17. Alex
I look in the mirror, checking out the fit of my tux. It just doesn't feel right. Don’t get me wrong, my ass looks pretty fucking good, but ugh, everything is stiff and uncomfortable...
After our little blow job session in the garage yesterday, fuck, that was so hot , I went to pick up the tuxes from Gloria. She gave me this look when I walked in like she knew I had just gotten up to some dirty fuckery in a garage. I would normally try on my suits after I got them altered but I don't do well under pressure… so I panicked and got in and out as fast as I could.
Now I stand in front of the mirror trying to figure out why it feels weird. Maybe once I do my hair and put myself together, the material will have had time to relax and it will feel more comfortable.
I walk across the hall and into the bathroom. We agreed on separate showers and getting dressed in separate rooms, which was probably for the best. Everytime I see Jaxon I just want to rip his clothes off, hell I wanna rip my own clothes off. I’ve never been this horny with anyone I’ve dated. It's like a switch has been flipped and my cock is awake and ready to play.
Over the last year I’ve been all about the self-love, so don't get me wrong, it's not like I wasn't horny. I was a very active sexual participant with my shower dildo. It's just that my desire for a physical man was null.
I’m sure it had nothing to do with the man down the hall, and how much I lusted after him.
I smile to myself. Now I get to act on all that lust.
Squirting some gel into the palm of my hand, I run my fingers through my hair, trying to get this unruly mane to settle the fuck down. Once that is somewhat under control, I look at myself in the mirror. Glasses or no glasses, that is the question for the night. I decided on glasses because they go so well with the look of my tux and… I’m trying to score some money so looking as smart and as professional as possible would be in my favor.
I head back to my room to wait, because again, the silly man wants to pick me up at my door. I shake my head, smiling at the thought.
While I wait, I walk around the room, noticing it still looks like a spare bedroom in someone's house. Not that I had anything to decorate it with to make it mine. But there is not even the standard pile of junk on the nightstand. No books, no phone charger, nothing. I’m not going to lie, it feels weird just being in here. I spend all my nights in Jaxon’s bed—I let out a sigh for both the man and the bed—and this room has just become the keeper of my clothes.
My phone vibrates in my pocket and I pull it out, seeing a text message from Marge. I sit on the bed. My chest goes tight and my heart sinks. This can't be good.
When I stopped in to see Chester this morning he was not doing well. His big brown eyes were droopy. He decided he wasn't feeling up to eating, which has become hit or miss as of late.
Marge - We still have not gotten Chester to eat today. He has mostly been sleeping. I moved him into the dog bed in the office for the night. I’ll send you an update when I leave for the night.
I stare at the message, fear and guilt of not adopting him sooner wrenching through me .
People can suffer from depression but it never really occurred to me that so can animals. Sam, the local vet who treats the shelter animals, said that dogs can get depressed just like humans. And the fact that Chester is older isn't helping. When he decides not to eat, he becomes weak and sleeps all day.
God, why did I wait so long?
As soon as House of Arrows took off and Harper Studios became a reality I should have gone and taken him home the day we signed the papers. But I’ve been so stubborn about wanting him to have a big old yard to have fun and play around in. Just like I used to imagine as a kid, when I would lie in bed for hours dreaming about having the unconditional love of a pet. Unconditional love from anyone, really. I just didn’t think it would take me this long to get a house.
Me - Yes, please keep me posted. I have a plan. I just need him to hang on one more night.
“Alex?”
“Huh?” I say, turning my head to see Jaxon standing in the doorway. His head is cocked with a look of concern, that's when I feel the tear sliding down my cheek that I didn't even know was there, and hastily wipe it away.
“Baby? What's wrong?” he asks, moving to stand in front of me.”
I bring my chin to my chest knowing if I look at him I'm gonna lose it. “Marge texted.”
“Is there something wrong at the shelter?”
“Umm, Chester is not doing well and she texted me an update,” I say on a shaky breath.
Jaxon curls his finger under my chin, raising it to meet his eyes. “Who is Chester, Alex?”
