The Ryland Boys
Chapter 19

“I just don’t get it, how could you meet the love of your life, then come home? Go stay the night! Sleep with the guy!” Carter said confused with a mouthful of a breakfast burrito.

I smirked “I just didn’t want him thinking I was easy.” I said shrugging and looking to Jax who was eating his omelet and eyeing me.

Mason walked into the kitchen looking tired and annoyed but his eyes moved to me and he slowly smiled “You didn’t sleep at your tiger mans house?” He asked with a smug look.

Drinking my coffee I shook my head “No, I think I’m going to drag it on for a while. I like the beginning stage anyways, the make outs and passionate k****s.” I said thoughtfully.

Carter eyed me “You like taking your time?” He asked pouring more syrup on his pancakes.

I nodded laughing, “Yeah. You don’t?” I asked c*****g an eyebrow.

He scoffed “I like to grip a tit, do a quick one, then change positions and do another one. Double stuff her.” He said giving me a wink.

Ah, lovely.

Mason eyed Carter in disgust “Now every time I see Lucy I’ll think double stuffed.” He laughed shaking his head.

I looked to Mason thoughtfully “I’m just average, maybe a few minutes of foreplay but I enjoy the s*x. Rough s*x is nice.” He said nodding.

Shaking my head smiling I realized I could never date Mason. No matter how sweet or kind he is, rough s*x and I just won’t ever do.

“What about you Jax? Lindsay’s a firecracker.” Mason said smirking at Jax.

He c****d an eyebrow at Mason “You asking me about how I f**k is sort of uncomfortable and a bit alarming.” Jax said before shoving a fork full of omelet into his mouth.

Carter gave Jax a small smile “He’s just embarrassed. I always hear Lindsay shouting ‘Cant you go any faster?’ ‘Go harder Jax!’ ‘God dammit f**k me like you mean it!’ You should hear.” Carter said mocking the tone of Lindsay’s voice.

Jax stared at Carter for a couple minutes “What do you do? Stand by the door?” He asked watching Carter grin “I’m right. It’s alright, she’s a kinky girl anyways.” He said smirking.

Alison walked in and looked up at me surprised “Oh, you’re here.” She said pouring herself a cup of coffee “You didn’t stay?” She asked.

Mason and Carter smirked “She’s playing hard to get.” Carter said to Alison.

She glanced at him over her shoulder “Well, he’s a wealthy formidable guy, I’m having a dinner tomorrow to start off the week before the ball, just let me know if you want him to come and I’ll have a place setting for him.” She said smiling at me.

I nodded “Thank you, I don’t know if I’m ready to bring him on dates yet but I’ll think about it.” I said smiling at her.

“Did you guys have fun at least?” She asked me watching me thoughtfully.

I smiled “Yeah, it was nice. I definitely enjoyed him, I mean he was more passionate and romantic then I remembered but he was still so sweet.” I said thinking of Casper’s smile.

Alison smiled wide “More passionate huh? More than flying you to secret places?” She asked c*****g an eyebrow.

Smirking I gave a nod “Yeah, he’s definitely a wild one though.” I said taking a drink.

Lucas came running in after followed by….why the hell is she here?

Lindsay looked me over and then went to Jax giving him a morning k**s and sitting in his lap picking at his hash browns.

“You slept here.” Alison said to Lindsay who stared at her for a while.

They had a small staring war that ended with Lindsay saying “We moved the wedding date to two months from today. It’s going to be grand.” She said smirking

Oh god.

Jax stared at his mom quietly and then sighed as Alison stared with wide eyes “Oh, yeah no don’t even worry about talking with me. It’s not like I’m the one paying for it all.” She said aggravated.

Lindsay c****d an eyebrow at her “You can afford it.” She said scoffing.

Alison eyed Lindsay before waving her off and then walking out the kitchen aggravated.

