“He has no right to change the way Hallie and I raised her. She needs to stick to what she knows,” Aunt Piper whines between sips of her wine.
“You listen to me, young lady,” Nonna fusses at her. “You kept a huge secret from this family. I understand why Hallie wanted to spend all the time she had with Ella. But the fact remains that you didn't try to talk Hallie out of that crazy plan, so Ella would already know her other family when something happened to Hallie. And that was selfish.” Nonna’s expression is pained as she chastises Aunt Piper.
“Mom, she needs--”
“Enough, Piper!” Gramps cuts in. “You will not disrespect this family, nor will you keep up this bitchfest in front of Ella. She's been through enough this week. Act your age.”
At Gramps’ words, Aunt Piper finally shuts up, and I’m left in shock. Aunt Piper sulks from across the table, and I force my mouth to stay closed even though my jaw wants to drop open. I feel like the old cartoons Mom watched with me where the character’s mouth dropped open and their eyes bugged out. In all my seven years, I don’t think I’ve ever had this reaction to something someone has said. Have I ever had this reaction?
Movement at the booth next to us catches my attention. One of the voices sounds familiar. Wanting to see if I recognize the person it's attached to, I glance up just in time to see Jax’s profile as she takes her seat. For some reason, seeing Jax makes me antsy. I want to slide under the table and go over to her. Besides Daddy, Jax is the only other person I feel completely comfortable with. Even now with Aunt Piper, I’m not fully at ease like I used to be. Shouldn't I feel more comfortable with Aunt Piper than Daddy or Jax?
Aunt Nessa stops by our booth shortly, and after our outing with Aunt Calla this afternoon, I don't get why Aunt Piper doesn't get along with her. She’s funny and smart, and Aunt Nessa only wants to protect me and Daddy. This afternoon she watched Jax instead of talking. At first I thought she was being rude, but after we left, and Aunt Calla asked her questions, I realized she was sizing her up.
If my understanding is right, Aunt Calla and Aunt Nessa want to do more than just have Jax help Daddy and me through this rough time. They think Daddy and Jax should date. That would be cool. Jax could make donuts with us. Her donuts are soooo good. I could eat at Voodoo every morning if Daddy would let me. Lost in my donut thoughts, I don't see the newcomer at our table.
“How's the homework coming baby girl?” Daddy asks. I turn my attention in his direction and scrunch my nose. “That good, huh?” he laughs.
“You actually thought she could do work here?” Aunt Piper gestures at our surroundings.
“Piper,” Gramps growls.
“I would have more work completed, but Aunt Piper has been bitching since Nonna and Gramps got here,” I tell him then quickly cover my mouth.
“Isabella!” Aunt Piper admonishes me.
Nonna and Gramps must have the same expression I had when Gramps lit into Aunt Piper earlier. Daddy’s trying to hold back his laughter, his eyes twinkling as his cheeks redden. Then there's laughter all around us.
Aunt Nessa pops over. “That's my niece! Damn, I’m really going to love hanging with you.” She laughs and holds a hand out for a high-five. I smack it. “That said, let's not give Nonna and Gramps here a heart attack, or get your Dad in trouble with your teachers. Sound like a plan?”
Scrunching my nose at the thought of losing Nonna and Gramps, or Daddy getting into trouble, I readily agree. Chuckles sound from the next booth over, the one where Jax and her friend sit, making me smirk. At least a few adults get me and understand where I’m coming from.
Jax
Damn, this Piper chick sounds like a bitch. What is her issue?
The waitress steps up to the table. She practically eye fucks CJ before placing his pint of Brewtorium Electric Lederhosen in front of him, which is typical. He is hot. Without taking her eyes off him, she puts my whiskey and ginger, with a lime twist, on the table.
“Do you know what you want to order?” She only asks CJ, ignoring me completely.
CJ gestures for me to start as he takes a sip of his drink. His eyes practically roll back in his head, and he takes a longer pull of the beer.
With a slight shake of my head, and an eye roll to boot, I lift the menu.
