“Well then, I deserve it because Dante snitched to his old lady about my lack of poker skills.” Vienna grinned, flicking me on my forehead.
“First of all, ow. Second, you can take that up with Dante. I’m staying.”
“You’re not. I told you, I’ve known Shark longer.”
“You said it yourself – I'm the VP's old lady. That trumps any so-called time power plays.”
“Oh, you're pulling rank on me, are you? And I thought you were my hair friend.”
“Ditto, buddy, and yet here you are, trying to push me out.”
“Fine. Let's play rank.”Vienna said. I narrowed my eyes at him, not trusting the suspicious gleam in his gaze.“You win. Youarehigher rank than me.”
“Ha! I knew it. So—”
“So, as the highest-ranking person in this room, is it not your job to make sure everyone is taken care of?”
“I—”
“And does Shark not need a nice, cold beer to take the edge off the horrendous, painful procedure he's about to go through?”
“Hey!” Shark spluttered, but Vienna waved him off.
“Not now, buddy. I'm winning.”
“But you're not fucking helping!” Shark hissed.
“See,” I grinned smugly. “Shark doesn't even want you here. You're not helping. You could help by getting him a beer,” I said sweetly, mimicking him.
“I'm not helping because you're distracting me. You know what would solve that, don't you?”
“I'm not getting him a fucking beer!”
“So you’re not going to play the role of your rank? That’s a shame,” Vienna said, shaking his head sadly.
I had a sudden thought. “Aren’t you the peacemaker? Aren’t you supposed to ensure peace? I’m sure a beer will bring a lot of peace to poor Shark.”
“Oh, for goodness’ sake!” Jenna snapped, getting to her feet.
“Not now, Jenna, I’m winning,” I grinned at Vienna.
“Forget it!” She barked. “I'll get him a bastard beer!”
“I mean… I didn't wanna say anything. But as his old lady, you really should have been offering first, instead of letting us two bicker in front of a sick man. What's wrong with you, Jenna?” Vienna asked, shaking his head at her.
She didn't respond. Jenna shoulder barged him as she went past, and shot me a nasty glare at the same time. “I’m not playing these fucking stupid games with you set of cunts,” hurled over her shoulder.
“Put it there,” Vienna said, holding his fist out to me. “Looks like we both won.”
I couldn't help but laugh at him as we bumped fists. “Looks like we did.”
As soon as my fist touched his, he grabbed hold of my arm and pulled me into his chest. “I love you, our kid.”
“I love you, too, Ven.” I murmured against his body. “I don't think they love us right now, though.”
“Dante won’t love you, either,brother,” Doc said, shooting us a warning glance.
He didn’t let me go, though. He rested his head atop mine, letting his beard dangle over my face. I knew better than to rise to it, and just flipped it over my shoulder. If I said anything, he’d just be more annoying.
