Page 70 of Thick as Thieves
It’s Xander’s birthday and we’re waiting for his birthday requests. All he’s done is grin at us all day.
I can tell Evie is getting more nervous. “I should have bought more paints,” she mutters. “I’m totally freaking out here, how are you not nervous?” She’s biting at her lip.
“Because there’s not much he hasn’t already asked for and got. So really not bothered.” I shrug at her. “Relax, he only asks for things we’ll all like.”
She pulls a face at me. “And to answer your first question, I’ve asked Valentina if she wants to come to the UK with us. I’ve looked at the visa stuff, and I’ve also asked her sister. They tend to do things as a duo so…” She smiles at me. “Maria can look after Marshall.” She grins wider imagining that. “I’ve also said I’ll pay for flights once a month for up to six family members to come out and stay. I’ve shown them the place in Devon. I’m paying for her granddaughter to go to law school here and then America. I'm wholeheartedly sweetening all the deals, but I’ve said that if she decides not to come she’s not to worry, I’ll still pay for the things I’ve said.”
“You little minx. I was worried about asking you. I’ve mentioned it to Xan and we started to look into the Visa stuff, but you’re well ahead.”
She grins. “Totz. I knew the first week she would be great, so I looked into things. I think she may agree, so I’ve started the process.”
“What about Texas? Apparently she wants to come. She’s mentioned it to Gabe.”
Evie’s face goes blank and I sit up and look at her. It’s a classic Greystone tactic when she doesn’t want you to know what she actually thinks. I’ve seen James do it, and Jonno of course. I wait for the banal response I know is coming, not the truth.
“I don’t want to pull her away from Gabe and her job at home in America. I think it would be too much of a shock. We’re very boring at home, you know.” She looks down.
I throw my head back and laugh. “You are so full of shit.”
She switches her gaze, looking at me open mouthed. “We are boring. We live on a farm. Pinky terrorising Crockett and Tubbs is as exciting as it gets. Oh I suppose going racing is a highlight.” She looks happy at that thought. “The horse sales with Marshall. That is the height of anticipation. If Marsh gets his wallet out, I nearly faint with excitement.” She’s laughing now and tears are coming out of her eyes. “Don’t make me laugh, I might pee,” she huffs out. “Three babies and things are not the same you know.” She pushes at me, and I’m laughing and looking at her.
“I might need to check,” I tell her, a cheeky grin on my face.
“NO, No,” she screeches. “Valentina’s daughter gave me some of those silver ball things to help tighten things up. New, of course. She got an extra pair by mistake.” She’s grinning conspiratorially.
“Go fetch them,” I whisper in her ear, nodding my head towards our bedroom.
She shakes her head, she can’t speak for laughing. “I put them in. Thought I’d trial them in the house. She goes round the city with them in.” She’s indicating with her fingers where she’s put them.
“No wonder she looks happy all the time,” I laugh out. “What happened, did it turn you on, were you gagging for us to come home?”
She falls into my chest laughing and shaking her head. “They dropped out,” she cries.
I frown at her. “Were they faulty?”
She laughs louder. “No, my vagina is. I stood up and they dropped out. It was so disappointing. I’ve been doing pelvic floor exercises ever since, and upped my yoga.” She pouts through the tears of laughter. “I’m getting that buzzy pants set out. You can have fun with that,” she tells me. “In fact I’ll get Xan to ask for it for his birthday.”
“What are you asking me for?” He comes in checking us both out.
“Those buzzy pants. I was telling Kell about the silver ball things.”
“You knew about them?” I ask him, and he nods, smiling.
“She was crying, and I didn’t know if it was laughter or upset. Then I spotted the balls on the floor, and still wasn’t sure.” He grins. “Are you still doing your exercises?”
“Every day. Those balls are staying put next time,” she states with grim determination. “I want to walk around the city with a smile.”
We’re all laughing as Texas comes up the stairs and smiles indulgently at us. I notice her lack of make-up and hair style similar to Evie’s, much more casual than her usual immaculate hair and make-up.
“Are you coming out tonight, Texas, or are you on babysitting duties?” I ask her.
She smiles in excitement. “No, Valentina has offered tonight, so we’re all free for the birthday bash.” She sounds a bit breathless. “Xander, are you doing something special?” I think I see a fleeting hungry look in her eye as she looks at him, but it’s gone in an instant.
Evie studies her, considering her words and watching every nuance on her face. In as much as her face is totally blank and the smile is fixed in place.
“Yes, we’re going to a club. E’s not been out for a while, and I want to go dancing,” he answers, smiling at us both.
Evie’s face doesn’t change, and I see Xan look at her, frowning slightly, but he turns and carries on smiling at Texas. “Are you game Texas?”
