"I don't think you two have ever cooked together, have you?" comes Remy's voice from the kitchen island where she takes a seat. "You two are both so good. Have you ever made something together?"
I share a glance with Jax and then we both shake our heads. "No, I guess not," I answer. "It's usually just one of us cooking." I make my way over to the fridge for my ingredients at the same time that Jax starts with the steak
"Well, in that case, I am very excited about this dinner," Remy says with a grin.
"You know, you should probably learn to cook too." I hear Tristan's arrogant drawl. "You were so proud of being the ideal female partner, but how is that possible if you burn everything?"
I chuckle as I reach into the freezer, not even having to look at my sister to know that she's glaring.
"You didn't seem to have any issues when I was choking on your dick last night," she snaps.
The pan in Jax's hand drops to the stove with a clatter. We both turn to Remy with equally stunned expressions.
She's grinning smugly at Tristan, but when she sees that we’re just gawking at her, the smile immediately slides from her face. I'm fairly certain it's the first time I've seen her look it, but she actually looks bashful when she realizes what she's said. A blush flames her cheeks as she looks down and mutters, "Sorry," looking properly chastised.
Jax shakes his head, mumbling something under his breath aboutnever should've given my blessing. I just laugh and go back to my ingredients.
The rest of the night is spent enjoying each other's company. Not once do I think about Steve or heartbreak or anything else that breakups usually come with.
My family and friends replaced it all with laughter and joy.
9
JAX
Two days later I’m packing up my office to leave for the day when I finally decide to call Hailey. She and Remy left after dinner on Sunday night, and I’ve managed to hold off until now on checking in with her. I know Remy is as protective of her sister as I am, so I know she’s probably fine, but there’s something in me that can’t go another minute without hearing her voice and making sure she’s okay.
She picks up on the second ring with a frazzled, "Hello?"
"Hey, baby girl," I croon into the phone in an effort to calm her down. "Busy day?"
She laughs, the sound breathless. "Something like that." I hear dishes clattering in the background.
I frown. "You're still at work?"
"Yeah, it's been... an interesting day." I know there's more to that story, but she doesn't give me a chance to ask because she says, "Nothing big, I'll tell you about it later. What's up?"
I force myself to not push her on the subject, despite wanting to know what’s upsetting her. "I just wanted to see if you needed help moving out tomorrow. Remy said you're going in the morning?"
"Yeah, I figured it'd be best if I moved out while he's at work. But I know that's when you work too, so I didn't want to ask you. Remy will be there, so don't worry about helping out. I don't have that much to move anyway. I should be able to fit everything into her car with two trips."
"I'd rather be with you when you go back," I admit in a tight voice. "I don't want him showing up and catching you by yourself. Even Remy isn't enough of a threat to him."
She giggles, and the sound immediately calms me down. Infinitesimally. "Don't let Remy hear you say that."
I sigh. "I don't think he would do anything, but... I just hate the idea of you being around him. I know that makes me a Neanderthal. Can I come with you anyway?"
There's a pause on the other end of the line and then her sweet voice sounds and soothes the jagged edges of my angry heart. "Of course, you can come. I would never hold your caveman instincts against you, you know I love them." Another laugh. "Plus, I'd be an idiot to turn away a massive amount of muscle and another car. You'll probably cut our time by half."
I chuckle. "That's true. So what time are you going over? I assume you managed to take the day off."
"Yup. I want to be over there at 10am so we can get everything out quickly. Can you meet us there then? I could probably even have you done by lunch, so you don't have to take a full day off."
"Don't worry about that. We'll take as long as you need."
I can hear the smile in her voice. "Thanks, Jax. I appreciate it."
My chest warms at her words.