Tania watched as Cartersmashed potatoes into the tray of the high chair that looked like it might be as old as she was.Not that she was worried about it.She’d checked it herself to make sure it was sturdy.If the thing had become wobbly in all the years it had been around, then someone had done a good job of repairing it, as it was easily more sturdy than most of the chairs in the common room.And somewhere in time, someone had added a strap so once the baby was big enough to start trying to get out of it, he would have a harder time.
She glanced around the room, wondering where Smokey had gone.He’d stuck so close to her for most of the day that it felt weird for him not to be there.Plus, Carter was going to need to be cleaned up again and she didn’t have the energy for it.
It had been less than a day and yet, she didn’t hesitate to look around for his help.She marveled at that.Rod had helped with nothing.His philosophy was that he worked, she should take care of the home and everything in it.Including the baby, the yard, the housework.It was all her responsibility.
Smokey seemed to want to help.He didn’t seem to think it was all her job.And after a very short amount of time, she was swiftly coming to rely on him.How could she be used to something after less than a day?And what a day it had been.She wanted nothing more than to climb into a nice, soft bed and sleep for about seventeen hours straight.
Okay, so maybe seventeen was a bit of an exaggeration, but she’d take eight.Hell, she’d be happy with six hours uninterrupted.
“How’s things going?”Taylynn’s voice brought Tania out of her daydreaming.
“They’re going.”Tania stole a glance at her son.He was happily squishing the mashed potatoes into tiny mountains, then smashing them as he giggled.He was making a mess and she should stop him, but she loved hearing his giggles.
“You look like you’ve been run over by a Mack truck,” Taylynn gave her a wry smile as if she was trying to cushion the harsh words.
Tania knew the other woman was just being honest.She appreciated it.“Thanks,” she said, lifting one corner of her mouth in a wry smile.“I feel like it too.”
Taylynn watched her for a few seconds then twisted around and yelled.
“Smokey!”
“What?”came his voice from down the hall.
“Come get your boy.I’m stealing your woman.”
Tania started to protest, to say she could take care of Carter.That she wasn’t Smokey’s woman but Smokey appeared around the corner.
“Look at her,” Taylynn motioned to her.“She’s had a long fucking day after a miserable night.I’m going to take her to relax a bit so hopefully she can sleep tonight."
“She’s right, Shell.”He looked down at their son for a moment, then grinning, shook his head.He leaned over and kissed the top of Tania’s head.“I’ve got him.Go with Taylynn.She’ll take good care of you.I’ll get him cleaned up, changed, and laid down.Are you okay with my setting up the portable crib in the sitting area?”
“Sure.”She planned to sleep on the sofa anyway, that would keep him nearby so she could wake up when he did so he didn’t disturb Smokey.Moving after sitting for so long reminded her of every single bruise.She bit back the groan that fought to escape and followed Taylynn upstairs and to a room she didn’t recognize.
“This is our room, I mean, the one I share with Raven.I just want to grab something for you.”
Tania looked around, noting that the room was similar to the one she was sharing with Smokey.A living space, with a bedroom to one side and door on the other that she assumed led to a bathroom.Taylynn disappeared into the bedroom for a moment then returned, holding out a handful of fabric to Tania.
“Here, go put this on.”She gestured toward the restroom door.It took Tania a second to realize it was a swimsuit.
“I couldn’t.”Tania couldn’t imagine wearing anyone else’s swimsuit; it was too much like used underwear.She had to fight back a shudder at the thought.
“It’s new.I haven’t worn it yet.You could go without anything, but I think the guys would find that to be a bit too much of a show to keep their mouths shut.”
Tania’s eyes went wide as she wondered for the first time if maybe she wasn’t safe here.
“They’d never touch you,” Tania said quickly, obviously seeing her panic.“And if anyone even tried, Raven and Smokey would make sure they never tried a second time.”She shook the handful of fabric, prompting Tania to take it.Hesitating a moment more, she did.Shaking it out, Tania saw it was two pieces but not a string bikini.It wasn’t modest, but she’d worn smaller suits.Just not since Carter had been born.
“I can’t.”Tania shook her head.“My stretch marks will show.”
“So the fuck what?Those are battle wounds you won bringing that beautiful boy into the world.”She waved toward the bathroom.“Go put it on.I’ll change in the bedroom.”Taylynn watched her until the bathroom door closed, only then did Tania hear the bedroom door close.Resigned, Tania changed into the suit Taylynn had given her, then folded her clothes neatly to take with her.She didn’t have many and she didn’t want to lose what she did have.Clothes under one arm, she opened the bathroom door and looked around.Taylynn must still be changing.Before she had a chance to wonder what to do next, the bedroom door opened and Taylynn stepped out.She had far more scars, all over her, than Tania’s stretchmarks, or even the bruises she’d tried hard to ignore as she put the suit on.The proof of the other woman’s pain made Tania feel bad for worrying someone would see them, especially since Taylynn didn’t seem to care.She would never ask Taylynn what happened but she could use the other woman’s strength as an inspiration.
“Good.Here.”Taylynn handed Tania a large towel, still folded.“Give me a sec, I’ll grab a bag for your clothes.”She moved to a cupboard and pulled out a grocery bag.“I should have given you that with the suit.”She waited while Tania put her clothes in the bag, then picked up the other towel she’d brought from the bedroom with her and went to the door.
Tania fell into step behind Taylynn as she led them down the stairs.Surprisingly, at least to Tania, none of the men in the common room said a word about how little the two of them were wearing.
“Hey, we’re headed outside.”Taylynn’s voice made Tania look up.She noticed one of the other women she’d seen around the common room talking to the president’s wife.“Change and come join us.It will be some nice girl’s time.”Taylynn turned.“Tania, have you met Andy yet?”
Tania shook her head.Taylynn made the introductions.
