“They don’t mind, Lex. We are all different in our own ways. Did you know Tank swings both ways? He likes dick and pussy. Z has two girlfriends who live with him. Crunch, well let’s just say he’s a freak. I grew up with these men. None of them cares about lady; they care about you. Can’t you see that I would never let anyone around you who would hurt you? I didn’t tell them because it wasn’t my place. And you know Roni would have never outed you if she knew they would be a threat. You know that and I know that.”
He’s right, but I never thought she would tell people without my permission. I also never thought she’d let a man into my life and help him get there. I guess I don’t know her as well as I thought. Just when I think my trust in her is frail enough. She goes and does this too. What was she thinking?
Sliding out of bed, I kiss him on the forehead and dress in my gown and robe, leaving off panties for the first time in years. Nervously walking out of his large bedroom and down the hall, we are greeted by the entire group. Who are scattered around the living room and island. Set on the island is two tall three tier trays filled with dainty petite fours and mouthwatering biscotti. Each person has a tea cup and there’s a vast array of tea bags strewn across the granite top.
Stealing my hand, Gage holds it, escorting me into the kitchen, where everyone has begun to congregate. “Everybody, since we didn’t get a chance to talk last night. I know some of you already know Lex. But she is a part of our family now. I wanted to make her first morning here in the cabin a memorable one. That’s why I have her favorite breakfast laid out for us to enjoy. I had the honor of having Lex’s best friend Roni help me select this especially for her. I hope you like.” He turns to me, looks deep into my eyes, and cups my chin with his free hand. “I love you very much.” He says and kisses my lips ever so gently. My heart flutters in my chest and I swallow hard to keep from bursting into tears of happiness. ‘Thank you.’ I mouth to him. ‘Anything for you.’ He mouths back.
“Welcome to the family.” Tank brashly erupts, breaking my intense connection with Gage. Tank holds up his teacup that looks tiny in his massive hands. Then the entire group salutes alongside him and cheers a ‘here, here’. Then they shoot back their tea, like it’s a shot of liquor.
People start to filter into the kitchen to chat casually with me as I nibble on my breakfast and drink a cup of tea that Gage keeps refilling when it gets low. Gage holds onto my side, keeping me close and loved the entire time, as I become acquainted with his friends. After I’ve met Betty, Z and a man named Linx, my guess he got his nickname because he has orange cat eyes. Roni makes her way into the kitchen and throws her arm over my shoulder. This time Gage kisses my cheek and departs, leaving us to deal on our own. I miss him already.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have medaled in your life. I love you. You’re my best friend. Just tell me what you need me to do to make it right.” Her tone drips with sadness and sincerity.
“It’s okay. I’m angry you did it. But I’m glad too. Gage is amazing and…” I lean in next to her ear. “And I think I might be falling in love with him.” I whisper to her and she grabs my arms and squeals like a girl, which surprises the hell out of me and I laugh, at her excitement.
“I knew it!” She claps.
“I also know you told them all about me.” I reveal with a straight face and she frowns, tossing a stray hair that had fallen into her eyes back into its normal messy position.
“It’s not like that. I didn’t tell them for them. I told them for you. I knew you would feel weird spending time with them, thinking that any time they would find out and treat you differently. Bob’s known for a while and he suggested it. At first, I said no, then after a few weeks, when I knew the Gage relationship was going to pan out, I sat down with them all and told them.”
Grabbing her arm and tugging her into the half bath off the kitchen, I close the door. “And?”
She shrugs, like she doesn’t know what I’m asking her to tell me. “And what? Tank’s words, verbatim were. ‘Fuckin’ Gage gets the hottest girl in town. Fuck me sideways. I thought she was hot before. That God dammed lucky bastard.’” She explains with a manly voice, attempting to sound like Tank, but failing miserably.
I laugh completely filled with happiness. “Keep going…”
“Hummm…” She taps her chin with her finger, obviously thinking. “Z asked if he could see it. Dopey, all he did was smile and lick his lips, don’t know what that means. And to be honest a few asked how you do it. How you were strong enough to survive the life you’ve led. Many of them are in their own way are proud of you. And proud of Gage for sticking by you and fighting to be with you, knowing that it’s going to be hard for you to accept people into your life, who actually know about lady. You’re a part of this family.”