“Remember when I said that for some animals the in-between home can become their forever home? Well, Chester is one of those. He was older when he came into the shelter so it was harder for him to get adopted out, and then after a while, I think he just gave up hope.” Another stray tear falls and Jaxon wipes it away with his thumb. “He has not been eating, so I’ve been going to the shelter in the mornings to sit with him. I got him to start eating some, not a lot, but some. But Marge just texted and said he's not eating again and has been sleeping all day.”
The tears come full stream.
“Is there anything physically wrong with him?”
“The local vet has been coming to check on him and she said physically he's fine but he's showing signs of depression and old age. Because of his age, when he does things like not wanting to eat, it can really affect him.” I sigh, leaning forward and putting my face in my hands. “I was gonna adopt him once I moved out of my apartment, but then the flood happened.”
Jaxon pulls me to my feet and into a hug, wrapping me tight and kissing the top of my head.
“Why don't we get through this fundraiser and then tomorrow me and you can sit down and talk about bringing Chester home?”
“Are you sure? I don't want to invade your space.”
He chuckles, “Yes baby, I’m sure. You’ll see.”
“Okay,” I nod into his chest, trying to tamper down the hope his words are giving me.
Composing myself, I pull away and straighten my jacket, and when I look up I finally notice how handsome and sexy Jaxon looks in his tux. His brown hair is slicked back, but like a messy slicked back. His scruff is closely trimmed. And just a hint of his tattoos peek out under the sleeves of his shirt that hugs every damn muscle on his chest. I bet if he turned around right now his ass would look like it belongs in a museum.
“You look really good in a tux,” I manage to say without giving away the drool factor.
His mouth curves into a smile. “Why thank you,” he says, spinning in a circle. “Even though it's itchy and uncomfortable as hell.”
I laugh, “Yeah mine feels the same way. Why don't we take off our clothes, get naked and stay home? You can fuck me until I’m too sore to walk.”
“Oh, no. You have a sexy, handsome fiancé to show off. Plus,” he leans in next to my ear, “don’t worry, when we get home I’m going to peel you out of that suit and fuck you until you can’t walk straight for a week.”
My cock jerks, completely on board with that idea .
“Come on,” he says, grabbing my hand and pulling me out of the room. “I already called the car service and they should be here any minute.”
“Oh, God, it's not Jerry’s sober cab is it? Because I want to make it there in one piece.”
He chuckles as we make our way downstairs, “No it's not Jerry’s sober cab.” He clears his throat, “It seems that some of the residents have started up their own version of Uber.”
“Oh, that's great! This town was in desperate need of a car service.”
Jaxon helps me into my dress coat, before handing me a pair of gloves. “Here, it's gonna be cold tonight, they are talking rain this evening before it turns into snow after midnight.”
I think about grabbing a hat, but pass, not wanting to mess up my hair..
We step out onto the porch just as a car pulls up.
“Wait? Ummm, Is that….?”
“Ms. Brandy? Yep!”
I turn to look at him, my eyes as wide as saucers. “I don't wanna die!”
Jaxon chuckles, “It will be fine. Besides, she got her license back.”
I smack his arm. “Not helping!”
“Come on,” he says, grabbing my hand, “it will be fine.”
“Well, hello boys.”
“Hi, Ms. Brandy,” Jaxon and I say in unison, sliding into the back seat.
“You two look awfully fancy, going on a date perhaps?”
We both roll our eyes.
“I have a fundraiser for work and Jaxon has agreed to be my date.”
He nudges me and mouths, “Fiancé.”
My eyes go wide and I make a zipping motion over my lips. That is the last thing we need those two town gossipers spreading around.
“That's nice, dear,” she says, backing out of the extra wide driveway that she still manages to miss, and ends up out over the curb.
My eyes go to Jaxon and I mouth, “I’m too young to die.”
“It will be fine,” he mouths back, before I hear the loud “thunk” of the front tires coming down off the curb. “I think.”
“So what is the fundraiser for?” Ms. Brandy asks as we pull onto the freeway.
“It's… ahhh… you know what? I don't really know,” I admit. How do I not know this? “Mr. Withermore just told me it was a fundraiser and we were required to attend. I started freaking out so I don't even know if he told me what it was for,” I say, looking at Jaxon.