Mason leaned forward “You and Casper the Friendly Ghost getting married?” He asked me causing us all to laugh, I shook my head “I don’t think so. I doubt we’ll be together that long.” I said honestly.

Lindsay scoffed “Why? Is it because he’s too perfect?” She asked in a tone.

I took a drink of my coffee “No it’s because he’s married.” I said looking to Carter first.

He eyed me for a while “Oh shit.” He said looking to Mason.

I followed his stare to Mason who was leaning into the counter staring at me in disbelief.

“So you’re a home wrecker?” Lindsay asked finding this amusing.

Oh just wait, this will be notorious.

I laughed to myself “No, actually, she uh knows….she even said she wished she could join but she had yoga practice.” I said laughing nervously.

“Okay, Wait, So they’re polyamorous?” Carter asked looking me over.

Leaning forward, I decided to go with that because it’d be easier than explaining freebies.

I nodded “Yeah, I almost ran out of there feeling so weird.” I said shaking my head and staring at Mason who was laughing lightly.

Looking to Jax, he was staring at me in his normal thoughtful gaze “You almost f****d a girl and a guy last night.” Carter said breaking my stare.

I sighed “I hated the way I felt the whole night. I honestly don’t know how people cheat, even though she accepted and knew about me, I still felt gross and wrong.” I said looking at Carter.

He eyed me “Yeah I didn’t ever feel that feeling but I mean a few times I felt bad but I got over it after I f****d another girl.” He said shrugging.

“Lovely.” I said to Carter shaking my head laughing.

I looked over at Lindsay and she was trying to busy herself, “They say there’s characteristics about cheaters that you can actually spot.” I said moving my eyes from her to my coffee.

Mason leaned in interested “Tell me…I’ve been looking for a girl, you know since you’ll never date me and I need to move on, well she needs to be hot like you, natural, funny, into basketball and then loyal. Also she has to role play in bed.” He said nodding.

“Role play?” I asked laughing.

He nodded “Student and teacher, prisoner and cop, pregnant woman, oh and then the dirty stripper.” He said smiling at me.

I eyed him “You really need to get over me then because I’d never do that.” I said laughing lightly.

Lindsay smirked at me “You’ve never foreplayed?” She asked as if I was insane.

Looking up at her I smirked “No but I’m guessing you have.” I said feeling like this might be interesting.

“Jax probably likes that weird s**t like wrestler foreplay or hulk and black widow.” Carter said laughing.

Lindsay stared at Carter and then looked away while I watched Jax get uncomfortable. “Oh s**t, okay, so not with Jax. Alright. I mean hey, we’ve all had our own s*x past.” Carter said.

She looked down at Jax “He doesn’t like it, says its stupid.” She shrugged rolling her eyes.

He nodded “It is, s*x doesn’t always have to be like a porno.” Jax said sitting back and staring at Lindsay.

She held her hands in a surrender “I know. I was just saying you don’t like it.” She said leaning forward and grabbing more of his hashbrowns.

Mason stared between Jax and I before nodding “You two just haven’t played it right.” He said laughing.

Carter leaned forward “I dated this one chick who liked when I choked her out. Weird girl, loved fore playing rape.” He said thoughtfully.

My stomach turned and I looked down at my coffee, my mind disgusted by the fact a woman would even fantasize about something so horrible.

“Oh I’ve tried that one, really uncomfortable. Can’t tell when they’re serious or not.” Mason said catching me off guard.

I looked over at him forcing my emotions to stay normal and not go ballistic.

Lindsay laughed “Norah would need one of those, she’s so uptight.” She said laughing more.

I watched Jax stare at her for a long moment before he moved his eyes to me, I gave him a short look “I’m going to just avoid the fore play thing entirely. After all it’s just to mask your insecurities in bed right?” I asked Lindsay.

She furrowed her eyebrows “Insecurities? No it’s just to have fun.” She said laughing and looking to Mason.