“We’d like to start with the roasted brussels sprouts, and I’d like the chicken butternut squash fettuccine alfredo please. Can you tell me what veggies come with it?” I inquire, glancing between the waitress and the menu.
“It doesn't come with veggies,” she responds, her attention still on my companion.
I’m not sure if the chick gets that he’s not paying the least bit of attention to her. In fact, I don't think he’d be able to tell me her cup size if I asked. What the hell is he so focused on?
“Excuse me,” I hear a male voice say from the booth next to us. “Sorry to interrupt, but the alfredo comes with broccoli," Forest pipes in, leaning over to correct the server.
“Good grief. I guess we need to set up a training to go over the menu,” Nessa quips, and with her standing next to Forest, I can definitely see the family resemblance.
“Sorry Chef, Nessa.” The waitress’s expression is contrite as she finally takes her eyes off CJ. Forest nods, and his attention, along with Nessa’s, returns to their conversation at the booth next to mine. Trying not to smile, I force my mouth to stay closed.
CJ blinks. “She’ll take the broccoli. I’d like to try the seafood linguine." He takes the menu from me before handing both of them to the waitress.
“I’ll get these right in,” she informs us, scurrying off.
“Alright. Spill,” I say as I pick up my drink and take my first sip. The burn from the whiskey sliding down my throat is mild compared to what I normally get when I’m out. “Damn! This is either damn good whiskey and mixing it with the ginger was criminal, or the bartender blended it perfectly,” I comment, staring at the amber liquid.
Nessa stops at the table as she moves away from the booth behind me. “It’s both, I promise. I’ll let Adam know he has some mad skills behind the bar for you.” She winks and saunters off, chuckling as she goes.
“Huh. That seems a bit ominous doesn’t it?” CJ muses as he watches her walk away.
“Not sure,” I reply and focus on his less than stellar mood.
A snort comes from my right, taking my attention off CJ as Forest steps up to the table. “My sister is married to the bar manager. He’s the one that made your drink. I need to head back to the kitchen, but if y’all don’t mind hanging out a little while after you eat, I’d like to chat. It’s been a crazy night.” He gestures with his head toward the booth behind me.
“Sure. We can do that. I feel like having dessert tonight anyway, and I know I can talk his sweet tooth into some.” I smile, and CJ nods.
“Great. I’ll bring it out when it’s finished so we can talk then,” he says, and I nod in agreement.
“That works.” Forest walks away, and I stare after him, checking out his ass until he's out of view. “Back to my question dude... and no dodging. Tell me what’s going through that handsome head of yours,” I remark, glaring at him.
CJ sits back against the seat and lets out a long sigh. “It’s this girl I’ve been talking to. She keeps giving off hot and cold vibes, and I’m about done trying.” He reaches for his beer again.
“You’ll have to give me examples, otherwise I can’t help you.” I roll my eyes at him, and he smirks back at me.
“Honestly, Jax I’m not sure. Today she blew me off when I tried to talk to her, but a few days ago she acted like she wanted to meet up for drinks this weekend. I know that women like to play hard to get at times, but she takes it to a whole different level,” he grumbles before finishing his beer.
“Okay, we need to get you something stronger than beer. And for once, listen to me when I say if she’s going to play games like this, she’s not worth it. Stay away from her. I mean it. You deserve better, and I’m not just
saying that because you’re my best friend. I’ve seen you be an ass before, but you’re a great guy, and treating you like that’s just shitty.” I bump his leg with my foot, but he merely shrugs.
The brussel sprouts arrive before I can add anything more, and we order two more drinks then dig in. The sprouts are mouth-watering, perfectly roasted, and they practically melt in my mouth. Considering the reviews I’ve been seeing lately on Belladonna, I’m pleasantly surprised and can’t wait to try the alfredo.
For the rest of the appetizer and into our meal, we chat about everything. I don’t hear much now from Ella’s booth until everyone gets up to leave.
“Night Ms. Jax! Enjoy Daddy’s dessert. He’s really good at them. Will you be at Voodoo tomorrow? I’d like Daddy and me to stop by if it’s okay? Maybe you can show us how to make the doughnuts?” Ella requests as she stops at the table while everyone else keeps walking. Do they realize she’s lagged behind to talk?