“It's okay, we can just wing it,” he says with the same confident shrug he always has.
I’m going to need to bottle some of that confidence tonight, because I'm feeling frazzled. First the uncomfortable tux and now the realization I have no idea what this fundraiser is for. The night just feels off and I hate it.
Jaxon must sense my anxiety because he squeezes my hand, giving me a reassuring smile.
At least Billy and Trent should be there tonight. I hope they do most of the mingling and Jaxon and I can just stand there looking pretty.
We pull up to the old stone mansion, the driveway lined with cars dropping off guests.
“Wow, it's beautiful,” I say when Ms. Brandy pulls up to the old stone staircase leading to the giant double doors.
“Alright boys, have fun tonight. Don't do anything I wouldn't do.”
“Thank you,” I say, sliding out of the car.
“Don't forget to call when you're ready, there are six of us working tonight.”
My brows shoot up, who are the other five?
“Will do, have a good night.”
I shut the door and turn to my date.
“Shall we?” he says, holding out his arm.
I loop my arm through his. “Yes, let's get this over with because I would rather be at home, naked, in our bed.”
Jaxon leans in, whispering in my ear, “I like the way the word our rolls off your tongue, baby boy.” I shiver and it's all I can do to stop my eyes from rolling in the back of my head at the endearment I’ve come to love. Yeah, I’ll be his baby boy.
We make our way up the steps and through the double doors. The entry way is grand and dark, with flickering candles, suits of armor and a double staircase leading up to the second level. It's breathtaking.
“Wow.”
“Yeah, wow,” Jaxon echos.
“It kinda reminds me of the restaurant but on a much grander scale.”
“I wonder if the food will be as good.”
I laugh and Jaxon looks at me with a giant smile.
“That's what you're worried about, the food?”
“What?” he says, “We didn't eat before we came.”
“Come on,” I say, leading him up the staircase. “We should go find Trent and Billy.”
Once we make it to the top it opens to a grand ballroom. While the entryway was dark and gloomy, the ballroom is filled with bursts of color splashed throughout. There is a stage setup with a ring of rainbow balloons reaching from one end to the other and a giant banner hung in the middle.
“Matthew’s House,” Jaxon says.
“I feel like I’ve heard of it before,” I say.
“Yeah me too. Maybe we can find a pamphlet or something on the way to the buffet.”
“I hate to break it to you babe, but it's a sit down dinner.”
“Nooooo,” Jaxon whines, “the portions are gonna be sooo tiny.”
“What is with you?” I ask, I’ve never seen him this… dramatic over food.
“Listen you have kept me plenty full… with all the take out we’ve been ordering, but , I have also burned more calories in the last three days than I normally do in a month.”
Again, dramatic.
“If you are still hungry later I’m sure we can swing by a late night drive thru.”
“Deal,” he says, holding out his hand.
I laugh, enjoying this lighter side of Jaxon. Taking his hand, he pulls me in for an earth shattering kiss right in the middle of the ballroom.
“Well, at least you two don't have to pretend on the looove front.”
I chuckle, resting my forehead on Jaxon’s shoulder before turning to face my business partners.
Trent stands tall and lanky, with his hair slicked back, not a strand out of place. His tux is classic and freshly pressed. He looks the very definition of put together. That is why he's the money guy.
Billy, well, Billy looks like he at least tried. I mean the fact that he left his computer lair is huge. He's shorter than Trent, slightly heavier but still in good shape, his long hair is pulled back into a ponytail. His tux looks like it's been hanging in his closet for years. He's a bit of a mess if I’m being honest, but he's a programmer and he's our mess.
“Hey guys,” I say, clearing my throat. “Umm, this is Jaxon. Jaxon, meet Trent and Billy, my business partners.
Jaxon reaches out to shake their hands.
“It's nice to meet you.”
“You too, we've heard a lot about you,” Trent says. “It sounds like if it wasn't for you we would still be behind on this project.”
I looked up at Jaxon, no doubt a ridiculous grin plastered on my face. Driving me around that first week really did save us. It could have taken weeks to get everything I needed delivered.
