Page 107 of B is for Beg

“Nice change of subject there, Blake.”

“It was, wasn’t it?” I open the front door. “I’m home, and I really need a shower. Do some work.”

“Yes, boss.”

I roll my eyes. “You’re the bossy one around here. Bye, Archie.”

I hang up the video call before my brother can get another word in, and check the time. I’ve only got long enough to have a quick shower and get to Lexi’s school. I shove the worry of a potential conversation with Mum and Dad to the back of my mind. I don’t want to be anything less than my normal, happy, bouncy self when I pick Lexi up.

* * *

Gabe:I’ve just finished work. God, I stink.

Calvin:I’ll imagine you taking a hot shower to wash all that sweat and grime off your naked body.

Blake:It’s not fair of you to put that image in my head while I’m waiting to pick Lexi up from school, Sir.

Calvin:Sorry, princess.

Gabe:No, you’re not.

Calvin:You’re right. I’m not.

Gabe:Do you have anything fun planned with Lexi, baby boy?

Blake:I thought I’d take her to the estate agents to see if there are any houses she likes the look of.

Calvin:You haven’t found anywhere you like?

Blake:No. But we’ve only been looking for a couple of days, and we’ve got time. Archie isn’t going to move in with Hamish until he’s found a new job. I’m sure we’ll find somewhere that works for Corey and Lexi, and me before then.

At least I hope we will. I stare at my message, which takes up the whole app window.

Blake:Wow. That was far too much to text.

Calvin:It was a bit of an essay. Are you okay?

Blake:What’s with everyone asking me that today?

Do I have something written on my forehead that I don’t know about? Even though my message was long, there wasn’t anything in it that could cause my Doms to worry about me, was there?

Blake:Sorry. Archie called to see if I was okay. I’m fine.

I’m apologising a lot today too. Maybe I’mnotas fine as I keep claiming to be.There are bouncing dots by the names of Gabe and Calvin, but no messages come through before the school bell rings and the doors to Lexi’s classroom open.

Blake:School’s out. I’ve got to go. Love you both.

I hope I haven’t pissed them off. I put my phone in my pocket and smile brightly as Lexi runs out the door to me. She throws her arms around my waist, giving me a huge hug. She had her cast removed last week. It’s hanging in her room like some kind of prize medal. To be fair, the painting Corey did on it is amazing, plus all her friends signed it, so I guess it is a great memento.

“Good day at school?” I ask, taking her bag from her and slinging it over my shoulder.

“The best. Billy asked me to be his girlfriend.”

“Girlfriend?”

“Uh-huh. I said yes.”

I laugh. She’s only five, so I’m not entirely sure either of them knows what that really means. It’s crazy cute, though.