by Cat Mason
“Chase, get Mack and take Jasmine downstairs for me, huh?” Looking into those sweet innocent eyes of the little girl in my arms, I force a smile. “Go see if there’s anything to play with downstairs, huh? I’ll go talk to your mommy and then be down soon.” I say, hoping to sound convincing. I’ve known this kid five minutes and I’m asking her to trust me over the only person in this house she does know.
“Don’t call her mommy.” Jasmine scolds, pointing her finger at me. A crease forms across her forehead, as she squints her eyes to drive the point home. “Xandra’s not that old.”
“Okaaaay,” I reply, not knowing whether to smile at the cute as hell kid, or be pissed that she can’t call her own mother ‘mommy’. “I’ll just go talk to Xandra, then I’ll be down to check on you and Chase, does that sound good?”
Luckily, Jasmine nods, going into Chase’s arms without a second thought. Mack must have heard, because he’s already waiting in the hallway. My eyes meet his, “They don’t leave your sight.” I mouth, getting a simple nod in return.
“Where’s Jasmine?” Xandra shouts, the minute she spots me. “You can’t leave the room and let that bitch start tellin’ me how this will go. It should be you and me discussing this.”
“You need to have some respect for the people you’re talkin’ to.” Aiden growls, wrapping his arms tighter around Cam.
Looking at Camaron, who seems to be ready to tear through my brother to get to Xandra if needed, I put up my hand. “Well shit, I’m just wingin’ it here.” I shrug when Xandra glares at me. “I just didn’t think the kid witnessing your melt-down was such a great idea. Just trying to be the responsible one for once that’s all. What exactly is the fuckin’ problem in here? If it were up to me, we’d be swabbin’ and dealing with this shit. you wanna argue instead of doin’ that?”
“Ms. Marshall wants to discuss some things before the test even comes back. I was trying to explain that it’s in the best interest of all parties to wait: then we would figure out a way to handle everything fairly.” Cam spits angrily. “She’s nothing but a piece of rabid pussy that got lucky enough to get a piece of one of you.”
Xandra comes around the table toward me, grabbing my arm. “Hunter, I have a life to live. You can’t expect me to bend like this when…”
“When what, exactly?” I ask gritting my teeth, trying not to lose my temper. “You don’t want to figure out what’s best for your daughter; possibly our daughter? Why is that Xandra, she not worth it?” Her eyes widen, but I continue. “Oh, I get it. You were hoping I would pay you to go the fuck away. Maybe give you a quick, hard goodbye fuck during nap time? Well that’s not how this is gonna go.” Yanking my arm away from her, I pin her with a stare just as her phone rings in her pocket.
“That’s not it at all, Hunter. I just,” she stops midsentence when her phone goes off again. Yanking it from her pocket, she turns away from me thumbing a message.
Patience gone, I yank it from her fingers to scan the screen. “You’ve gotta be kidding me.” Walking around the table, I have to remind myself that I can’t shatter this damn phone against the wall. “She wants to leave her with me.”
“What?” Cam and Aiden both look at me in shock. I hand the phone over to Cam, and nod while they read the same text I read: Dump the kid already. The clubs are open soon.
“Huh, how about that, brother,” I laugh, “a mother who doesn’t give a shit.”
“I’ve been dealin’ with this for years, all while you’ve been busy livin’ the high life.” Xandra argues, as if that makes her abandoning Jasmine okay. “It’s time for you to handle this shit so that I can live my life for once.”
“Your priorities are amazing, I’ll give you that much.” Daisy snaps, stomping into the room. Gray hot on her heels, but he is not fast enough. “Sick, manipulating bitch.” Daisy lunges at Xandra, slapping her across the face. “That little girl doesn’t even know who Hunter is, and you want to drop her off like this is a fucking kennel!” Gray and Henry grab her, as she continues her rant, hauling her to the other side of the room before Xandra can hit her back. “What kind of mother are you?”
“One that lost everything, all because of one stupid mistake. You’ll see soon enough too.” Xandra says pointing at Daisy’s belly before glaring at me. “All I wanted was a few drunken flings, I didn’t ask for this. I’m only twenty seven years old. I deserve to have my fun too. You’re out partying every night, living your life while I’m at home taking care of a toddler. I get to see photos of your drunken ass, buried in tits, splattered all over every magazine in the check-out lane.”