“I’ll talk to your Daddy about it. Go catch up with your family, so you don’t scare them okay?” I suggest, reaching out to touch her cute face.
She holds still, letting me touch her. “Thanks Ms. Jax.”
“Ella, lets go. Leave those nice people alone,” the younger one of the women says as she heads back to get Ella. By the sound of her voice, I gather it’s the one they called Piper.
“Bye, Ms. Jax.” Ella starts for her family as I say my goodbye.
Chapter 12
Forest
“Order up!” Calla calls out before strolling over to me. “Hey Forest, I have a set of desserts for you, and it looks like they’re heading to Jax’s booth. Why don’t you take a break once you make them so you can go talk to her? We’ll cover anything else that comes in.”
“That would be great. After the shit Piper pulled tonight, I really need to talk with Jax,” I reply. I’m drained, and I think everyone can tell.
“Dude, I’ve got you,” Wes yells from the grill.
I give him a salute before pulling the ticket for Jax and her friend’s request. The creamy cheesecake won't take anytime to plate, but the cast iron baked decadent triple chocolate brownie will. I’m damn glad I made the ice cream earlier today.
Pulling out the ingredients, I get to work making the small brownie. Plating then adding the garnishes is a breeze, and within five minutes after the brownie finishes baking, I’m heading for Jax's booth. Their server tries to stop me, but I bypass her and keep moving toward the bar.
“Hey Forest, you want me to make you a drink?” Adam calls from behind the bar as I stroll by him.
“Please,” I answer with a nod.
Stepping up to the booth I ask, “Who ordered the cheesecake, and who ordered the brownie?”
“Just place them in the center of the table. We always share when we order dessert,” Jax states, moving plates and drinks out of the way for the new dishes.
“Here you go, man.” Adam pushes a highball glass into my hand as I turn toward him.
“Thanks. It’s been one of those days,” I mutter.
“Considering the family was here... yeah, I know,” Adam adds as he walks away.
“May I sit with y’all so we can talk, and you can enjoy those?” I gesture to the desserts.
“Definitely,” Jax pronounces, scooting over to make room for me. “Forest, this is my best friend and business partner, CJ Steele.”
“It’s nice to meet you, CJ. Thanks for coming out with Jax for this conversation.” I hold out my hand to him.
He shakes it. “No worries, man, I’m glad to help. Your little girl is a cutie by the way.”
I groan, but can’t help the smile that follows. “Thanks. I think I’m going to be in big trouble with her.” I slide into the booth and take a long sip of my drink.
The whiskey has a slight burn as it trails down my throat, but it’s smooth and just what I need. Jax picks up her spoon and takes a bite of the strawberry cheesecake. I watch as she places the spoon in her mouth, her eyes closing as she moans and slowly pulls the utensil from between her luscious lips. Fuck. Me. She’s making me harder than I’ve ever been with just a moan and a damn spoon. As nonchalantly as I can, I re-adjust my growing hard-on.
I down my whiskey, knowing Adam will kill me for taking the good stuff as a shot. No chance in hell am I savoring the flavor with the gorgeous woman next to me practically sucking the spoon off like she would my cock. My throat is dry, and suddenly I need another drink. Right. Now.
I clear my throat and lift my glass toward Adam at the bar before placing it on the table and resting my hands around the glass. “So I wanted to see if you might be able to help me figure out the best way to make sure Ella doesn’t close in on herself. And to make sure I don’t screw things up with her,” I explain, focusing my attention on Jax’s eyes and not her mouth.
Setting her spoon down, she turns slightly to face me. “I guess the only way I can answer that is to know what your relationship with your daughter is like, or what it was like before her mother passed.”
Sighing, I release a breath. This is going to be a fucking shitty conversation. “I don’t really have a relationship with Ella, or at least not a previous one. I didn’t know I had a daughter until last week.”
“But that one chick seems like she’s known Ella longer than a week. The one that was having the hissy fit when we arrived?” Jax breaks in.
Another glass of amber liquid is placed in front of me. “Thanks, man.”
