Page 25 of Grim's Gem
“Hell yes! When do you want me there?” He asks.
“LANGUAGE!” We hear Sunny yell from somewhere inside.
“How does she hear everything I say? I swear she has supersonic hearing or something,” Rome tells me in a whisper. I chuckle before standing and patting his shoulder.
“I have a little time after my shift at the hospital tomorrow. Come by my office when you get out of school,” I say, turning and walking back to the shop.
“Yes! Thanks, Uncle Grim! You're the best,” Rome says, fist-pumping the air while jumping around.
“Hey, Just last week I was your favorite,” Grease grumbles.
“Bring me another nerf gun, and we’ll talk,” Rome says before running away.
Fuck, what kind of shit are we going to be into when that kid joins the club? I shake my head at the possibilities. Hopefully, I'll be close to retirement when that happens though I doubt it.
Chapter Twenty
Jade
“Alright ladies, I have crossed a few wires and set up a really annoying screeching sound on the gate. I think it will take a while before the guys can fix it. Just enough time for our girl night extravaganza!!” Halle says, leading us out the back of the compound as she hands out black boxes. Sunny is helping lead Izzy as Piper and I tear through the bags. There are gloves, goggles, lighters and… ear muffs? I look at the other boxes, and they all have the same as mine except with only one set of earmuffs.
“Hey! Why do I have two?” I ask, holding them up. Halle gives me a duh look before replying.
“The baby.”
It's my turn to roll my eyes. Does she really expect me to put these over my belly?
“What is all this stuff for? It looks like we are going into battle with a bunch of cleaning supplies,” Piper says, scrunching her nose.
“You’ll see! I promise it's gonna be fun! We’re going to blow shit up,” Halle yells.
That gets all of our attention, and we hurriedly follow her. We get to the back part of the compound. It’s only a two-minute walk, but we come to the back shop on a trail through trees and brush. Halle has set up a table full of cherries… cupcakes, gummies, some kind of cocktails and other little treats. They all have one thing in common. Cherries. I’m even more confused at the package of… is that fireworks?
“No way. Hall, you did not get what I think you got,” Piper says, holding her hands over her mouth.
“What? What is it? I can't see clearly, remember!!” Izzy says impatiently.
“Cherry bombs!” Sunny laughs out loud.
“I have cleared the area, made sure no one is around, and if we keep the bombs in the area right in front of us, we should be golden,” Halle tells us, holding a basket full of cherry bombs. All the girls laugh and grab a drink off the table.
“Oh, Jade, I made this one for you! It’s a virgin,” Halle says, handing me a cocktail. “I even made shots for you that have no alcohol. Just cause you’re pregnant doesn't mean you get to miss all the fun.” I laugh with the other ladies as we throw back a shot. I’m pretty sure mine is Hawaiian punch, but I’m good with that; it's my favorite flavor.
We pig out on candy and cupcakes. We drink our specialty drinks and laugh at everything we can think of. The thought of what the men will find when they finally realize we are gone has us nearly in tears.
“Alright, I’m ready for the fun! Who gets the first bomb?” Piper asks Halle.
“Oh me! Me! Please, can I? Y'all know the minute Hitter see’s a lighter in my hand, he is going to flip his shit. I really want to get as many of these off as I can,” Izzy grumbles.
We all laugh because it's so true. He has her in a little bubble most times, but we all see the smile she gives him when he isn't looking. She loves it. I think it has to do with the fact that she went her whole life with no kind of love or affection. Her parents were absolutely shit, and her brother was a nightmare. I also wonder if she even knew what a hug really was until Hitter saved her. Now he refuses to show her anything but utter obsession, and I think it's exactly what she needs.
“Alright, Izzy gets the first go. Once hers go off, we need to have as much fun as possible. I think we are far enough back where the guys won't find us, but you know our men. It won't take them long, and I want to blow up as many of these bad boys as I can,” Halle says, grabbing one and handing it to Izzy.
“Alright, what direction did you say throw it again?” Izzy says as soon as Halle lights hers. We all start screaming for her to throw it. Finally, she lets it go, and we all scream as it pops somewhat close to us.
“See why I included the ear muffs? Hey Jade, you better be protecting my niece!” Halle points at me. I roll my eyes but place the ear muffs over my belly. Halle smiles before turning back. “Alright, ladies, let's do this!”
For the next several minutes, the girls light and throw, light and throw.