Tainted (Oh Captain, My Captain 7)

“Hey, Valo, it’s fine.” She sits up to look at me. “I’m a big girl and I can handle Gus and his tantrums. Okay?”

“Okay.”

Chapter Thirteen

Jade

I’m staring at Valo’s iPad. He said I could use it whenever I want and I’m trying to apply for the cosmetology program at the beauty school. After I dump the idea of embezzling money from Valo because I actually like him and don’t want to be in a jail cell next to Mom, I think about what can I do.

Honeybun jumps in my lap and I pet her head. I type in all the information and I’m about to hit send. This could be good for me. I can’t be a stripper forever or I’ll go down the same path as Mom. I refuse. I’m not the greatest with computers, but I can learn that skill. I figured out this dumb ass machine.

“All right, Honeybun, are you going to help push send?”

The cat looks at me as if I’m a nut case.

“Hey, this is a big deal. Don’t give me that look.”

I swear she rolls her eyes.

“Fine. I’ll do it on my own.” I take a deep breath and tap ‘send’. I almost expect balloons and confetti to fall from the ceiling, but instead, the oven beeps.

I put Honeybun down and wash my hands before I grab all the food out of the oven. I made a small ham and roasted vegetables. I make up three plates and sit them on the table. I’m about to yell for the guys, but Gus shows up first.

“Why do you have Valo’s iPad?” He moves it down the table.

“I was using it.” Not like it’s any of his business.

“Trying to hack into his bank account? Oh wait, already did that, didn’t you?”

That’s it. I get up in his face. Well, as much as I can because he’s very tall. “Listen asshat, I don’t know what your problem is, but you have about two seconds to shut up or you won’t have to worry about a puck knocking out your front teeth. Got it?”

“Gus, that’s enough. I don’t need this shit, and Jade sure as hell doesn’t need it either. She lives here, and she will be respected, so save us all the trouble, and shut the hell up.”

My mouth opens in shock and from being turned on. My boyfriend stood up for me against his friend.

“I got it. I’m only playing around,” Gus tries to play it off, but he’s full of shit.

“Forget it. Let’s eat before it gets cold.”

We all sit down and eat in silence.

“Now, since the Eagles will be home for Thanksgiving, is there anything special you want? Finny, I know you don’t really celebrate it, but I could whip up something festive.”

“That sounds good. My parents are actually coming. They’re going to stop and see me and then see my brother the next day.”

“Wait a second. Your parents are coming here? To see you?” Holy shit, what does this mean? Does it mean what I think it means?

“And you too, but yes.”

“Jade, haven’t you ever met parents before?” Gus smirks at me.

“No, I’ve never been in a relationship before.” Gus goes to open his mouth to tell me some smart-ass comment. “I don’t need you to comment on that either.” He closes his mouth and I turn back to Valo. “How long will they be here and how the hell do they know about me?”

“Only a day and because I’ve told them.”

“You told them? Shit, did you tell them everything about me?”

“What? No. I told them the most important things, like you’re my girlfriend.”