Mason leaned forward thoughtfully “So you’re saying the s*x itself isn’t amazing or interesting enough so we have to create stories?” He asked smirking at me.

I smirked “Exactly what I’m saying.” I said drinking my coffee.

Lindsay scoffed “How would you know anything about s*x, you’ve only f****d once.” She said laughing.

I nodded “You don’t read do you?” I asked her pondering the next question.

She shrugged, “sometimes.” She said eyeing me.

Leaning forward I stared at her smiling “Have you ever read porn? Not just watched it, but read it.” I asked biting my l*p as I smiled at her.

She bursted into laughter “How the hell do you read porn?” She laughed shaking her head.

Giving a nod, I headed out the kitchen and up to my room grabbing the book and coming back down.

Walking into the kitchen, I shut the door behind me and flipped to the page. “The silk slipped off her chest slowly, inching its way into the darkest parts of my mind. As it fell to the lowest point of her hard plump breasts, I couldn’t help myself as I engulfed the breast, running my tongue over her n****e as it hardened in my mouth. She was a goddess in the way she m****d, I wanted more of it. Running my hands up between her thighs, I carefully pulled down the lace underwear, rubbing my thumb lightly over her lips. The wet c*m that dripped out filling over my fingers made my d**k grow harder. I was beyond ready to thrust my bulge into her, but it wasn’t time. We both knew how much she admired the pre s*x ritual, dropping my mouth from her now blushed and raw breast, I lowered my head between her legs. She was breathing rapidly now, anticipating the moment we both knew was her ultimate favorite part. She always tasted sweet, like the juice from a fresh cut melon. I craved it, I craved her.” I said softly before looking up from the book and staring at them.

Mason stared at the book for a couple minutes “Can I borrow that?” He asked me seriously.

Walking over I placed the book to his chest and he took it staring at it as though it was some foreign object.

Carter laughed “Holy s**t, I didn’t know books could turn me on.” He said running his hand through his hair shaking his head.

Looking to Lindsay she eyed me “So you learn from books?” She asked staring thoughtfully at the book. I moved my eyes from her to the book “Some things, yes.” I said smirking.

She eyed the book “It’s at Barnes & Nobles if you really want to know about his gorging d**k and her pulsating cavity that craved him.” I said laughing and taking a drink.

Carter took the book from Mason and flipped two pages ahead “Oh s**t, they’re doing anal?” He asked reading it with a curious look.

I nodded “Just wait till the next chapter, her neighbor Valarie comes in and there’s a full on threesome.” I said watching Mason eye me in shock.

“You can keep the book, I’ve read it twice already.” I said pouring myself another cup.

Mason pulled the book back from Carter “So you’ve master-bated to this book?” He asked putting the book to his nose.

I laughed cringing and shoving his shoulder “You’re gross. Oh my god Mase, do that when you’re alone in your room.” I said shaking my head.

Jax’s laugh caught my attention and he gave me a soft smile with a curious stare. “You read?” I asked him pouring sugar into the cup.

He sat back “Yeah, not porn but yeah I read.” Jax said looking to Lindsay who smirked at him “He reads all these Stephen King novels and then documentaries on famous fighters.” She said proud.

I took a drink of my coffee “Interesting.” I said before hearing Lucas’s foot steps run along the floor as he shouted “Pool!”

It was Saturday so technically I’m off, but my protective instincts made me head out the door and scoop him up as he tried to pass by.

“Uh, where are you going?” I asked him looking from him to the empty pool.

He pointed to the backyard “Swimming!” He said smiling at me widely.

I walked outside to see the backyard empty “With who?” I asked watching him stare and look around.

“Jax!” He said lying.

Walking him to the kitchen, I held him on my h*p, “So Jax is going to swim with you?” I asked him before we pushed the door open. He nodded “He’s just changing.” He said lying some more.

I nodded “mhm.” I pushed the door open and looked to Jax and then Lucas “So, he’s upstairs changing?” I asked Lucas again.

