Never thought I would hear that.
I’m happily loading up my plate when I hear, “She doesn’t need more meat on her bones.”
Seven pairs of eyes swivel to George.
Grams pops a hand on her hip. “Care to explain what you mean by that, young man?”
George looks like he’s going to shit his pants. But I don’t feel the need to come to his defense like I usually do.
“Well, you know.” He visibly gulps. “She’s not that skinny.” When several jaws drop, he quickly adds, “But it’s not like she’s fat or anything.”
I put my plate down.
Memphis points his fork at George. “Dude, you really need to quit talking.”
Dismissing that excellent advice, George looks at me. “I didn’t mean you were fat. You’re not. You’re perf—”
Phoenix pounds his fist against the table so hard the dishes rattle. “Shut the fuck up. Now.” Cocking his head, he zeros in on me. “Eat your breakfast.”
“So, breakfast was…unexpected,” Skylar exclaims as we tidy up the kitchen.
“Yeah, those pancakes were the best I’ve ever had.”
“They were delicious.” Her lips quirk. “But I was referring to George putting his foot in his mouth and Phoenix almost ripping it out and beating him to death with it.”
Before I can respond, Grams strides into the kitchen.
Phoenix, Storm, and Memphis are right behind her.
A pang of sadness shoots through me when I notice Phoenix is carrying her luggage. “You’re leaving already?”
The woman just got here.
“Afraid so, dear. Got me a booty call in Miami, thanks to that app.”
Phoenix gives Storm a shit-eating grin as he heads to the front of the bus. “Looks like Grams has more game than you.”
Storm raises his middle finger before wrapping Grams up in a big hug. “Call me when you land.”
“Sure thing, baby. Stay out of trouble.”
He laughs. “I’ll do my best.”
Turning to Skylar, Grams kisses her forehead. “Make sure he doesn’t get arrested.”
Skylar smiles. “I’ll do my best.”
Her attention shifts to Memphis. “And you. Don’t be a fool, wrap your tool.”
A sheepish smile tugs at his mouth as he hugs her. “I’ll do my best.”
After they break apart, she folds her arms around me. “I’m so happy you’re back.” Face lined with worry, she cups my cheek. “Please don’t give up on him.”
I don’t have the heart to disappoint her, so I say the only thing I can.
“I’ll do my best.”
CHAPTER 44
LENNON
The moment the elevator doors open, I take off in a sprint.
Phoenix isn’t behind me like he should be though because—as usual—he’s taking his sweet time and lagging behind.
Impatient, I tap my foot while I wait for him to catch up. “Chandler’s going to kill me if I don’t have you at the venue in the next ten minutes.”
He meanders down the hall like one would if they were having a leisurely stroll through a park. “The venue’s only nine minutes away. We got plenty of time.”
So help me God…
When the sloth finally joins me, we make a quick left down the hallway leading to the private exit out back.
I feel him appraising me. “You know, our relationship would go a lot smoother if you’d learn to chill the fuck out.”
“Easy for you to say. You’re not dealing with you. “Also…” I gesture between us. “This isn’t a relationsh—”
“Phoenix,” a masculine voice slurs from behind.
Weird. Since everyone we know is already at the venue.
I’m about to chalk it up to a fan wanting an autograph, but Phoenix’s steps come to a halt and his expression turns serious. “I’ll meet you in the car.”
An uneasy feeling fills my gut. “Why? What’s going—”
“Get in the car.”
His ominous tone sends chills down my spine, but I’m not leaving.
Not until I know who this guy is and what’s got Phoenix so on edge.
“Aren’t you gonna say hi?” the man presses.
Phoenix spins around. “What the fuck are you doing here?”
The man staggers forward. He’s around Phoenix’s height, with long greasy dark hair, and the bluest, cruelest eyes I’ve ever seen.
The same shade as Phoenix’s.
“Just came to pay my boy a visit.”
The uneasy feeling in my gut intensifies.
Instinctively, I grab Phoenix’s hand, giving it a sharp tug. “Come on. Let’s go.”
I don’t know what this piece of shit wants, but we’re not sticking around to find out.
His father’s bloodshot eyes zero in on me. “Who’s your little girlfriend?”
In a flash, Phoenix yanks me behind him. “None of your fucking business.”
“Is that any way to talk to the man who raised you?” He takes another step, swaying as he does. “I taught you to have more respect than that.”
This asshole didn’t teach him a damn thing. His fists did.
“What the fuck do you want?”
“Your old man is having some money problems. I was hoping you could help me out.”
And there it is.
Phoenix snorts. “Big fucking surprise.”
Sneering, he rocks back on his heels. “Don’t you dare take that self-righteous tone with me, boy. You lived in my house rent-free for eighteen years, remember?”
That’s par for the course when you have children.
Baring his teeth, Phoenix takes his wallet out of his pocket. The look he gives him is engulfed with venom as he throws a wad of cash in his face.
“How could I forget?”
“Does he visit you a lot?”
Paying me no mind, Phoenix rolls down the window in the back seat of the SUV and lights a cigarette.
Shocker.
“Wow, the silent treatment. What else is new?”
Grinding his jaw, he brings the cigarette to his mouth and inhales. “You’re one to talk.”
“Are you deaf? I do talk to you.”
Far more than I want to.
He laughs, but there’s no humor. “Not about shit that matters.”
Good Lord. He’s unbelievable.
“Fine. What do you want to talk about?” I snap my fingers. “Oh, here’s an idea. Let’s talk about your dad.”
“Let’s talk about yours,” he bites out, eyes blazing.
Ripping a page out of his book, I scowl at my window.
A harsh snicker cuts the air. “Hypocrite.”
Anger brews in the pit of my stomach, and my hands itch with the urge to smack him. “Fraud.”
Closing my eyes, I draw in a deep, cleansing breath.
Fighting with him all the time is exhausting.
But that’s all Phoenix has ever known. Thanks to that abusive piece of shit with a vacant block inside his chest in place of a heart.
“I wasn’t trying to start an argument,” I whisper. “I simply wanted you to know you could talk to someone about it.”