“You knew about that?”
“Being quiet has its advantages. I understand he has issues with coming out, and that is his journey, but I didn’t like how he made you into someone you weren’t, D.” Oh. I didn’t realize he was watching so closely. “You’re a unique creature, D, and as much as we moan and groan about your spirited ways, we would never want to change you.” Why am I getting emotional? “The person you date should and will love you for who you are, warts and all.”
“I don’t do warts.”
Axel chuckles. “You get what I’m saying.”
“I do. And thank you.”
“I’ll deny saying this, but I love you, D.” I gasp and place my hands to my cheeks. “You’re an annoying little brother.”
“Even though I’m older?” I smirk, raising my brow.
“You give off little brother energy.” He’s not wrong, I can see that. “All I’m saying is, I’m glad you’re part of our family, life would be dull without you in it.”
“Don’t stop, keep telling me how awesome I am,” I joke.
“Fuck you,” Axel says, flipping me off.
“I know I joke around a lot, but I do appreciate your kind words, Ax. And I am thankful for you and the guys making me feel like family. I’ve never known what a normal family is, and I guess I get awkward around it, and that awkwardness comes out in me saying things at the wrong times or makes me excitable sometimes because I don’t know how to act.”
“Never change, D,” Axel tells me. “Those babies in there need an uncle like you, who is going to love them so fiercely.”
“Would it be weird to ask for a hug? You’ve made me all emotional,” I confess to Axel.
“Come here,” he says, opening his arms, and I willingly go into them, and he hugs me tightly. Axel is not a hugger at all, but Olivia has made him one.
“Is this what you needed?” he asks.
“Yeah. I think I did.” I inhale his spicy cologne.
41
DERRICK
Evan: It’s go time.
Oh my god. I’m going to be an uncle again. Sienna’s been rushed to the hospital to have her baby. I can’t wait to see that little one and squish his face.
Derrick: Sienna’s been rushed to hospital.
Stacey: OMG!
Derrick: It’s happening.
Vanessa: I just woke up from a nap. I’m so excited.
Derrick: We will have four babies now in the Dirty Texas family.
Stacey: Ten bucks Axel knock Olivia up next.
Derrick: That seems like a given. Have you heard from Isla?
Stacey: No. She says she’s busy working but can’t wait to catch up.
Derrick: Is everything okay with her, she seems very quiet lately.
Stacey: I think so, but she has been distant, even Oscar has mentioned it.
