“He’s a dog,” I blurt accusingly. I really thought Tony was my future stepdad, and I already hate the name.
“Yes, Trent. He’s a dog. Who did you expect him to be?” my mother says with her stare.
“A man. I was prepared to kick our gardener’s ass.”
She shakes her head and pins me with a glare as she hands Tony off to Lex and stomps forward. “One. You need to learn the names of our staff. And two. If I want to see a man, that’s my business, not yours. And you’ll be supportive.”
Nothing like being put in my place by my mother in front of my girlfriend. I sneak a glance at Lexi to find her eyes dancing with quiet laughter. So glad she finds this amusing. “So, you’re not seeing anyone?”
“Trent!” Both Lexi and Mom shout in unison, and I drop my gaze to the floor.
“Sorry, Mom,” I mumble.
“Apology accepted,” she says sternly and then wraps her arms around my waist to squeeze me tightly. “I’m glad you’re home. I’m happy you’re happy. Lexi’s perfect.”
I return her embrace and kiss the top of her head. “Alright, let me see this fluff ball ...” Slinging my arm around her shoulder, we walk over to Lexi.
“His name’s Tony, but I was thinking of calling him Mr. T.” She gazes at him with adoration. “Ha! Mr. T and Mr. Trent, both of my boys. Isn’t that cute?”
“No!” I shout, meeting Lexi’s alarmed stare.
“What’s wrong with Mr. T?”
“He’s too cute for such a tough nickname.” And I add a grumbled, “And there’s only one Mister in this house.”
I grab the tiny thing from Lexi’s arms. “Aren’t you, Tony? You don’t wear big gold chains, and you’re too tiny to be tough.” It irritates me that I have to fight the urge to drop my voice and coo to this dog like a baby. “What kind of dog is this? Please tell me it grows.”
“He’s a Pekingese, and of course he’ll grow. Another four to six pounds.”
“He looks like a rat.”
“He’s beautiful. I think he looks like a little lion.” She takes him from my hands. “Don’t be jealous of your little brother.”
“He’s a dog.”
“We’ve already established that fact, son.” She smiles, her eyes crinkling with amusement. “You excited for the shows this weekend?”
I stand next to Lexi and weave my fingers with hers. “Of course. You know I love playing the Staples Center. You’re coming tonight and tomorrow?”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” she says and then looks to Lexi. “Lexi, is your mother coming, too?”
Lexi’s fingers tighten around mine for a beat. “I invited her, but I’m not sure. She’s taking my father’s death hard.” That’s an understatement. Unfortunately, we’ve grown used to Lori’s drunken calls, the ones in which she spits vile words and accusations at her daughter, only to follow them the next morning with a sobbing apology and needy, emotionally draining conversation. Lexi refuses to give up on her mother, but she’s also maintaining a safe distance—not an easy task. We still haven’t told her mom about Opal. Lexi’s certain she can’t handle the surprise. But I often wonder if she’s trying to keep Opal safe from Lori’s hate.
My mom nods with understanding, “If you need anything, Lexi. Or if there’s anything I can do to help with your mom, you let me know, okay?”
“Thank you.” Lexi’s hand trembles in mine and I hold her tighter. She still struggles to lean on others, and while my mom would say the same to Sean or Austin, Lexi’s not used to that sort of concern. The kind offered freely without expectation.
“Well, we better head out. Bedo called a band meeting and Lex has sound check first,” I say. Mom nods before coming over to give us each a hug. We say our good-byes and my mom promises to come backstage after the show. When we’re back in the car, I turn my chin to study Lexi’s demeanor.
“She’s nice.” Lexi offers, quickly amending, “Not that I expected anything else.”
“But that dog. He’s ugly, right?”
“What? No! He’s so cute!” she says as if she actually believes the words.
I raise an eyebrow. “Tell me you’re joking. There’s no way. That’s a face only a mother could love.”
“Trent.” She rests her chin atop one hand and her lips pull up with a hint of a smile. “Are you jealous of a puppy?”
