"Like, from the streets?" He asks, a tone of fear in his voice that makes Cassa laugh.
"Oh absolutely Ral. We got her on the black market."
"Her?" Both Raleigh and I ask.
Cassa nods and shows us a picture of a sweet Hispanic girl that is about three months old. "This is Esparella but we are calling her Ella."
"Oh Cass, she's beautiful. Isn't she beautiful Ral."
"Adorbs.Brangelinamove overShassis getting a baby. "
"Oh that's a good one Ral." I say.
"Oh mygaaaaawd." He coos. "She's so fuckin adorbs baby. And lucky to have you as her momma. When's the peanut coming home?"
"In February, she'll be seven months old but still a baby. Her mother is pregnant and Ella was put in foster care after her birth when they saw she was addicted to meth. Shame and I see the damage that bitch Jenny did to Axe and we wanted to save Ella and give her the medical treatment she needs. Her mom is pregnant again, same story so we are petitioning to get her brother or sister too."
I was listening to her story, poor Ella but I could not believe the disdain she holds for Jenny. I have spoken with Jenny a million times, I let Noah talk to her about most his steps and he lets me know what he does when it's complete. I do it because he feels a safety with Jenny and comfort. Hearing Cass trash her though was rough. I tried to not take it personal because there had to be a reason.
I just didn't know it.
"We should fly you out tomorrow for the show and some shopping." Cassa says and starts looking up flights.
I had tuned out on them in my own thoughts, but the idea of Ral here perks me right up.
"I would love to woman, but I am on at the Sage and Brew both tomorrow." He pouts dramatically.
"Your boss must be a bitch." Cassa says and laughs.
"She is, total cunt." Ral says and I spit my water.
"Raleigh, if anyone is a cunt, it's you." I say and watch him snap a 'Z'.
"Proud of it." He blows a kiss and we all laugh.
"Ral, I miss you can't we get one of the guys from Eden house to cover?"
He doesn’t argue, he never does when I beg him to shirk his responsibilities. I am the boss, so I can make it happen. "Tell Sean G and Cary Bolin to cover them, they know your duties and I trust them. Let them know I will pay double time with a hundred dollar bonus when you get back."
"Oooh, Miss Millions here has a plan." Cassa says and laughs.
"Okay, but you email them and ask because I feel like shit knowing I get to fly first class to see you."
"First class Ral, really?" I say even though we both know I will.
"Sweetie this ass is not coach, the only coach about me is in luggage."
Cassa can't stop laughing. "Holy hell I love you Ral."
He winks and I go to argue as he starts covering the camera and making static noises on the microphone. "Can't… bad..gotta..tomorrow.." Then he stops the act to tell me goodbye. "Text me the itinerary. Tootles bitches." And he was gone.
"I am on it now." Cassa says and she is typing in the info. "What's Raleighs last name?"
I pause and she looks at me. "Silly, I need his name. there's a flight that leaves at six, so I am gonna book it so we have him all day."
"Cass… I can book it I have all his info." I say trying to avoid her question. She isn't letting me.
"That's silly, I have it ordered just need to get his info in and voila. Besides I asked him, and though I know you're not scraping pennies together I don't feel right asking you to foot the bill."