“What is it that you didn’t ask for, slut?” Daisy roars, trying to get free of Henry and Gray’s hold on her. “We all know you were beggin’ for any scraps you could get from the guys. That ended up giving you an adorable little girl that you don’t deserve, because you’re too worried about yourself. Selfish bitch.”
The fact that she would dismiss her own child over something so self-centered, hits home. Not that our mother dumped Aiden and I off on someone so that she could chase free drinks and dicks, but the sting is just as painful. Hell, my mom may have not been perfect, but I guess she did the best she could, given the circumstances. Anger rushes through my veins at the thought of Xandra referring to Jasmine as ‘one stupid mistake’. Would my mother have referred to Aiden and me as mistakes? Regrets? Hell, I was shocked and freaked out, but shit, even I would never call a kid a mistake.
Looking around the room, I throw up my hands. “Swab me; then draw up something for her to sign. I want my ass covered just in case.” Looking at Xandra, I bite back my disgust. “You gonna be able to sleep at night knowin’ you’re dumpin’ your kid into the arms of damn near strangers?” She shrugs, giving me my answer. “Fine. Not my problem that you’re a bitch, that’s all on you. Once that test comes back tomorrow sayin’ she’s mine, you can hit the bricks for good.”
Xandra nods, but stays silent, along with everyone else in the room as an old, bald man takes a sample from inside of my cheek with a couple long ass Q-tip looking swabs. Once he sticks it into a tube and marks it with my name, he does the same to Xandra. “Jasmine’s downstairs, I’ll take you down so you can get hers.” I clarify, and start to go down the hall, stopping only long enough to grab our bags and tell Henry to show Xandra out once she has signed the appropriate paperwork to leave Jasmine with me. There is no way I am letting her leave with that woman again if I don’t have to, not even for tonight.
SaggingShaggers.com
Chase
Once we get downstairs, I use a towel from the kitchenette to clean the icing from Jasmine’s hands and face. “There that’s better.” I say with a smile.
Jasmine jumps off the chair, and runs around the room looking at everything. Our downstairs digs are a pretty great set-up. Way better than the cramped up bus the guys are used to and more cozy than a hotel. There’s a living room with a kitchenette, two bedrooms¸ with an adjoining bathroom. Hunter had told me he hadn’t had a ‘home’ in years, so I am glad they have this now, even for a little while.
“I want more cookies!” Jasmine exclaims, running around the counter. “Cookies!”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, kid. You’re already runnin’ around like a crack-head.” Mack harrumphs, collapsing onto the couch. “How ‘bout a nap?”
“When you’re this many.” Jasmine explains, holding up four fingers with purple nails. “You don’t have to take naps.”
“Mack, why don’t you find something on television for her to watch?” I ask, looking around, knowing that there is nothing for her to play with.
The door flies open, making me jump. Hunter thumps down the steps with our stuff followed by an older man. “Hey, Jasmine.” Hunter says dropping the bags in the corner. Walking over, he swoops her up into his arms, making me melt a little at the sight of him holding her again. “This guy is sorta like a doctor. Once we’re done here, how about we go get some stuff for you?”
Jasmine’s eyes light up, “Toys?”
“Yeah, alright.” Hunter replies, plopping her onto the counter. “We’ll be here for a while, so sure. Whatever you want.”
Once Hunter and the doctor, are dealing with swabbing Jasmine, I make a getaway into the bedroom. A minute to think things out and clean up a bit is just what I need. Yesterday, all I wanted was Hunter to see things differently. Now that he does, everything is changing so fast I can barely keep up. I can handle everything that comes along with him, and I plan to. Just wish I could breathe in-between bombshells.
“You okay?” Hunter’s voice pulls me from my thoughts.
“Yeah, I’m fine honey.” I answer, walking out of the bathroom just in time to see him closing the door behind him. “How’d that go?” I ask, but pretty much have an idea that it didn’t go as he expected.
“Xandra only came to dump her off on me.” Hunter blurts, tugging his icing covered shirt over his head and tosses it to the floor. “Says that this ‘mistake’ has kept her from all the fun she could be having. That it’s my turn now.”
