaps his shoulder. “Why do you always have to embarrass me?”
He shrugs. “Because it’s funny... and I love seeing you squirm.”
Elena huffs. “Unbelievable.”
Axle bats his eyelashes. “Yes, I am, baby,” he purrs, putting his arm across her shoulders and pulling her to his side.
Another two hours roll by. Elena and Axle fall asleep on the couch. I’m wide awake, left wondering what the men are doing... and what they’ve seen.