Lucas stared at Jax and then me “I just wanted to go swimming.” He said low and sad.

Lindsay leaned forward “Don’t punish him for wanting to swim.” She said annoyed.

Mason stared between us “Lindsay you probably shouldn’t…” He said looking her over.

She shut up and said under her breath “Why would she punish him for being active?” She asked Jax.

I looked to Lucas “You know what’ll happen if you go out and swim alone? You’ll drown Lucas.” I said watching fear rack up in his little body.

Lindsay sighed “You’re scaring him, now he’ll never swim.” She said aggravated.

Lucas stared up at me worried “You know how many kids drown and die because they aren’t watched while they’re in the pool? You do not swim alone!” I said watching him stare with watered eyes.

Sighing I watched Lindsay stand up “Come on Lucas, she’s just being a b***h. You swim whenever you want. You’ll be a pro swimmer some day.” She said smiling wide and taking Lucas from my arms.

I eyed Lucas “I don’t lie Lucas, you’ll die. You’ll never see Jax, Lindsay, your mom, me or any of your friends. You’ll be dead.” I said crossing my arms over my chest.

Looking to Mason he laughed lightly “That’s one way to get your point across.” He said staring at one of the chapters.

Lindsay hurried him out the kitchen and I heard him run to the pool while Lindsay’s foot steps went the opposite way.

“Is she leaving him alone?” I asked staring at the door.

Carter cleared his throat “He does swim though.” He said matter of factly.

I stared at Carter and then looked to Mason, “He shouldnt be allowed to swim alone you guys, he’s too small. One wrong dog paddle and then he’s thrown off his groove and bam, he freaks out and drowns.” I said watching Mason.

He nodded “No I completely agree.” He said before looking down at the book again.

Grabbing two drinks, I stared at the guys. Carter and Mason where busy reading the book and I looked to Jax “Can you bring the fruit bowl?” I asked him.

If she won’t go outside I will.

He stood and walked over grabbing the bowl and following me outside.

Stepping outside I scanned the pool, my eyes not catching him. Where the hell?

I looked around for Lucas but he wasn’t anywhere, not on the playground or by the benches “Lucas!” I called trying to stay calm.

My heart beat was beyond wild.

“Lucas!” I shouted louder and by this time I had dropped the drinks and was running.

If he’s not in sight, he has to be in the pool.

Running to the pool I jumped in, diving and swimming to the bottom.

I looked around, seeing Lucas struggling to swim up. It felt like forever trying to get to him and by then he’d shut his little eyes.

Grabbing him, I kicked off the pool floor and pulled him up swimming us to the edge and handing him to Jax pulling myself out.

I quickly moved to his side and began CPR immediately.

Lucas began spitting up water and I leaned him toward my chest steadying my own breathing as he coughed the water out on my lap. I felt the nerves in me shaking, my clothes soaked and Lucas’s cry in my ear.

Jax was rubbing my arms and staring at Lucas. “You’re okay, you’re alright. Breathe.”He said soothingly. I hadn’t known if he was talking to me or Lucas but it calmed me down too.

Carter and Mason stood across the pool staring into the water and then at me speechless.

Lindsay came out looking us all over before I gestured to the towel “Give me a towel.” I said watching her hurry over and hand it to me.

Wrapping Lucas I stood and carried him to the lounge chair sitting down and holding him to my chest as I shut my eyes and tried to calm my hearts insane racing.

Lucas was holding onto me sniffling by now, he slowly fell asleep and I woke him up “No sleeping kid, not for a while okay?” I said watching him nod slowly.

“What the hell happened?” Lindsay asked staring between us all.

Lucas looked to me “I wanted to do a flip, like Lindsay does.” He said hiccuping.

I sighed and wrapped my arms around him “He wanted to a do a flip.” I said louder watching Lindsay eye him “He’s never drowned before. You put it in his head.” She said annoyed.