“It’s not a shot damn it! This is the good shit. The Yellow Spot.” Adam grunts at me but is all smiles for Jax and CJ. “Would either of you like another drink?”
Jax and her friend both order another round, and Adam steps away.
“The drama queen is my younger sister. She’s about seven years younger than Nessa and myself. She was Hallie’s, Ella’s mother, best friend. Seven years ago, Hallie and I had a one night stand, and I knocked her up. She, however, didn’t see fit to inform me I had a child,” I share. God, this is way too much info, and with this baggage, I’m not going to be able to get to know Jax as well as I’d like to.
“What the fuck?” CJ says refocusing on me, and what I just divulged.
“And oh yeah, my sister knew about my daughter but didn’t inform the rest of us. Hallie was diagnosed with an aggressive form of ovarian cancer and, instead of terminating Ella, she decided to keep her.”
“Holy shit,” Jax mutters. She reaches for her glass, which is empty, so she picks up her spoon and takes a bite of the brownie. This time, instead of sucking on the spoon, she flips the utensil over, licking the extra chocolate and whipped cream from it. “Ella’s not acting as if she’s uncertain about you, though.”
More drinks are dropped off, including another for me, and I glance over at Adam. He’s shaking his head and Nessa’s standing next to him, her mouth slightly open in a half-shocked, half-laughing expression.
Leave it to my twin. Of course she’s going to notice how many drinks I have and what torture the woman next to me is putting me through. I take another drink of my whiskey as they leave the booth.
“Needless to say, I’m still getting used to having a child. Ella was told all about me from Piper as she was growing up. So, I’m guessing that’s why she’s comfortable being around me. The day Hallie finally told me about Ella was the same day she was in the accident that ultimately ended her life. On Tuesday when we stopped into Voodoo, Ella and I had only known each other for a week.” I blow out a long, deep breath. God it feels so fucking good to get that off my chest.
“Wow. Okay so…. Shit.” Jax bites her bottom lip, and all I can think about is doing that myself. Dude get it together! She’s here to talk about Ella and help you with her. Sex can’t be in the equation.
“Yeah well, at least I know about my little girl now, and she’s in my life. I just need to make sure she’s okay, and that we make this transition with her as easy as possible. I don’t want her to think because of the bullshit her mom did that we can’t talk ab
out Hallie, or whatever she needs to do to remember her.” I drink more of my whiskey, sipping it as I should this time.
Jax looks as if she’s really thinking over everything I’ve just spewed out before she says anything. She’s taking her time eating bites of each dessert. Swallowing her last bite, she begins.
“I get that. Mind you, I was in my teens when my mom passed. Not to mention my dad had been in my life from the beginning. But I’m willing to help in whatever way I can. Ella’s a sweetheart, and considering everything she’s going through, she’s pretty open to people in general. Well... maybe not Piper, considering what she said earlier. But there could be other issues going on.”
“Don’t forget Ella wants to come to the shop tomorrow and have you teach them how to make doughnuts,” CJ pipes in.
I chuckle. “She’s in love with y’all’s donuts. Donuts were her and her mom’s thing, so I want to try and keep that going for her, even if we change it into making them ourselves so it blends Hallie into something we do that’s ours.”
“That will help. Belladonna’s open on Sundays right?” Jax asks.
“For brunch, yes. But she and I can come over first thing in the morning, or after my shift. Whichever works best for you. If you’re not going to be there, that’s fine, too. We can try a different day.” I run a hand though my hair as I backtrack.
“Tomorrow’s fine. I’ll be in most of the day.” Jax fidgets, and her leg bumps mine.
“Hey Forest? Wes is asking for you,” Adam calls from the bar.
I glance up to acknowledge him, and realize the bar is slowly emptying.
“I guess I should let y’all finish your meal. Thanks for coming in so we could talk. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I hold out my hand first to Jax then to CJ before sliding out of the booth.
I get about ten steps away when I hear, “Damn girl! Were you trying to flirt with him? If not, you failed. It’s a damn good thing you’re like my sister, otherwise you’d be up shit creek without a paddle.”
Donut Leave Me Page 7
