Desperate Arrangement: Bouncing Back, Book IV

36

“For one, the school I attended offered English as a second language, so I learned on a whim.” Johanna stared at Jaxon as if he’d grown another head or two, her eyes searching his face for any sign that he could be lying. There was nothing but friendly acceptance and adoration in the deep brown, almost black of his irises. “Two, he saved me, not the other way around.”

“You’re not seeing things the way the rest of us do, Anna. When it comes to Lukas, it’s all about resonance. Can he level with you when you guys need to talk?” Jaxon asked.

She nodded, “Of course we communicate effectively and clearly. Are you prying or making a point?”

“You’ve adapted to his manner of speaking, which is amazing. It’s a good thing to resonate with your partner, hun. It means you both prefer to be on the same page and have the same information prior to making life-altering or even everyday decisions. Mark and I didn’t always get along, and we still don’t, but we love each other. A true, soul-deep resonance is when you and your life partner practically meld with each other, according to my family’s Buddhist teachings. You become a mirror of what the other needs at that time, and you’re almost always on the same page with everything,” Jaxon told her.

“Are you not atheist?”

“I am, but my biological family are practicing Buddhists, so I learned about their religion, too,” he replied. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, he smiled. “You think he saved you, and he thinks you saved him. In reality, you’re saving each other, Johanna. In the mob, if you screw up enough times, you get something called ‘Erased.’ Every trace of you and your existence will be wiped out.”

Her jaw dropped. “You mean... was... was Lukas heading in that direction before he came to Germany?”

“Exactly. I was worried I was going to lose my best friend, but he went away, met you, and you saved each other from a fate worse than death as far as I’m concerned.” Jaxon leaned forward, his elbows on his knees, and sighed heavily. “I really shouldn’t be the one telling you this, but f**k it. You see, had Lukas returned without you, had he come home with the same ‘I’ll fight anyone’ mentality, he would have been silenced forever. You’re a civilian right now, so you’re going to need to up your game and show our predecessors you’re strong enough to walk the shadowy roads of the mafia life.”

Johanna swallowed, her mind sifting through the information the man just provided. “If you weren’t supposed to be the one telling me, why did you?”

“Because,” he whispered, “You gave me back my fun-loving best friend, Anna. He was lost for almost an entire year while everyone just waited and watched how things would turn out. We do not interfere with each other's relationships unless we’re asked by the people having problems. It’s created a catalyst of respect and reverence within our tight-knit little crew of seven.”

Her eyes went wide as she thought back to the day she first arrived. “Good Lord, his return was...”

“Was the day he would have died, Anna. He didn’t pull the trigger, and that saved his life. Had he been out of it enough to go through with killing one of Cal’s personal guards, had he discharged the bullet in the chamber, he would have been killed on the spot. You both saved the other without even realizing it because you have a true connection based on mutual respect, communication, and every other basic thing that creates a solid foundation. You don’t love him yet, and that’s okay. He’s probably going to take a while to warm up to the idea himself, but he’s one of the few that believes a woman’s heart can grow to love, but men either do or don’t. There must have been something in his heart for you.”

She scowled. “Jax, his emotions for me are as clear as today’s weather. I know he holds something like love for me, but you’re right. I’ve suffered and have walked a road lined with the Devil’s temptation, but he caught me and showed me my trials were not for nothing.”

He grinned. “Glad you see it that way. Even religiously, you think the same way he does. You know, I was ecstatic when he asked me to take you dress shopping for the wedding, but aren’t you cutting it close?”

“Not at all,” she giggled. “Your sister, Kennedy, Romie, and the older children have all offered to help me create intricate, yet simplistic and beautiful decorations. Caroline and Yasemin offered to make the bouquet as well. We decided the theme would be grey and teal – for balance between water, earth, and sky.”

Putting a hand elegantly over his heart, Jaxon whimpered as he looked at her with a pout. “That’s the sweetest plan ever!”

“I’m glad you agree,” she giggled.

