Page 102 of Thick as Thieves
I can hardly put a sentence together. Bug has no idea what’s going on, but he’s sat in the back of the car with Evie and I, laughing at me. “What the feck is wrong with you, Xan?” he asks me. “Jase, what’s wrong with him?”
He starts on my friend and bodyguard. Jase shrugs at us all, grinning at me from the front of the car with Tommy. I just shake my head, smirking like an idiot.
Evie just keeps smiling smugly and patting me, checking I’m still coherent.
Jesus, mine, my own with her and Kell.
I think about how he’s shared his children, opened his world up to me for us. Never a word about whose children they actually are. Never a bit of jealousy if I’m picking them up first. On calls when we were in Mexico, I rang home first every time. Evie would put the kids on FaceTime to me, never one word said in complaint. My heart beats faster when I think about how much love the man must have for us all.
We split off from Bug, who wants to do some shopping, and I decide to tag along to the doctor’s with Evie.
“You’ll be so bored, it’s a doctors clinic.” She’s trying to put me off, pushing me towards Bug.
“If Tommy has to go, at least we can be bored together. Oh, and Jase,” I grin at her.
“Dr. Theodore will think we’re the mafia. What with Jonno and Jude turning up every time I go.”
“They don’t,” I say, horrified. “Jonno is a nightmare. Is he back from Ireland?”
“He texted that he’s landing in about ten minutes. £100 says he comes straight to the doctors.”
“He wouldn’t,” I say, amazed.
She laughs at my face. “Pfft, he will. He likes to check I’m in one piece.” She’s still smiling, and I’m amazed she takes it all so well, knowing she’s followed around, fussed over. Never any privacy.
The surgery islike a nice hotel reception, the uniforms the only giveaway it’s a doctors’ clinic. The walnut and white contrast and accents are all over the rooms. We have coffee from a barista-style machine. Evie has nothing, just in case they want to take blood or other stuff.
“They’re like a vampire cult, she always wants blood,” she tells me as her name is called and we’re all left sat in the waiting room.
I can see the receptionist staring at me. She’s looking at her phone and then at me. Yep, been recognised. Her face gets flushed, and she’s fiddling with her hair.
Jase and I sit talking about schedules and all things LA. A text update from Marcus tells me things are better with Vanity—one of the bands signed by our label. They imploded, with the lead singer Marty walking out. She’s a fiery woman and has had enough of ‘the bullshit men.’ Marcus needs to support her and sort things out. Tim’s dealing with the three men she’s in the band with. Or maybe not. I actually think she’s better on her own. Not my call, but that was my input.
“Excuse me, but are you Xander Barclay?” The young nurse has built up enough courage to come over.
I just look at her from under my lashes, but then say, “Yes, that’s me. All ok?” I ask, as we are in a doctor’s office.
“Yes, sorry. I just wondered if I could get a picture or autograph?” Her voice is breathy, and she’s leaning in too close.
“Well, no pictures, as I’m sure patient confidentiality is paramount to your job,” I add and side eye Jase.
She goes red at that. “Err, yes sorry. I just meant…”
“I’m happy to sign something for you and any friends.” I soften a bit. She’s young, but still, I don’t want anyone to know we’re here.
“No pictures,” Tommy states authoritatively, standing up as a couple of other youngish women nurses come into reception at speed. Clearly the jungle drums have been beating. And they answered the call.
“Do you have a private waiting room?” Jase asks as other clients come towards the door to come in.
“Yes, of course. This way,” the first girl says, flicking her hair at me and moving forward.
Jase smirks as she walks in front of us with extra sway in her hips and arse. I roll my eyes.
Then the true what the fuck moment happens. She turns and says, “If there’s anything at all I can get you, this is my number,” and tries to give me a note with her mobile on.
I shake my head at her, pointing to Jase. “Give it to him.”
“Is that the number for the reception?” Tommy asks her, clearly protective over Evie, and I grin at him. Oh he has my lady’s back.