My heart breaks over Hunter’s recap of everything I missed upstairs. I hurt for the little girl who was abandoned by the only parent she’s known, up until now. Who is too concerned with getting to something they considered more important than their own child. More than anything, I would love to get my hands on that bitch and give her a couple ass beatings for tossing away her little girl, like my father had done with me. Luckily, I didn’t get forced from my home; plus, Luke was always there for me. Even when my mom put us on the back burner, he always took care of me, but Jasmine is different. She has been dropped into this life, with people she doesn’t even know, and is just expected to trust us all immediately. Poor kid, I would have been terrified.
“So what happens now?” I ask him.
Hunter walks across the room, running his hands up my arms. “I’m doing this. Test will be back tomorrow or whatever, but anyone can tell by looking at her that she’s mine. Xandra abandoned her, I won’t do that. Ever.”
My heart expands, as if I could love this man more. Pushing up on my toes, I kiss his lips tenderly. “I love when I’m right, you know?”
Hunter smiles, against my lips. “Really? What would you be right about?” He asks, wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling me to him.
Our bodies pressed together, frazzles my thinking a little. I struggle to gather my thoughts. “You’re a lot better man than you give yourself credit for, Hunter.”
Instead of a reply, his mouth covers mine. The kiss is sweet and slow, as if he is savoring me. The warmth in his touch, something that Hunter has never given me before. Our tongues slide along one another, teasingly. His rough fingers slide up, cupping the back of my head. Effectively holding my body against his, as if he is worried I would run. A sigh escapes my lips, making him groan in desperation. “Can’t.” He says pulling back, but I’m not sure if he is talking to me or himself. “Let’s go grab dinner; we can pick up some stuff for the kid.”
“Sure,” I reply, walking with him toward the bedroom door. “What does Jasmine need?” I ask, not knowing what Xandra sent for her or if he even knows himself.
“Looks like Xandra didn’t leave shit. Didn’t even mention wanting to say goodbye to her own kid.” Hunter whispers, angrily. “I feel like shit. If I’d known…” He trails off. Grabbing a clean shirt, he yanks it over his head, covering most of the ink I love so much.
“Well you didn’t; that’s on her, not you. Nothing you can do about it but show Jasmine you’re here now.”
Hunter swings open the door and both of us burst into laughter. Mack is on all fours, while Jasmine steadies herself on his back. Riding him through the living room like a horse, “Go faster, Uncle Mack.” She commands between giggles, hanging onto his ponytail. Her face lighting up when he moves around the chair toward us.
“All the ladies around here are so bossy.” Mack snaps, bouncing to make Jasmine jiggle. She squeals an excited cackle, as he fumbles across the carpet on his hands and knees.
“Uncle Mack, huh?” Hunter asks, “That was fast.”
Mack rolls his hips, causing Jasmine to tumble onto the couch. “Well, I figure if I bribe her with enough cookies and fun shit, maybe one woman around here will give me kisses.”
“Language, cuntbiscuit.” Hunter snarls.
“I don’t kiss boys! Eww.” Jasmine huffs in shock, crossing her arms over her chest. She scrunches her nose in disgust, the same way Hunter does. “I only kiss princes.”
“I bet you’re hungry, huh Jasmine? After we eat, we can go shopping.” I say, grabbing my purse off the chair.
With that Jasmine leaps off of the couch, grabbing both Hunter’s hand and mine. “Bye Uncle Mack.”
Hunter laughs when Mack rolls his eyes before standing to his feet. “I’m goin’ too, beautiful.”
Looking between Hunter and Mack, I nod shakily. Even though we lost the cameras earlier, any time the guys go out in public now it’s pretty certain there will be chaos. Their faces are plastered all over the magazines and every social media site, now. It’s what they always wanted: fame, recognition. “Price to pay for everything, babe.” Hunter whispers against my ear, almost as if reading my thoughts. They are being recognized for being as talented as they are, but the price is privacy. Grabbing hoodies and sunglasses from our bags, we attempt to be incognito, and head upstairs.