“There was no question. Alex is important to me and I would do anything to help him if I can. Plus, it's what our little group does, we help each other.”
I nod. That is exactly what we do. I’ve never had a close knit group of friends like I have now and it fills me with pride.
“Well we really appreciate it… Now if we can just get this money secured we will be all set for launch day.”
A high pitched screech filters through the speakers and I wince. “Ladies and Gentlemen, if you could all take your seats. We will begin serving a wonderful meal prepared by Chef Marco Davis shortly.”
“I think I saw our names on a table up front,” Billy says.
Jaxon threads his fingers through mine. “I swear if there is baby corn on my plate I’m going to revolt,” he says, leaning in to kiss my cheek.
“So dramatic,” I say, laughing as he leads me around the tables following Trent and Billy.
“This one,” Billy says pointing to one of the large, circular tables in the front.
Jaxon pulls out my chair before sitting to my left with Billy and Trent on my right, leaving four empty chairs around the table.
“So, have you guys seen Mr. Withermore tonight?” I ask .
“He was holding court over in the corner, surrounded by people. I thought we would approach him after dinner.” Trent says,
“Good idea.”
“You will have to introduce him to your fiancé. Since you are a family man and all.” Billy mocks.
I roll my eyes. “I panicked! Jaxon was nice enough to volunteer. It's going to be fine.”
“Oh really?” Trent says, leaning forward and resting his elbows on the table. “So, what's the backstory? Who proposed to who?”
My eyes go really fucking wide as I turn to look at Jaxon. We have been royally unprepared for this whole night.
I swallow hard. “Ummm, well, we may have forgotten about that small detail.”
His eyes match mine as he mouths the word, “Shit.”
Trent and Billy let out a snort laugh. Turning, I smack Billy, who is sitting closest to me, in the arm.
Jaxon chuckles next to me. “Baby, it will be fine. We can just tell the truth about how we met and if he asks how we got engaged, just leave it up to me.”
“And what if you leave to go use the restroom or something.”
“We just make sure we go in pairs… If girls can do it, so can we.”
“Fine!” I huff, “But I don't like this… not one bit.” Fortunately, I don't have to sit and spiral long.
“Gentlemen, I’m so happy to see you made it.”
“It's showtime, boys,” Trent whispers out of the corner of his mouth.
We all slide our chairs out and stand. “Mr. Withermore. Sir, Thank you for inviting us,” Trent says.
“Of course, this is a very special night for me, and I wanted you all to share in the celebration,” he says, going down the line and shaking hands. He stops when he reaches me and Jaxon.
“Alex, I’m so happy to see you again.”
With a name like Withermore one would think he's a crotchety old man, but he’s not. He must be in his early 50’s with short, neatly combed, salt and pepper hair. He has a tan like he spends a lot of time on a boat, in his case probably a yacht. He's tall, even taller than Jaxon. And I have half a mind to bet that he has a 6 pack hiding under that perfectly tailored suit, too.
“Mr Withermore,” I say, reaching out to shake his hand. Thank you for inviting us. This is beautiful,” I say, gesturing at the elegantly decorated ballroom with bursts of color throughout.
“Please call me Marcus, and that would be all Jacob’s doing,” he says, pointing to the stunningly beautiful man standing next to him with creamy skin and moppy blond hair.
“Thank you. It takes a lot to put this on every year, but we have a wonderful group of kids who work really hard. We are very proud of them.”
The pieces start to fall into place. Matthew’s House must benefit kids somehow. Fuck I really should have looked into this more, especially if it revolves around kids. This night is about more than just us securing money for a video game. My heart gets heavy at the thoughts of the type of kids Matthew’s House helps. If a child needs help, the situation they are in is never good.
“They did an amazing job,” Jaxon says.
And…. here we go.
“Mr. Withermore, I mean Marcus, Jacob. This is my fiancé Jaxon.”
“Oh yes, Jaxon. I’m thrilled to finally meet the man who made Alex go all dreamy eyed when we had a discussion about love.”
Shit…. Okay, so my brain may have been in a Jaxon fog throughout that whole dinner. It was not my fault. The drive there was way too long and with the radio not working, it left me too much time to sit and think, and daydream , over Jaxon.
