Page 53 of Remiss
“Can we get back to music?” A much safer topic. “Lately, I’ve started listening to Taylor Swift. There. I’m not putting anymore on you.” She stepped back, satisfied when he faced her and nodded. “Have you ever heard of her?”
“Who? Taylor?” Axel asked, affronted. “That’s like asking if I’ve ever heard of Beyonce.”
“True. So, what’s your favorite Taylor song?”
“Did I say Ilistenedto her, Harley?” he asked impatiently. “Just ‘cause I heard of her, don’t mean I know what she sings.”
“True,” she conceded again.
“Anyway, is your favorite song by herBad Blood? It was ‘cause she was mad at another beautiful girl. They were once friends then they got up in their feelings. Wait.Allegedly. Diesel said always add that because it might not be true and then motherfuckers can sue the shoes off you.”
“The pants. And he’s right.”
“You can’t get pants off if you got shoes on.”
“It’s a saying.”
“Oh brother. Can you and CJ and Diesel stop with those motherfuckers already? Especially becauseyou’realways correctingme‘cause most of the sayings are fucking stupid.”
“I likeBad Blood,” Harley said, not responding to Axel’s observation.
He scowled. “Ignore a man. It don’t make what I said wrong. And my fucking point is it is like you, Rebel, and Mattie. Beautiful girls that shouldn’t be mean to each other.”
“I do miss them,” Harley confessed.
“You’re all here. Why can’t you talk and be friends again?”
“Rebel won’t talk to me–”
“Axel?”
The sound of Aunt Meggie’s voice interrupted Harley.
Axel widened his eyes, then rushed to the chaise lounge, furiously slapping his face.
“What–”
Before Harley asked her question, Aunt Meggie walked in, wearing one of the outfits they’d bought during their shopping spree this morning since no one had packed clothes.
“Hi, Mom,” Axel greeted in a watery voice. He sniffled. “H-Harley was just keeping me company.”
Aunt Meggie smiled at Harley, ignoring her confusion, when Harley was sure it was written all over her face.
Aunt Meggie turned to her. “Thank you for spending time with him, Harley. He’s been so sad about his brothers.” Smiling, she hugged Harley, the first time she’d done so in months.
Axel placed a finger over his mouth, his eyes bright and his cheeks red thanks to his self-inflicted slaps.
Releasing her, Aunt Meggie turned back to Axel. Immediately, his sadness–and sniffling–returned.
“Gunner and I were going on the terrace to color with Kendall and Blade. I thought maybe you wanted to join us, Axel.”
“Maybe later, Mom?” he said in a small voice.
Aunt Meggie nodded, hurried to him, and bent to hug him, but Axel scooted away. “I’m just too sad for a hug, Mom,” he said woefully.
“Oh, baby boy. I’m so sorry,” Aunt Meggie said. She looked over her shoulder at the pool. “Are you planning to get in?”
“Maybe,” Axel said suspiciously. “Why? Will that make me not look sad?”