The door opened, and a woman with long black hair and piercing hazel eyes walked into the shop. Her heels clicked against the polished laminate floor with every step she took. The patterned dress she was wearing hugged every curve tightly. Her milk-chocolate skin was smooth and flawless as she pulled her hair over her shoulder with a manicured hand.

Glancing around, she spotted Jaxon and smiled warmly. "Oh, honey, you look like you've been working out."

"Hi, Latoya, and, yes, I have." Rising, Jaxon hugged her. "How was the trip to New York?"

"Totally wish you would have been there, Jax. The whole fashion show was simply amazing." Looking around, the woman sized up the girl on the couch. "I thought you were gay?"

"I am," Jaxon laughed. "That fine lady is Lukas's wife. Trace wanted them to have a second wedding here in Canada because they got hitched in Germany."

Latoya whooped in excitement. "Way to go, Luke! So is this the girl my cousin Callum mentioned?"

"Yes. Unfortunately, your worker is completely ignorant and judged Anna based entirely on her appearance."

"Ma'am, she can't possibly afford to buy the clothes here. Just look at her," the woman scoffed. "Hey, you can't go back there! Excuse me? Can you not hear?"

Pushing past the girl in question, Latoya went to the office and banged on the door. "May, get out here. Now."

It swung open, and the woman on the other side swallowed fearfully. "Is something wrong, Boss?"

"I want that girl fired," Latoya snapped. "I don't appreciate my cousin's people being treated like trash over their clothes. Not everyone is dolled up all the damn time."

May looked at the girl and shook her head. "I'll go do up her pink slip now, Miss Victors. I'm so very sorry about the issues her behavior has caused."

"Oh? Is that right? When I came to the office, she decided to be ignorant to me as well. Do you own this store, May?"

"No, Ma'am. This store belongs to the Victors family."

Snarling, Latoya told the woman to do her job right or lose it. "I don't have time to be fixing my so-called manager's errors when I was about to leave for another conference. If this happens again, you will never find work in this country, let alone this city."

"Yes, Miss Victors," May stammered. "I'll fix the issue right now. Cassidy, you’re fired."

"W-what?"

"You. Are. Fired," Latoya enunciated. "Get your stuff and get the hell out of my store before I throw you out. You ignorantly crossed the line, especially with one of my favorite clothing models, Jaxon Marks."

The girl's face paled even more. "But I... it was nothing but a misunderstanding!"

"No, honey. That was outright discrimination, and I do not tolerate it," Latoya snapped, her anger burning bright in her eyes.

When the girl was gone, the tall, curvaceous black woman tossed her hair over her shoulder before looking at Jaxon. “Sugar-Pie, I'd like to take a moment to talk with your friend if you don't mind."

Handing Johanna a questionnaire, she explained that the options would give her a better idea of what the younger woman would prefer. The walls of the boutique were adorned with framed photographs of radiant brides and elegant wedding parties, creating an atmosphere of timeless beauty. A soft instrumental melody played in the background, adding to the serene ambiance.

Once they were done with the questionnaire, Latoya grinned. "I see you've got an old soul. Give me a moment. I have the perfect dress for you."

Moving to the racks, Latoya carefully selected one of the pieces and held it up for Johanna to see. The dress was an exquisite blend of lace and satin, with intricate beadwork that shimmered under the soft lighting. As Johanna covered her mouth, tears formed in her bright eyes. "This one is a more traditional garment that no one really uses anymore. Some people, like you, have an old soul that makes them lean towards something like this rather than the more modern styles you might see on television."

Reaching out, Johanna nodded, "Es ist perfekt. I love it."

"Jaxon, go help her try this on. I need to know if it fits or if I have to make adjustments," Latoya demanded, her eyes filled with determined excitement.

As he helped her into the dress, she sobbed. It was everything she'd been looking for in a wedding dress. From the elbow-length lace sleeves and the sweetheart neckline to the tapered waist and the lace-covered satin skirts, the dress was made for her. As Jaxon did up the stays, she ran a hand over her stomach. "What do you think?"

"I think Luke's going to find it hard to keep his hands off you,” he grinned happily as he tied the bow. “Trust me, sweetie. He's going to love this."