“Thanks, but I don’t’ want to talk about me anymore. Let’s talk about you. How have you been since the wholeTiffany blowup? And before you answer, don’t think I haven’t noticed how you’ve conveniently been M.I.A lately.”
Lexi laughs a humorless laugh. “Yeah, I guess you could say I did a bit of self-reflection and decided it’d be best for my mental health to distance myself. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not doing this for Tiffany, or because she got under my skin. I just can’t go back to who or what I used to be. I worked hard as hell to heal and find balance, and there’s no way I’m letting that bitch take me back, ya know?”
“I get it,” I nod. “And I’m proud of you. If this had been a few years ago, that argument would’ve ended with Tiffany gathering her teeth off the floor.”
Lexi belts a laugh, but we both know it’s true. She had quite the reputation back in high school. College, too. She was notoriously easy to set off, and hard to wrangle back in.
“But it’s fine,” she sighs. “Jax still gets to spend time with his dad, and I still get to hang out with my girls. I just inserted some much needed separation.”
“Which is very mature of you, ma’am.”
“Whatever,” she laughs, sticking out her tongue. “Anyway, you guys been back to the doc’s about West’s shoulder? I didn’t see an update in the group chat.”
And she probablywon’tsee one. Because the news fucking sucked.
“We saw him today, actually.”
“Shit. Was it bad news?”
I blow out a breath, remembering all that was said. “It’s either severe inflammation or he’s re-torn his rotator cuff, but we won’t know until the swelling comes down a bit more.”
“Damn, Blue. I’m so sorry.”
“Yeah, me too. But it is what it is. Nothing we can do at this point but wait until we know more.”
“Are they thinking he’ll need surgery again?”
“The doctor didn’t take it off the table. I’m hoping it won’t come to that, but who knows.”
West’s negativity is rubbing off on me, because my next thought is that it wouldn’t surprise me if this turns into a worst-case scenario. Seeing as how everything else is upside down right now.
“Well, if there’s anything I can do, just let me know.”
“I appreciate you. You always have our back, Lex. Seriously.”
“Of course. You two are my family.”
I open my mouth to speak, but Lexi cuts in, speaking to someone off-camera. “It’s in the cabinet next to the stove.”
I arch a brow, because there’s no way she’s talking to Jaxon this late. “Ooohhh, does someone have company? A certain sexy veterinarian, perhaps?”
She smiles then rolls her eyes. “Shut up. No. It’s my sister. She moved in a few days ago.”
I don’t miss the distressed look that follows her whispered explanation.
“Wow, I didn’t realize she’d be staying with you so soon.”
“Me either,” she sighs. “But here we are.”
“So far so good?”
“Too soon to tell,” she says back, and I don’t push.
We lie there in silence. It isn’t the uncomfortable kind that’s plagued me and West lately. It’s just the reflective kind you can breathe into without it being awkward.
“Know what?” I ask.
“What’s up?”