“Oh really,” Jaxon tilts his head, “All dreamy eyed, huh?” His smirk slowly creeps up the corner of his mouth before wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me into his side. “I’m glad I still have that effect on him,” he says, turning his attention back to Mr. Withermore.
“Ladies and gentleman, if you could please take your seats, we will now begin serving.”
“Ahhh, sounds like we are ready to eat. You are going to love the meal Chef Marco has prepared. He's one of the best and we are lucky we have him here tonight. The man has been very generous with his time. ”
“Excuse me, Marcus,” Jaxon says leaning in, “Give it to me straight. Is this one of those meals where everything is baby sized? Like am I gonna have to hit up a drive thru on the way home.”
My eyes go wide. O…M…G… What is he doing?
Marcus throws his head back in a full laugh. “No worries son, you're going to be bursting at the seams. We don't skimp on the food, the kids would revolt.”
“Yes, they would,” Jacob chuckles. “Marcus, we should let them take their seats.”
“Yes, well, good thing we are seated at your table,” Marcus says, moving to sit next to Trent.
“If you will excuse me for a moment, I’m just going to make sure they don't need me before I sit down,” Jacob says before he walks towards what I assume is the direction of the kitchen.
“Mr. Withermore seems nice,” Jaxon says, leaning in close, the scent of his cologne washing over me like a calm blanket as we take our seats. I’m glad he's here tonight because I've started to associate his scent with the feeling of comfort, and combined with Jaxon’s lightness tonight, it has helped me stay centered… kind of.
“I can't believe you said that,” I whisper.
Jaxon chuckles and I can't help the smile that spills across my face.
I find myself doing it a lot as of late. I can be having a shit day, but when Jaxon walks through the front door, all the stress around my job just slides away, if even for only a little bit.
“I just had a feeling. His hair may be stiff from the amount of product he uses but his posture is open and friendly.”
I lower my head, trying to hide my amusement.
Jacob sits back down at the table just as waiters appear holding large trays of food.
A plate is set in front of me and my eyes bug out of my head.
“Yesss,” Jaxon hisses.
There is a very large fried chicken breast with mashed potatoes, corn, a roll and a small cup of blueberry jam, making me chuckle at the very southern meal.
“We let the kids pick from three of Matthew’s favorite meals and the fried chicken won out. He would be laughing his head off at the fact we are eating fried chicken at a black tie event.” he said with a fond look on his face.
I wonder who Matthew is to him, a sibling maybe?
“Mmmm, this is so good,” I turn to see Jaxon digging into his fried chicken like he hasn't eaten in days. “Can I get a bucket of this to bring home? Oh, we could have a southern breakfast of chicken and waffles.”
“At the rate you are going I don't think the bucket would make it to breakfast.”
He nods, “True.”
Starting on my own meal I can't deny that it’s amazing. The breading used on the chicken is almost sweet like and I have to fight the urge to groan loudly.
“Alexander.”
My body instantly goes stiff, fighting the need to curl into itself. All the blood drains from my face and my palms go clammy. My head feels like it's swimming in a wave pool. I feel Jaxon inch closer and squeeze my thigh, letting me know he's there.
Fuck! I turn in my seat before standing.
“Mother.”
“Alexander, what could you possibly be doing here?” she asks with her nose held high, looking down at me.
I hear the chair slide out next to me and Jaxon stands, his height towering over both my mother and my father. I can see their eyes go wide when they take in the ruggedly handsome, tattooed man who stole my breath the day I met him.
He threads his fingers through mine, giving them a squeeze in a silent, ‘I’ve got you’.
I can’t believe they are here, fuck. If they make a scene there is no way Mr. Withermore will ever invest in our business. Plus this event looks like it means a lot to him, I don't want to be the one to ruin it.
“Well, Mother, I was invited,” I say, trying to keep the bite out of my tone .
She scoffs, “I highly doubt someone like you would be invited to a gorgeous event like this.” Her eyes flicker from me to Jaxon. Yeah, I get the hidden meaning, Mother.
“Besides, how could you even afford the tux?”