Staring at her I moved my eyes to Jax who was watching his fiancé in disbelief “She told you not to let him be alone, you left him alone. Take responsibility for your negligence.” Jax said, but I think there was a deeper meaning to that then just Lucas drowning.

She eyed Jax “I-he’s never drowned before.” She said again but this time low.

He took the other towel from her and walked over to me, I sat up and he wrapped it around me carefully. I gave him a small smile and he knelt down looking to Lucas “You don’t swim alone.” He said to him sternly. “You listen to Norah, she’s smart. Got it?” He asked.

Lucas nodded “I won’t swim alone Jax.” He said sniffling.

“You want an ice cream?” Jax asked him with a c****d eyebrow and a settle stare.

He nodded slowly, “Alright.” He looked over at me “You want one?” He asked me smiling softly and then shocking me as he brushed a few wet strands of my hair back.

I looked down at Lucas and then over at Jax “I’m okay, maybe my coffee.” I said watching him nod and stand up.

Jax walked inside with Carter and I watched Lindsay stare at me for a while before she headed inside.

Mason walked over and sat on the chair next to me “You two would be really good together.” He said sighing and sitting back reading the book.

I eyed him “Me and…” Mason looked to me and I mouthed Jax.

He nodded “You both have a lot in common. I bet you two will though, I’m sure the two of you will eventually give into the passion we all see growing between you two.” He said shrugging.

Smirking at him I sighed “I don’t know, I have to deal with Casper the Friendly Ghost first.” I said watching Mason laugh.

Masons attention moved to Jax as he walked out, “He’s fighting himself, the guy wants you though.” He said before sitting up and then staring at me “Just be careful. Like I said before-” I cut him off “He always goes back to her, I know. Love you Mase, go read.” I said smiling and watching him give me a wink before he walked off to the house.

Jax placed my coffee on the small glass table and handed Lucas the red popsicle. I watched Lucas take a small taste of it.

“He’ll be okay, you should go calm Lindsay though. I think she feels really bad.” I said watching him stare at me and watch my mouth.

He stared at the pool “She should.” He sighed.

I placed a hand on his knee, “Go make up with your fiancé. She needs you.” I said watching him stare at me for a couple seconds before he nodded and stood.

As he walked away I quickly called “Thank you Jax!” I held my cup up as he turned and smiled softly before going inside.

Taking a drink of my reheated coffee, I let a satisfied sigh out.

Lucas and I moved to the pool a bit later, swaying our feet in the water, he refused to sit beside me, he had to sit in my lap.

I don’t blame the kid, he’s scared as hell.

A pair of pedicured toes moved into the water beside us and Alison sat down looking to Lucas “Come here Luke.” She said patting her lap.

He slowly moved to her and sat down laying back into her chest.

“Thank you for saving yet another one of my sons again.” She said smiling at me.

I smirked “Don’t worry about it. Just know that if I’m around, I’ll always save them.” I said leaning forward and watching her look to the pool.

“Casper has a wife and they’re polyamorous?” She asked laughing and watching me.

Laughing, I nodded “My luck, but yeah. I’ll have to cut him off slow, if I do it abrupt I’m

worried he’ll leave his wife.” I said watching the water.

Alison eyed me “He’d do that?” She asked surprised.

I shrugged “He asked me if I’d love him if he did, he suggested it.” I said shaking my head.

She smirked “Invite him to dinner tonight, both of them. I’d love to meet them.” She said laughing.

I’m sure you would….

I laughed and shook my head “Oh no, maybe another time, he’s dramatic .” I said leaning back and laughing lightly.

Alison shrugged “I’ve dealt with dramatic men. Go change hun, I’m sure you’re all wet and cold.” She said gesturing to my wet pj shorts and T-shirt.

I headed up to my bedroom drawing a bath and trying to relax.

