He’s silent, chewing on his lip, a muscle working behind the scruff on his jaw. Finally, he says tersely, “Okay. You win. When?”
“Now. Right fucking now.”
“Oh, no—no way. I’m not ready.” He jumps up, throws his hands in the air and strides toward the exit. “I’ll tell her after the mission is completed.”
“Are you worried Tippy might find out?” I watch Jax freeze, shoulders around his ears.
He reels on me, eyes blazing. “I don’t give a damn what a wixen hippie thinks of me.”
My gaze holds his, challenging him. “Stop lying to yourself. You’re mad about the girl.”
Jax lets out a low growl, baring his teeth in something very close to a snarl.
Finally, I’ve hit a raw nerve.
I push my advantage with a jerk of my thumb. “Get in the jeep. Now. We’re going to see Clem.”
CLEM.
I’m dusting the twins’ old room and carefully working around the photos on the shelves.
I pause and take a closer look at a picture of the twins playing basketball. I can’t tell which is Dwayne and which is Nathaniel, they sure look alike. They’re goofy and grinning, still not full-grown orcs, their long green limbs gangly, with hands and feet that are out of proportion. I put it down and pick up another. They’re holding a trophy between them, with Sally and Bradley standing proudly on either side. The orc to their left must be Amy, I deduce, with her green hair tumbling in curls around her shoulders. And to the right stands Otis, tall and studious looking, with an awkward smile, hands folded in front of him.
I sigh as I place the photo carefully back on the shelf. I wish the Cane clan were all together again, laughing and happy as a family.
I leave the room, pleased with my handiwork. The house looks like a new pin. I’m contemplating cooking something for dinner when I hear Otis’s jeep draw up outside.
Before I can even get to the door, Otis has burst through it, followed by Jax.
“Oh, hi. Both of you!” I chirp.
“Jax is here to explain a few things. Come with me.” He leads the way into the study.
Jax throws himself into a chair, gets out his vape, then puts it back in his pocket.
I perch on the edge of a chair opposite.
Jax looks, almost nervous. Not like the usual cocky Jax I know.
“I’ll put the kettle on,” Otis says, and it reminds me of my first day here. Was that really less than a week ago? It feels like a lifetime.
“Bring cookies. We’ll need them,” Jax calls after him. Otis growls something over his shoulder which I think is a yes.
Now Jax takes out his vape again, puts it to his lips and takes a long drag.
“I wish you’d give that away,” I grumble.
He grunts, and puffs out a plume of vapor.
“So…” I clasp my hands. “Where’ve you been?” I try not to sound resentful that he has only visited once since I got here.
“Around. How about you?”
“I’ve had plenty to do.” I tilt my chin, refusing to blush. “We visited Otis’s mom.”
“Nice lady, from what I’ve heard,” Jax says, crossing his ankles high up on his thigh and pulling on his booted foot, a habit he’s had since he was a kid.
“She’s lovely,” I agree. “We baked her a cake.”