I glance at my father, because I know that he sure as fuck knows how I can afford my goddamn tux. If the tux was uncomfortable before it feels suffocating now. Looking back at my mother, I find it odd that he never told her. I know he saw the news article the day we signed the deal, it was hand delivered.
“Well, Mother, it's amazing what you can purchase when you own a very successful gaming company.” I mean, I am not hugely successful yet, but she does not need to know that.
“Alex is right, Harper Studios is hugely successful. It seems he was able to build an entire empire without the love and support from his parents,” Jaxon says, before turning to look at me, “Sorry, I couldn’t hold it in any longer.”
“Harper Studios. Of course you would name it after that filthy woman.”
“That beautiful woman showed me love and support when you abandoned me. You know Mother, I used to think that if I made something of myself you would be able to see that over the fact that I’m gay. So gay, mind you, that Jaxon here is my fiancé.”
Her head recoils with a look of disgust, showing her true colors. Pretty sure she is going to faint when she looks around in panic the moment Jaxon leans in and kisses me on my cheek, wrapping his arms around my waist. I can't help but smirk. Mr. Withermore very much knew I was gay when he invited me, so we are good.
“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Mckay, it seems very unfortunate that you have joined us tonight, or any night, really,” Marcus says, coming to stand next to me. My jaw drops and Jaxon snorts.
Marcus gives me a wink before turning back to my parents, “Allow me to introduce you to my husband, Jacob,” he says, gesturing. “Jacob sweetheart, come here.”
Jacob gets up from the table, coming to tuck himself into Marcus’s side. I finally recognize the love and admiration of two people madly in love as they smile into each other's eyes.
I look up at Jaxon, who is looking down at me with the same loving expression. My heart skips and my breath hitches.
“You're gay?” My mother squawks, hand to her chest.
“Why of course, Mrs. McKay. What do you think the Matthew House is all about? It's a place for LGBTQ+ kids to feel safe, and protected, and loved, when their family—you know, the ones who are supposed to love them regardless—abandon them.”
“The invite said it was for a children's shelter.”
“Ahh, I’m assuming you never read the story on the back of the invite. Did you get too distracted by thoughts of a shiny ball, Mrs. McKay?”
Jaxon snorts next to me.
Marcus places a hand on my shoulder, squeezing. “It’s for the kids like Alex, who push through the hate to find their way to love.”
Is that what's between Jaxon and I? Do we love each other? The expression on Jaxon’s face makes me believe in those silly thoughts. I think I’m in love with Jaxon.
“Plus,” Marcus adds, “The Matthew House was created in memory of our husband.” He kisses Jacob’s lips, sadness tracing their features.
My mother almost hits the ground. The obedient husband my father is, holds her up, and I stifle a laugh.
“Fuck… this just got soooo good!” Jaxon whispers in my ear. The laugh I had been trying to hold in finally lets loose.
“So, with all that being said, I think it's time you left. And next time you go to a fundraiser hoping to fake your way into upper class society, take a moment to learn about the organization you are there supporting.”
Marcus gestures to two very large men that I'm just now noticing. “Would you please escort these people out.”
My mother scoffs, but thankfully they go quietly.
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Withermore.” He gives me a pointed look, “Sorry, Marcus… I apologize for the scene my parents made. I didn't know they would be here. And I’m not going to lie to you, sir. I feel a little foolish. I’m afraid I did not know what Mathew’s House stood for, either.”
He chuckles, “I thought so, especially with the way you were all daydreamy when we were talking about it. ”
For real, how did I miss this? I know why. It's because my life has been all over the place as of late. My apartment, my car, Chester, House of Arrows, this fundraiser… Jaxon. I squeeze the hand of the man who has been my anchor while life swirled around me.
“Listen, Alex. I do my research when I’m investing large sums of money. Why did you think I chose your company to invest in?”
“Oh.”
He chuckles. “Jacob and I started this foundation to give LGBTQ+ kids the things kids like you did not have. Matthew's parents were like yours. God, he tried so hard to get them to love him. It broke our hearts.”
Jacob wipes away a tear running down his cheek. “Eventually he was able to overcome that heartbreak. Knowing that blood is not what makes a family, love is what makes a family.”
