Dirty Toe Drag (Nashville Assassins Next Generation 6)

“Not to sound like I’m into you or anything, but we do, and basically forever,” Aiden says with a grin, and I give him a small smile back. I feel a little better, but still, I’m pissed. I can’t stand it when I allow people to get into my head. It’s like when we’re losing; it drives me absolutely insane, and I want to hit something. I have to have control of my emotions, but it’s hard when you’re being doubted. Especially when Melody knows nothing about me. So frustrating.

When my phone sounds, I look down to see it’s Stella.

Stella: How’d therapy go? Do you like the new lady?

I can’t answer her yet. I’m still super in my feelings, but that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten that I need to speak to Aiden. “Hey, do you have lunch plans tomorrow?”

Aiden shrugs. “Nope. We have our ultrasound today after tapes, but I’m free tomorrow.”

“Cool. Can I take you out?”

He eyes me. “Everything good?”

“Yeah. I just want to talk to you about something.”

“I’m assuming I’m not invited?” Boon asks, and I laugh.

“Not this time, buddy.”

“Fine,” he grumbles jokingly.

I glance over at Aiden, and he nods, “Just let me know where to meet you.”

“Awesome.” I’m nervous and scared because of what that dumb-ass therapist said, but nothing will hold me back from getting what I want. Stella. I want Stella in my life as my partner. I want what the guys have. I want that security, that love. I believe in myself; I believe in my recovery because I know I am getting to where I need to be. Nothing and no one can hold me back.

Except myself.

“Wesley.”

I look up then to see Elli and Noelle standing in the doorway of the tapes room.

Aiden scoffs. “Told ya.”

“Yup, Mama Adler don’t fuck around,” Boon mutters, and then he grins. “Hey, Mom!”

Elli grins at her sons-in-law. “Hey, boys.” Then she sets me with a look. “Wesley, I need to speak with you.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I say, getting up and moving past the boys.

As I head down the stairs, some of the team is entering, and Josef teases, “Getting fired, Wes?”

“Ha. It’ll be you before me,” I throw back at him as I follow Noelle and Elli out and into one of the conference rooms.

“Have a seat,” Elli requests, and I do as she says. Our owner is one gorgeous lady. She is always dressed to the nines, and she carries herself like the boss she is. Noelle looks sick to her stomach, and I hate that. I know she cares for me, loves me like her own. She sits beside me as Elli sits at the head of the table. “How are you?”

I shrug. “I’ve been better.”

“I know, and I’m very sorry. I thought I’d made a good choice. But after hearing the tape, since you’ve waived confidentiality to me, and reading Melody’s notes, I can’t consciously have someone like that on my staff.”

I swallow hard. “Thank you.”

“What she said wasn’t professional—at all,” Noelle says then, and I meet her gaze. “Please don’t take what she said to heart, because believe me, Wes, you are doing wonderful. And once we get over the fear of your father, I know you’ll be where you need to be. Your growth is beyond textbook and is noteworthy. I promise you that.”

“I know,” I say softly. “I just hate being doubted, especially when I’m doing everything you’ve asked. We both discussed a relationship, and you agreed I could handle it. I know it’s new, but I thought this through.”

“I know you have,” she says with her whole heart. “I tried to deflect, and I tried to help and defend you, but she was awful, and I am so sorry. I thought she was going to be a good fit. I was wrong.”

“We all did,” Elli says then. “And again, I can’t apologize enough.”

“Thank you,” I say, meeting her gaze.

“I’ve asked Noelle to stay on for another month, and she’s agreed.”

I look to Noelle. “But your brother…”

“He’s okay for right now. Elli actually told me about this homestead for adults with disabilities that is run by one of our former players. We are going to try that for the month while I find a replacement. If he likes it, though, we may just stay.”

“Oh, Johansson’s place?”

“Yes,” she says with a smile.

“It’s awesome. I’ve volunteered out there. It’s so cool that they expanded it to more than just folks with Down syndrome.”

“Oh, fantastic. Yeah, I didn’t know it was there, but Jimmy is excited, and I am too.”

Elli grins. “See, I’m here for you. And, Wes, I’ll fight for you. You know that.”

“I do,” I murmur. “Thank you.”

“Do you feel better?” she asks, and I nod.

“Yeah, my boys are supportive, and I know you guys have my back.”

“We do,” she says sternly. “We all do.”