The sound of Lindsay telling Jax to go harder filled my ears and I dunked into the tub leaving my nose and mouth out of the water and letting the silence of the water clear my mind.

I stayed there for a while before I sat back up and ran my hands through my hair.

Unplugging the tub I stood out and heard a “f**k! Norah!” And turned to the bathroom doorway dropping back in the tub eyeing Mason.

“What the hell are you doing in my bathroom?!” I asked him in disbelief.

He had his eyes on the floor but he held out my towel to me.

I took it and wrapped it around me standing and getting out of the tub.

Mason laughed nervously “I didn’t know you where in your room.” He said looking to me blushing.

I eyed him “Oh, okay, so you usually come in my room when I’m not in here?” I asked him laughing.

He nodded “I just come in the steal your bath bombs.” He said gesturing to the second drawer that’s filled with all of my bath bombs.

I pulled it open and grabbed one tossing it to him smirking “Alright, I can understand. They’re cool huh?” I asked still trying to calm my nervous self.

Mason nodded “If I bought one I’d get s**t for life.” He said staring at me with a serious expression.

I smirked “Your secrets safe with me.” I said leaning into the counter and gesturing for him to get out the room.

He smiled and walked to the door stopping and commenting “You’ve got a killer body by the way. Did you get your breast done? They’re so full.” I watched him in disbelief and tossed the box of tissues at him. He took them smirking and hurrying out the door shutting it behind him.

Drying off, I pulled on my robe getting ready to blow dry my hair but stopping at the sound downstairs.

The doorbell rang and I listened as I heard Casper’s voice echo through the home.

What the f**k?

Heading out the bedroom door, I went to the stairs and watched as Casper stood with a bouquet of red Tulips and an envelope.

He walked over to me meeting me half way up the stairs, Jax stood by the door c*****g an eyebrow at Cass and muttering “Sure just come right in.” Low.

Mentally laughing at that, I stared over at Casper “What are you doing here crazy?” I asked taking the flowers. He smiled wide “I hope you don’t mind, I uh tracked your car. When I found out you where at the Ryland Mansion, I worried.” He blushed.

He’s tracking my car?!

I felt my face fall into worry and I looked over Casper’s shoulder to Jax who stared at Cass with furrowed brows and crossed arms.

“My beautiful, glorious sunlight. The pure meaning of my world, jealousy took over. I am not myself when it comes to jealousy of you.” He began speaking French and I sighed, not this again.

Pondering my next response, I watched as Alison walked over to Jax asking who Casper was and why he was speaking French on her stairs. “I’ve fallen in love with someone else Casper, someone who treats me very well. I really hoped you wouldn’t come back.” I spoke back in French.

He stared at me with his face falling, but his eyes moved behind me and I looked back at Mason, “That’s him isn’t it?” He asked in French.

Sure, why not?

“Yes, I wanted to tell you but I was worried. He and I, well I’m pregnant Cass.” I lied, still speaking French and glad no one could understand me.

Casper dropped to his knees and laid his head on my stomach sobbing “My Norah! My precious sun! My universe and my entirety! You’re my true and only reason for living.” He said but this time in English for everyone to hear.

“Cass, come on, get up.” I said staring embarrassed down at him as he laid now at my feet.

I stared at Alison who was staring at me with a wide open smile and a laugh she held back.

Kneeling down, I ran a hand over his face “Please don’t make this harder than it has to be. You have Chloe, love her as if she was me. You’ll never love anyone truly until you let me

go Casper.” I said in French.

He sat up and stood on his knees now, his hands holding my face between both hands, “I can never let you go..” he said back in French.

God damn this man.

Has he always been this….dramatic?

“You have to, I told you, I love someone else.” I said in French, looking back at Mason, I smiled and he stared at me smiling back in a smirking way.

Casper stood and composed himself before walking to Mason and holding a hand out to him “Protect her, cherish her and never be dumb enough to let her go. She k****s like an angel, and when you hold her, don’t you ever let her go.” Cass said crying before moving back to me and kissing me passionately.

