Ignite (The Disciples #4) - Cassandra Robbins Page 0,78
with him before I go to work. Sometimes he drops me off.
“Eve, I need to talk to you.” He looks at me. “Hey, Antoinette.”
“You okay, Dewey?” Eve’s face instantly softens as she takes his arm, trying to move him to a corner of the gated pool area.
“That new girl, Memphis, is trying to be a nanny. Have we checked her out completely?” He wipes sweat from his brow with his hand.
“We’ll… it’s Donna and Bear’s daughter. Dewey, you grew up with her. Is she doing something wrong? Because she’s meant to help you.”
“I guess she’s fine. But I need her to know I’m in charge.” He starts to pace, but it’s crowded so he’s only able to take a few steps while trying to avoid some bikers who are laughing and drinking.
“Well, I’m sure she does. And I’ll tell her later on. Now come on, Dewey, it’s Dolly’s welcome home party. Sit and enjoy yourself.”
He nods. “I should go check on them. I’ll be right back.” He takes off, his large, muscled body weaving in and out of the crowd as a few other bikers bring out the grills.
“He’s so wonderful.” I look at Eve who watches him with a small smile.
“He truly is my sweet Dewey. I tried to get him help, and I think I created more anxiety for him.” She sighs and sits down next to Dolly and Doug who’s smoking and laughing on the phone.
“Grab a lounge chair,” she says. I glance around for an empty lounger or anything to sit on, but all of them are occupied by heavily tattooed women. Eve and Dolly are laughing and I stand next to them as the sun beats down on me, wondering how I could not have put on sunscreen. I’ve already started to burn.
“My ladies.” Rip comes over with what looks like a pitcher full of margaritas.
“God.” Dolly throws back her head to rest on the pillow. “I’d kill for a margarita.”
Rip pours a plastic cup and hands it to Eve.
“My Queen.”
“Thank God, I’m not pregnant. Keep them coming.” She looks at Dolly. “Sorry. Remember, it’s almost over.”
Dolly’s eyes are huge. “No, it’s not. I’m not even six months yet.”
“I’m trying to be positive,” Eve says. After taking a sip, she moans. “God, so good.”
Doug motions for Rip to give him one, lowering the phone to say, “I’m not pregnant either.”
Rip laughs and dumps a cup into Doug’s hand so he can pour the frosty margarita into it. “What about you, my goddess?” He winks at me. “Oh babe, you need to get under the umbrella. You’re pink. Did you put on sunscreen?”
“I didn’t and I can feel it already. Maybe I should go upstairs.”
Eve and Dolly stare at me. “Stop it! Dougie, give Antoinette your chair and spray her.” Dolly slaps Doug who stands, motioning for me to sit, a huge frown on his face.
“That’s a good idea.” I lift my dress and toss it onto the glass table waiting for the cool spray.
“Oh shit.” Rip eyes me. “Yeah, you should put your dress back on.”
“I don’t understand.” I look over at Eve who’s in a bikini. Aside from Doug, everyone is half-dressed, even Rip. What the heck?
“Trust me,” he says. “I don’t want to deal with this today.”
Doug hangs up the phone and grabs the Coppertone from the glass lounge table. “What’s the problem?” He looks at Rip.
“This.” He points the margarita pitcher at me, and I swear to God, I hear snickering. “Just put your dress back on, Antoinette. Axel will be out soon, and if he says it’s okay…”
“Hold on.” I turn to him. My skin truly is on fire. I’m two seconds from pouring the margarita pitcher all over me. “Axel, has to give me permission? That’s absurd.” This time I do hear full-on mumbling about how I won’t last, don’t fit in. The usual.
Eve stands up. “She’s perfect.” As she raises a brow at Rip, Dolly tries to heave herself up, but Eve stops her with her hand.
“Eve, please. I know Axel—”
“This is my party, for Dolly and me, and I say she looks magnificent. I only wish I had her body,” she snips.
I look at her. Eve has a perfect body. Thin, with curves, naturally great boobs, and long legs. But I love her for trying to make me feel good. Also, she’s the first woman besides Cindy to stick up for me. I almost want to hug her.