Page 89 of Pieces of Us
I’m thankful when I hear the doorbell. Lewis has the personality of dry toast, and Marcus won’t give him or Gigi the time of day. I can understand him not talking to Lewis, but I’ve never seen him give Gigi the cold shoulder.
Mel answers the door as Marcus finally looks at Lewis. “Hopefully, one of the interviews pans out. Five months is a long time to be out of work.”
Shit, five months?
“He’ll do fine, Marcus.” Gigi steers Lewis toward Audrey and Jax as they enter the room.
I step closer to Marcus as the others are distracted. “He’s been out of work for that long?”
He just nods.
“How’s he getting by?”
“Daddy’s money.”
“Shit, must be nice.”
“Right?” He shakes his head.
“That doesn’t bother G?”
“It’s a sore spot for her. That’s why I brought it up.”
“So, you were just being a dick?”
He shrugs. “I don’t like him, Linc.”
“I can see that.”
Marcus stands to greet Jax and Audrey, and I go back to the stove.
Everyone grabs a plate and finds a spot either at our small kitchen table or at the island. Looking around, I think about how, in a couple years, Mel and I should look for a house where we can accommodate everyone. Maybe a patio where I can havea grill, a dining room where we can have a big table. I smile at the thought of Millie running around the backyard with Jax and Audrey’s child.
“So, what’s the occasion for a dinner party?” Audrey asks as she cuts her steak.
I smile and put my hand on Melonie’s thigh under the table. “We wanted everyone here because Mel and I want to let you know we’re officially in a relationship.”
Audrey smiles, and Jax has a look on his face like a child on Christmas morning. Gigi squeals and claps her hands while Marcus just grins.
“This is awesome.” Jax gets up to slap my back and give Mel a side hug in her chair.
“You two finally got your shit together,” Gigi says, then she turns to the group. “Pay up everybody, it’s my month. Venmo or cash accepted.”
Mel and I watch everyone pull out their phones and send Gigi money. I look at Mel and laugh loudly. She shakes her head.
“They’re ridiculous.”
Chapter Sixty-One
Linc
After a long week, it’s finally Saturday, and Jax and Marcus are coming over to help me put all the furniture together. I can’t wait to see Millie’s room really take shape, to see where she’ll sleep. Mel is getting ready to meet Audrey and Gigi to have brunch and get their nails done.
We got a late start this morning, so I’m rinsing out coffee cups when there’s a knock at the door. Mel stands from her seat at the island to let Jax and Marcus in.
“Hey,” I say as I dry my hands.
“Hey.” Marcus sets his toolbox on the floor by the door.
