20. Lyric #2
“I didn’t feel like my heart really beat until I came back and saw him, even though he was a horse’s ass with his light switch being flipped on and off.” I don’t fault him. Neither of us really knew what had happened, and once we finally talked, I understood.
“That, I also understand. They have these big emotions, and instead of talking about them, they bottle it up, which, I mean, I may have done similar, but the best part about all of them is that they don’t hold grudges.
They’ll also fight for what they want. There’s no walking away from their women.
” Winnie tells me some of what I already know.
The other, I’ll have to talk to her in a smaller group setting.
One day, I’ll have to ask her about what happened between her and Johnny.
“What’s this I hear about Jagger not knowing the difference between a male and female cat?” Lennie enters the conversation. “The guys are giving him hell about it as we speak.” She’s got a plate of her own, stacked high with what looks like fudge, cookies, mini-cupcakes, and a piece of cheesecake.
“Well, I can answer that. He refused to look at Shadow’s privates to decipher the sex.
Only assumed because the cat is so sweet, it had to be a girl, which then made me question how he helped with the kids around here.
Did he cover his eyes when he changed diapers or took them to the bathroom?
You should have seen his face when I asked if he looked.
He was utterly appalled.” The girls laugh.
“You know, I can see that about Jagger. He’s this big thrill-seeking jokester on the surface, but deep down, there’s a lot more,” Maci says, describing the man I love so perfectly.
“Well, I hope he’s up for diaper duty. Between the four of us, we’re going to need all hands on deck.” Kennedy massages her lower back.
“I’m sure all the aunties and uncles will help, plus Briar will be in the thick of it. Then there’s Sebastian. I bet he’ll do the same,” I tell the group of girls.
“Enough about babies and sex. Well, not the real sex, because Kennedy will absolutely lose her shit on me. Let’s talk about your house. How’s it going? When will it be done? And are you ready to shop?” Lennie rapid fires the questions my way.
“The sex is great. Sorry, Kennedy,” I tease.
Since Jagger isn’t her brother, I’m able to get away with a smidge more.
“The house is still in the early remodeling stages, but Jagger and his crew were able to get the master bedroom and bathroom done. I’m not sure when it will be finished, so as for shopping, it might be a few weeks from now, once more rooms are done and I can store things properly. ”
“Well, I’m down, and I know the rest of the girls will be, too,” Kennedy states.
“Um, I hate to ask, but have you figured out what you’ll be doing with the house once it’s finished?” Lennie asks the question that’s been plaguing me for a while now. It seems every time I’m adamant about doing something or sticking to my guns, I change my mind.
“Well, for the time being, we decided to go back and forth. I know that won’t last forever, but I’d like to at least live there before making any big decisions.”
“You could always do what Lennie does.” Winnie nods her way.
“What’s that?” I really hope it’s not turning it into one of those vacation-style homes. My neighbors would probably kill me. I’d no doubt be a bundle of nerves, and the logistics of keeping it clean non-stop would kill me.
“I keep the house next door reserved for friends and family. One day, I’ll figure out what to do with it, but for now, it gets used quite frequently.” Lennie takes a bite of her cheesecake.
“The only problem with that is I’m not sure mine would be used all that much.
I’ve got Naomi, my mom’s best friend, but she spends most of her time in Paris, and unless her new beau changes her mind, I don’t think she’ll be in the States much longer.
” I’ve chewed on this idea, too, plus the possibility of renting it out again, and while I know the damage wasn’t the last tenant’s fault, the thought still makes my gut sink.
“Oh, well, I might be able to help with that. If you want, my house isn’t big enough for the whole Johnson clan. Especially if my sister comes into town. They literally make this group look small. Maybe we can work something out, and if not, please feel free to tell me no,” Lennie suggests.
“You know, I like that idea a lot better. Can I get back with you once everything is settled?” There’s still a lot left to do, and Jagger mentioned the kitchen being the biggest setback with the lead time for kitchen cabinets.
“Of course. Excuse me, I see my niece found a different dessert. She must have been holding it back because I didn’t see that on the table to begin with.” Lennie dashes away, well, tries to as much as she can with her pregnancy belly.
“Hey, Lili, you ready to head home?” Jagger comes up behind me, hands wrapping around my chest and pulling me close to him.
“I am.” I look around. Everyone has dispersed, hanging with their men. A few of the girls are yawning, and I’m suddenly feeling the same.
“Let’s get outta here. Ready to have you in my arms, the game on, and you writing in your journal while Shadow begs for some ear scratches.” The scene he sets is the perfect end to our evening.
“Take me home, Jag, please.”
“My fucking pleasure.” He pulls back, captures my hand, laces our fingers, and then we’re off to say our goodbyes.