— her car as quick as we could. “I’m going to take you all to the house and then I’m coming back to have a word with my lovely brother.” She shook her head, stepping on the gas to pull out of the drive way quickly.

— them that we had taken out. I was here for moral support for Lexi, but honestly as much as my mom pissed me off… I couldn’t fucking wait to get away from this town and all the bullshit that came with it. Luckily Lynn didnt live far so she arrived fast to pick us up. All four of us piled into —

— frowning the moment I felt her tense. And before I knew it she was out of my lap and headed for the door. Fuck. P was already on the phone to Lynn. “I’ll grab our stuff.” Nan’s bag was still in the living room. I quickly made my way back to Lexi’s room and grabbed our bags, throwing everything in—

I didn’t want to say that this trip was a bad idea, but I was definitely thinking it at this point. Yesterday wasn’t bad, but from the moment we woke up this morning and left the house it has been a mess. I tightened my arm around her and kissed the side of her neck. “I’m sorry, baby.” I whispered —

-- finished up eating, so they should be in soon. You okay?" I knew the answer, I knew she was pissed at her dad with good reason. Leaning over, I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her onto my lap not caring once again what anyone else had to say.

-- I carried it into the living room setting it down on the coffee table. "We've got the snacks and movies set up and ready whenever you two are ready." I leaned back out onto the patio to let Nan and Pedro know we were ready before heading back to sit with Lexi. "It looked like they were getting --

-- ass. "Of course, babe. Let's go." Standing up, I held out my hand for her to take, pulling her up from the couch. Once we walked back into the kitchen, I pulled down the plate Lexi instructed me to use and began opening the different candies into each section of the plate. Once it was done --

"I was thinking the exact same thing." I chuckled, kissing her softly and honestly not caring if Alex decided to open his mouth again. He was starting to piss me off because just the day before he was all for us doing whatever we wanted as long as we were safe about it, and now he was being an --

— for two more days. And it was still better than dealing with my mom. Even though when we got home I planned on standing my ground which would really set her off, I felt like it would pay off in the end. Or I hoped it would anyway.

— the opposite. After finishing my food, I cleared my plate and put it in the dishwasher before heading into the living room with Lexi. “Need any help?” I asked leaning against the side of the couch watching her. I understood her frustration, I was just as frustrated, but I knew we were only here —

I couldn’t be one hundred percent sure, but I was convinced that Alex’s sudden change from the day before and how Lexi and I are was due to Maribel. We knew Alex was talking to her last night and now suddenly today he doesn’t want us showing our PDA when the day before he was telling my parents —

— there would be no holding me back. I kept quiet long enough where she is concerned. “Hmm?” I was lost in my thoughts for a moment when she asked about her corn. I smiled, nodding and picking up her plate taking it to the kitchen to cut the corn off her cob before bringing her plate back.

— Which didn’t bother me, I simply don’t care. But I knew this was important to Lexi, so I’d have to work a little harder to control my anger and frustration. That was not something I was good at, especially if my buttons got pushed a little too much. And even more especially if it concerned Lexi —

— because honestly, neither did I. I was civil simply for Lexi and no other reason. All I knew for sure was that after today this party tomorrow was going to be interesting to say the least. I already knew nobody in that clubhouse apart from the man sitting in front of us right now, liked me. —

Flashing a grin at Keith’s words, I cracked open my soda and let her and Keith have their conversation. I was waiting for everyone else to sit before I started eating. That was something we always did at home and it felt weird not to do it now. I had to laugh when Keith said he didn’t like Gemma —

— much as they want. When she came back with a coke for me, I smiled, leaning over to steal a kiss. “Thank you, babe.” I leaned a little closer, whispering. “I’m proud of you. And by the way… when we go home. I’m not changing shit. I don’t care what she says.”

Letting her lead me out onto the back patio, I sat in one of the chairs and I was about to pull her into my lap when she walked over to her dad. Honestly, I was surprised she said anything. But it was true, we were getting told about our PDA constantly but those two could just sit and makeout as —

-- at her skin gently. "You're definitely paying for that later."

-- I would've helped you set the table, babe." A smirk tugged at the corners of my mouth at her words. I shifted slightly adjusting myself without making it obvious. "Mhmm too bad you already brought it up and now that's what I'm thinking about." I chuckled, kissing the side of her neck, nipping --

Watching Lexi pad into the living room and immediately sit on my lap. I wrapped my arms around her, kissing her back just as hard and deep. I couldn't get enough of her, but I wasn't going to torture her brother by full on making out with his sister right in front of him. "Good, I'm starving too. --

-- going to sit and try to get myself back together. I know Lexi loves parts of this town and some of the people in it, but this place also triggered the fuck out of her, and I was just trying to make sure she was okay while making sure I don't get myself in trouble for kicking someones ass.

-- heading into the living room, I sat down on the couch, kind of just needing a moment to decompress myself. From the time we first left the house this morning it had been one thing after the other which was exhausting. So until we decided what all we were doing and it was time to eat, I was --

I nodded, keeping quiet because even if it was slightly frustrating, P didn't make it easy to be there for him all the time. I would be there for my best friend no matter what even when he was difficult. "She's right, P. He's nice. He came for her quinceañera next week." I offered a small smile --

— were my favorite. The moments she could just let herself be in the moment and be happy without being scared or angry. Swooping in I steal a quick kiss. “I’m guessing we’re gonna wait to start a movie until after we eat? Are we playing games too?”

— smiled looking up at me. “Seems you’re taking good care of her. Thank you. I know JT would appreciate that as much as Alex does.” I smiled, nodding. “I do my best.” Lacing my fingers with her when she walked back over to me, I couldn’t help but smile. She seemed so happy in this moment, and those—

I knew one of the things Lexi was worrying about was who was going to show up for her quinceañera. I was glad to see that at least some of the people from her past were accepting and taking it seriously knowing it would mean a lot to her. “You look happy, sweet pea. I’m glad to see it.” Keith —

— man meant a lot to her, so I would make whatever effort necessary. For her.

— into the other room. I wasn’t sure how I felt about meeting another Son. Especially after today, but I smiled anyway because I could tell it meant the world to her and all I wanted was for her to be happy. “It’s nice to meet you.” I greeted, offering my hand for him to shake. It was obvious this —

When Lexi didn’t say anything about my suggestion, I already knew what she was thinking. But having Pedro stay wouldn’t be permanent so my mom might be more open to the idea. Maybe. With her it was hard to tell sometimes. I hung back in the living room talking to P and Nan until Lexi called me —

— ask. At least that way Pedro would be somewhere he was comfortable and he wouldn’t need to worry about walking down the street or dealing with Jax or any of the Sons and their bullshit they’ve always got going on.