Page 56 of Thick as Thieves
“Yes, definitely, I can, we can. You’re not upset? I understand it’s not the norm, but I love her, I love him. I will protect them all. You, the kids, even Jonno and the gang.” I’m rushing on, intent on making sure he knows it isn’t just a fling.
“Xander, if midarlin’ is happy, I am. It’s as simple as that. I will do anything for that girl. Just make sure she’s happy, that's all I ask of you both.”
I’m practically in tears. “I, we will, Marshall,” I assure him before I hang up.
Fucking hell. She’s told Marshall. She’s serious, full throttle. It only goes to Marshall when it’s real.
Evie arrivesin Mexico at the end of March. She arrives without the nanny, but with Tommy, intending to get a Mexican helper, and basing herself in Mexico city. Coming out to shows that fit and not to others. It’s a compromise—as the time differences and flight times are really long in this part of the world—but there’s a lot going on in and around the city, the weather is fine and dry, we make the most of the days we have and it works well.
The house we’ve rented is in a trendy part of the city, the tree-lined streets offering lots of cafés and restaurants within easy walking distance. The house is an old refurbished Spanish style mansion. Large gates at the front lead to an ornate façade with freshly painted white frontage, and black wrought iron fencing encloses the house and garden from the street. And fortunately it’s got five floors to accommodate everyone.
It needs to be large as Gabe has brought his American ladies out again, and Texas is one of the entourage. I see Evie raise her eyes to the heavens, but to our surprise, and even Evie’s, the woman makes a bee-line for us all the instant she spots Evie.
I move to stand in front of Kitten—not a fucking chance she’s upsetting her. I’ll evict her before that happens. But Texas’s face falters from the confident and determined aura she’s pumping out to one that is self-doubting and insecure. Clearly the confidence was a front, and I see it shatter completely when she looks at my face, my combative stance, and my intentional move to protect Evie.
Her walk stutters, and her clearly well rehearsed words fall over themselves. “I’d like to say a few things to y’all if I can. I want to apologise to you Evie, for the things I said over the summer. I won’t blame anyone else, as I went along with it, but to be honest, I thought it was a half-baked plan. I could see what y’all were into, but got railroaded.” I’m not sure if she’s apologising or trying to blame someone else, but she goes on. “I want to bury the hatchet and get on. Y’all won’t get any trouble from me.” She points to herself for good measure, a tentative smile on her face.
I drop my guard a bit and smile. I suppose I have to hand it to her. She’s upfront enough to come out with it.
Evie steps around me to address Texas. Her face relaxed, the personification of calm. Her stance is confident, and for a moment I wonder why I actually stepped in front of her. She’s always been able to deal with things herself, never has been afraid of confrontation.If they’re prepared to bring it, be prepared to take it.It was a saying I’d forgotten from when we were young. They all lived by it, and that hasn’t changed. Amazing how things from your childhood follow you into adulthood. The fact I get to witness this, her like this—it’s a fantasy come true.
“It’s fine, Texas, apology accepted. But just to note, you can’t keep going on about my dress sense, that has to stop. We like different things. I don't criticise you, so I don’t expect to hear comments about me,” Evie says seriously. I’m surprised that’s the only thing she cites. But then, she surprises me alot.
Texas nods and smiles. “Well, Evie, you are a bit eccentric, but I thought it was because you were English. But I’ve met other English girls, and they were not like you. So it’s just you, but I can live with that.”
They shake hands, and I grin at Kitten, who looks a bit relieved.
“Wonders will never cease,” she says to me, and I pull her in for a kiss. In front of everyone.
“You are a bit crazy, but my favourite sort,” I tell her and kiss her passionately on the lips.
When I release her, I see the other girls checking out the scene with disbelief, passing looks between themselves. I think I need to have a chat with Gabe.
Valentina, the Mexican mama Evie hires, comes in smiling and chatting to the boys in Spanish, and they’re loving it. They’ll be bilingual in no time. Evie can say a few words in Spanish and is working on it with Valentina. They seem very happy, the difference in Evie pronounced. I’m already sure Evie will want to take her home with us.
I don’t get a chance to speak to Gabe until we’re out at a gig. I collar him backstage in our dressing room, so it’s just the four of us. “Have all those girls signed an NDA?” I question him.
“Why? What’ve you done now?” he laughs out.
I ignore the jibe. “I kissed Evie in front of them, and they were all staring. I don’t expect to have to explain anything to anyone, but I want to know that no pictures or gossip is turning up about our home life. Of us at home.”
“Fucking hell, Xan, what’s the issue? People will know you’re all together eventually. Are you ashamed or something?”
I step forwards to punch him, murder in my eyes.
Marcus grabs me before I can get at him. “Whoa, stop. Fuck, Gabe. If it gets out, we’ll deal with it, but if we don’t have to, I’d prefer that. It’s for Evie and the kids. I don’t give a shit, and neither does Xan, but it’s her and the twins we want to protect. Even James and Bucky can fend for themselves.” Marcus is acting as peacemaker. It’s a new phenomenon.
“Yes of course they all have,” he grumbles at me. “But you really need to grow a pair. It’s coming out, we all know it. You better be ready, and so had Evie.”
I turn away because I’ll deck him. He’s being a dick, and he knows it.
“Cool it, Xan. We’ll sort it,” Marcus tells me. “We’ve got separate floors in the house. Gabe’s moving the two girls to his floor, so is Levi.” He rests his hand on my shoulder, and I can see Gabe checking out every gesture now. Probably wondering how he missed the signs.
“I’m not fucking hiding, but I’d rather not have to deal with it yet. I’m worried she’ll get pissed about it, go back to England, and we need her here.” I throw my hands in the air in exasperation at Gabe.
“I know, Xan. We’ll do our best. You know it, she knows it. And the new Abuela is working well, though. Evie loves her and the kids adore her. She gabbles in Spanish to them, and they understand her, I’m sure.” Marcus is still placating everyone.
“I’m not surprised, they’re genius babies,” I tell him, punching his arm and grinning, his distraction technique working like a charm.