Marcus wraps his arms around his husband. “I love you, sweetheart.”
Wait? Did he say… “Umm, excuse me, sir. Did you say you chose our company to invest in? Like as in for real?”
He laughs, “Yes, but under one condition. You and Jaxon agree to meet with the kids of Matthew’s House. Talk with them about being queer business owners, show them that it can become a reality.”
“Sir, I would agree to do that regardless.”
“Me too,” Jaxon says, “I believe in what you are doing here and will help in any way I can. In fact we have quite a few queer business owners in Camden, I’m sure we could get some of the others to come out. We could do a small business fair type of thing or something.”
Jacob claps, “That's brilliant!”
“I’m the head of our small business community, so just let me know what you need and I can help organize on our end.”
“Oh, this is exciting!” Jacob says, practically bouncing on his feet.
Marcus chuckles, “It sure is. Now let's get back to this meal. We don't want Jaxon to have to hit up the drive thru on the way home.”
We all laugh and suddenly the weight of the night begins to lift.
“I’m going to step outside for a moment,” I say, turning to Jaxon.
“Do you want me to come with you?”
“No, eat, really. I just need a couple breaths of fresh air and then I’ll be right back in. ”
“Okay,” he says, his brows a wrinkle of concern.
He gives me a kiss, “I’m fine, really.” He nods and reluctantly lets me go.
I make my way through the ballroom and down the grand staircase, pushing open the double doors.
As soon as the night air hits my face I suck in a deep breath. Partly because of the sleet that is pelting my face, but also to help me calm down as I try to wrap my mind around what just happened.
My fucking parents.
I have not seen them in at least five years, and then on the biggest night that could make or break my professional career they show up with their fucked up views.
I hate to break it to them, but they abandoned their only child, so their views are worthless.
But you know what, at this moment I’m fucking okay with that. They may have abandoned me but I’m choosing to not have them in my life, I am taking back control. I’m not changing who I am. And I never will. No! I’m choosing love over blood. And I’ve never been more proud of myself for doing so.
I guess it also helped that Mr. Withermore… Marcus helped put them in their place. And Jaxon stood by my side. Not fighting the fight for me but with me.
Jaxon captured my attention the night I met him and he captured my heart tonight. I’m so utterly in love with him. These feelings of love and support from him will always outweigh the lack of acceptance of my parents.
“Oh, Alex, I'm so glad I found you.”
“Ahhh, hi Ms. Brandy.”
“Alright, let's get you out of here.”
“Wait? What? No, Jaxon is still inside. Ouch, why are you pushing me?” My feet scrape against the wet slippery pavement as she tries to shove me along. She’s fucking stong for a little old lady. “Plus this is a very important fundraiser.” Mr. Withermore is gonna think we are not very dependable if I just disappear .
“Marge called and told me to bring you to the shelter.” She changes tactics and grabs a hold of my arm, pulling me to her beat up car sitting at the curb, or rather on the curb.
“Why? What happened? Is Chester okay?” My heart is thundering in my chest as panic sets in all over again. Fuck. I have to see him, what if there is something seriously wrong with him?
“I don’t have the details, kid, she just asked if I would pick you up since I was here.”
She opens the door, shoving me in the back seat.
“But what about Jaxon?” I say, because what the fuck is going on?
“Oh no worries dear, Cookie is here. She volunteered to wait for Jaxon if I came across you first.”
Of course she did, I have half a mind to think she has a crush on my man. I chuckle to myself… My man.
She gets in the driver seat and is pulling away from the curb before she even has her seatbelt fastened.
“Fine, I'll just call him and let him know what's going on.”
I reach into my pocket, “Shit, where is my phone?” I must look like I’m having a seizure in the backseat with the way my limbs are flailing around trying to check my pockets.
I slump in the seat with a groan. My phone is sitting on the table next to my plate of fried chicken. I’ll have to call him when I get to the shelter. He's probably freaking out.
“Ms. Brandy, I'm gonna need you to drop me off at my house. I think I want to drive my car over to the shelter.”
First, the stress of the fundraiser, then my parents, and now Chester with a side of town crazy, I need this night to end.