“Did you breastfeed?”
“Jesus.”
“Is that why your tits are bigger?”
My eyes widened, shaking my head. “Stop looking at my chest, Jax.”
“I’d do more than look if you’d give me half a chance.”
“And moving right along…”
This was what we did for the rest of the day. Jax asked me every question known to man about Ben, and we hung out like a family.
* * *
And I’d be lying if I said, I didn’t cherish it.
THIRTEEN
JAX
THEN
“Jaxey,” Mom exclaimed, pulling me into a tight hug. “You look so handsome, baby.”
I was dressed in a tuxedo for her annual Christmas party that she’d hosted since I was born. It was her way of proving to the town that we were the perfect family despite all the rumors of my father’s infidelities. He played his part of the doting husband every year, and being extra attentive to my mother and their guests was what he did best.
“Mom, I hate it when you call me that.”
She pulled away, adjusting my bow tie. “Don’t be a sourpuss, Jax. You look incredible. Angela picked out your tux. I’m so glad it fits.”
Angela was her personal shopper.
“I swear you’re just growing like a weed. Look at these shoulders and these arms, Jaxey. My boy is built like his daddy.”
“Speaking of, where is he?”
“His plane just landed. He will be here soon, and our guests will too. Be a doll and go make sure Miss Carlisee is ready for our guests and that her daughter’s uniform fits.”
I jerked back, confused by her request.
“What?” She mirrored the expression on my face. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Why is her daughter wearing a uniform?”
She smiled. “Sophie’s helping tonight. She’s going to be carrying around the appetizers, drinks, making sure our guests have everything they want and need.”
“Mom…”
“What, Jaxey? What’s the problem?”
I bit my tongue. She was so oblivious to my life. I couldn’t remember the last time she’d attended one of my football games, let alone knew who I was friends with.
Since I’d first kissed Sophie two months ago, we’d been hanging out any chance we could get. Football season was in full swing, and like always, it consumed my life in every way, shape, and form.
The only time we could spend together was late at night. She’d sneak out of her bedroom window after her mom was asleep and crawl into my bed. We didn’t do anything but talk until all hours of the night. Sometimes we’d make out, but most of the time we just talked about the most random things.
I’d tell her about football, and she’d talk about the newest story she was reading. The girl could read a whole ass book in one night, it was crazy how much she loved it. Her face would light up anytime she started speaking about her stories. It was by far her favorite thing to do.