I watched him rush out the door dramatically, I smelt the tulips and as I heard his car race off, I looked around “That was the end of Casper the friendly ghost and I. Hope you guys enjoyed the show.” I said jokingly and laughing lightly.

“You speak French?” Alison asked staring at me dumbfounded. I nodded “Took two years in high school and then dated Casper who spoke it fluently.” I said walking down the stairs.

Jax stared at me “He’s insane. I’m going to go find the tracker on your car.” He said dropping his arms.

I smirked “Thanks, I owe you one.” I said watching him nod and head out the front door.

“So what did you tell him?” Alison asked laughing. I looked up at Mason who stood at the edge of the stairs looking at me with a dreamy goofy look “I lied and said I was pregnant with Masons kid and I was in love with him.” I said low smirking.

Alison laughed “smart, so that’s it from crazy?” She asked lifting her eyebrows. I nodded “Oh yeah, he’s long gone now.” I hope.

Spending the next few hours doing laundry and checking on Lucas, I watched Nick and Thomas come in and go upstairs with Mason for a while. Mason was insanely turned on at the fact I spoke French, but I mean doesn’t everyone take a foreign language and speak it?

I came back downstairs a few hours later in my robe to eat some ice cream, I got a cherry popsicle out and watched the backyard as I sat on the counter.

It was well past midnight and I just needed the silence.

“I didn’t trust that guy.”

I turned looking over at Jax, I laughed and watched him pull out a protein shake. He must be working out in the gym. God as if his muscles need more tending to. He’s so hot.

“He definitely wasn’t as super man perfect as I remember, he seemed too rounded at the edges for me. A bit crazy too.” I said before shoving the popsicle back in my mouth.

Jax eyed it and then looked away, aha I think he had a dirty thought.

I looked to him “Can I get Mannys number by the way?” I asked watching him stare at me for a few moments before he nodded and wrote it down for me handing me the paper. “He’s always up.” He said before looking down at the paper.

Pushing the popsicle in my mouth, and pulling it back out pretending not to notice him get turned on, I looked from the number to Jax, “Thank you.” I said smiling sweetly.

He nodded and then took his drink “Goodnight Norah.” He said going to walk out.

“Anne.” I said looking from the popsicle to him.

Jax stared at me “Norah Anne Brooks.” I said smiling sheepishly.

His eyes ran over my lips “Anne.” He said before walking out.

God, even though I just broke the heart of the one guy I thought I loved, I am more involved and worried about this guy.

Heading out the kitchen I went upstairs and dialed the number waiting.

“Hello?” Manny asked.

I smiled “Hey Manny, this is Norah. I was wondering if I could talk to you about posters maybe. Just two.” I said waiting.

He stayed quiet “Listen kid, I meet a lot of woman a day. You gotta be more specific.” He said sounding like he held a cigar between his lips.

I bit my l*p “I’m Jax’s brothers babysitter. I was swimming the day you-“

“Norah!” Manny said laughing “Oh you called, wow they told me not to hold my breath. What can I do for you sweetheart?” He asked.

I smiled “Alison, Jax’s mother told me about these posters you do for the fights. She said I’d get paid to do two.” I said waiting.

He gave a “Yup.”

“So I can do it?” I asked before he laughed “Are you kidding me? Of course! But I will need to do some on the big screens too. You okay with that? There will only be two posters made though.” He said through the phone.

I let out a nervous breath “Awesome, how much?” I asked.

He let out a uhhh, “Depends on the pics darling. Can you come by tomorrow afternoon?” He asked.

I eyed the door “Yeah just text me the address.” I said listening to him laugh “Perfect! Love this girl” He said to someone.

I smiled “I’ll see you tomorrow Manny.” I said before hanging up.

This’ll be something to cross off the bucket list. ‘Be the face of a fight.’