Everyone else is gathered around the table diving into pizzas and chicken wings. Daisy eyes light up when she sees Jasmine between Hunter and I. “We’re goin’ out spooners! So you’ll have to find a way to enjoy your night without us to spice it up.” Hunter says, scrunching his nose up at Daisy’s salad. “I’m allergic to that healthy shit.”
I bite back a giggle at the look on his face, since it was the same look Jasmine made just minutes ago. “I’m going shopping.” Jasmine says, bouncing in place.
Henry looks up from a pizza box, expectantly. “Mack already volunteered to go with.” Hunter answers, before Big Man says anything.
“Should be fine, I suppose.” Big Man agrees, while dousing a slice in hot sauce. “I plan on eatin’ my dinner, plus Katheryn’s on her way.” He grins, the fact that Henry is relaxing enough to focus on anything other than protecting everyone is shocking. Though it’s about time.
“The pizza joint has an ‘Inferno Pie.’” Aiden explains. “Pepper Jack Cheese, they even use hot sauce instead of pizza sauce, and top it with every meat and pepper available.”
“The heat is so bad they wear goggles while bakin’ it.” Cam adds making Hunter’s eyes light up.
“Share the wealth Big Man.” Hunter says, inching toward the box. “Is there bacon on it? I could be persuaded to eat a slice if there’s bacon.” Henry slams the box closed, shaking his head.
“Go take the ladies shopping, be sure to buy Mack a new purse for his bridge game at the Seniors’ Center.” Gray says, slapping the table, unable to hide his amusement.
“Yeah,” Aiden chimes in. “He’s a real ladies’ man. Got ‘em swoonin’ between sewin’ circles. Hell, I bet he can get a mic stand full of bras at Bingo Night just as fast as Hunter can at any show.”
“You two are such assholes.” Cam scolds, rolling her eyes. “Don’t worry Mack, the post on the fan page was only seen by a few thousand before I got it taken down. It wouldn’t have been that many if someone hadn’t linked it to every senior dating page in the Tennessee Valley.”
“You posted what?” Mack shouts, looking between Hunter and Aiden. Instantly, Jasmine’s hand tightens around mine. A tremor runs down her body, as she scoots behind me to hide.
“It was a joke man. Just a little necessary pay back. We made you a little profile on the site too, with a photo shopped pic. Real classy like.” Aiden defends.
Everyone is going about their business. Eating, talking, and making fun of Mack as he explodes about being in the running for ‘Hunk of the Month’ on SaggingShaggers.com; completely missing the little gi
rl freaking out over here. Memories flood my mind, making me way too emotional. The things I’ve spent years pushing back come flooding to the front. Desertion, rage, hurt, and resentment all churn in my veins. What I thought didn’t exist in me, feelings that I thought I had let go of long ago, stand front and center now. All because of this sweet little girl that has been put through more in just the time that I’ve known her than any one deserves. Right now, I would give anything to be judge, jury, and executioner for Xandra, my father and any other worthless parent out there who has higher priorities than their own children.
I don’t, of course, blame Hunter. Too much. He’s just coming into the realization of having a child. Just like everyone in the group, they are used to being loud as hell, and not afraid to toss out insults and argue about trivial shit. None of it matters, tomorrow they will be on to the next stupid prank, but all Jasmine knows is they are yelling. Loud. Which, by the way Xandra acted earlier, I assume Jasmine has seen a lot of fighting.
“Hunter,” I mutter, trying to get his attention.
“It’s not so bad, man.” He keeps talking. “You’ll make a nice pension kept bitch.”
“Hunter, you need to-” Daisy says, taking notice of Jasmine and then no doubt, my look of panic.
“I’ll get your ass back for this, both of you.” Mack roars, interrupting Daisy. “What if my grandmother sees that?”
Jasmine whimpers, and I lose it. “Hunter!” I explode. Everyone stops mid-sentence, all eyes on me. Releasing her hold on Hunter, Jasmine grips my hand with both of hers now. Obviously just as shocked at my outburst as everyone else in the room who are now waiting on an explanation. However, the last thing I am going to do is go into a wounded tirade. “You know what, never mind. We’ll be out in the ‘Burban.” Lifting Jasmine into my arms, I hurry from the room; ignoring Hunter and Cam pleading for me to come back. My only thought is to get Jasmine out of there.