Page 80 of In the Line of Ire

"I don'teven know where that rumor started," I said. "We're going to astakeout. Nothing will happen."

"Dadsays we all know what happens when Aunt Lexi says that," retortedSam as he and his cousins giggled with glee.

"Thanksfor the vote of confidence," I told them before flashing them alook. They simply giggled harder and I frowned, wondering what theythought was so funny.

Dadleaned over. "Your mother and I would appreciate it if you calledlater and let us know you're okay," he said. Leaning back, his eyeswidened when he saw the last chicken leg on the platter in front ofhim.

"Willdo, Dad," I said but the chicken had fully captured his attentionalready.

Thankfully, the subject changed, and the conversation gotlivelier. By the time the plates were cleared and dessert wasserved, we were all in good spirits. Mom sliced cake and we passedthe plates along while she laid out fat jugs of cream.

"This isdelicious," said Maddox.

"You'rea great cook," groaned Sadiq.

"Youreally must come again," gleamed Mom. She reached for some smallpackages on the counter and passed one to me, then to Serena andLily and Alice. I opened mine and peered inside but I couldn't seeanything so I turned the envelope upside down and shook it. "Don'topen those until you get home," warned Mom.

I shookharder and a scrap of something tiny and red shot out, landing onMaddox's plate. "What is it?" I asked.

"Lexi!"yelled Mom. "It was supposed to be a surprise!"

I staredat the unidentified scrap on Maddox's plate as it unfurled into alacy remnant of fabric with bright red satin ribbons. Maddoxpinched it between his thumb and forefinger and held it up. "Isthis..." he trailed off, blinking.

"Panties!" yelled Sam.

"Yep,"said Maddox, now utterly transfixed.

"Mom,what?" I asked.

"Youwere supposed to open them at home, not throw them on top of yourslice of cake," said Mom.

"She threw them onmycake," said Maddox, still gazing at the tiny, redexcuse for female underwear.

"Mineare blue!" said Lily, grinning as she held up a wad of blue lacewith oversized black satin tie-bow sides.

"Whatthe hell?" asked Jord, blinking. "They're see-through."

"I madethem in my lingerie construction class," said Mom. "They're allpresents. You were supposed to open them up at home. I made all theladies a set and next week we're making bras. Please text me yourmeasurements and I'll make all of you a matching bra."

"Here,"said Maddox, twisting in his seat to pass them to me. "I think Igot a little cream on them."

"Not aword," I said to the now speechless table.

Dadturned red and began to splutter. Jord banged him on the back butdidn't take his eyes off Lily. I saw him mouthing something to herand she winked back. I was never more pleased that I couldn't lipread.

"I'lltake these," I said, removing my mother's gift from where they hungbetween my ex-boyfriend's fingers. Unfortunately, once I had themin my possession I didn't know what to do.

"I triedto get the colors just right," said Mom. "Won't Lexi look lovely inred, John?"

"Delightful," said Solomon. He gazed at me, his eyes dark andsmoky, and pressed his leg against mine, sending a burst of heatbolting through me.

"Stopit," I said softly.

"Pleaselet me know if they fit. If they don't, I can adjust them but thetie sides should make them easily alterable," continuedMom.

"I cansee that," I said. I scrunched them up and slipped them into mypocket. "Thanks, Mom."

"All youhave to do is pull them and..." persisted Mom.

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