Page 69 of Tito

“Solve problems,” he said dryly.

“You solve problems?”

“Amongst other things.”

“What kind of problems?”

Braxton leaned forward and studied her. After peering into her soul for a long moment, he relaxed into his seat and sighed. “If those who can afford my services do something, and they don’t want it being brought to light, I do what I can to make sure it stays out of the news, newspapers, and off social media. In short, I make problems disappear.”

“For the rich and famous?” she asked excitedly.

He nodded once. “Correct.”

“Like Ray Donovan?” she blurted.

“Correct.”

“Holy cow,” she exclaimed. “I can’t believe it. That’s…it’s…that’s the best job. Ever. Except for the well…yeah…never mind.”

“Who’s Ray Donovan?” I asked.

She spun around so fast it took her eyes two seconds to catch up with her. “Who’s Ray Donovan?” She looked at Braxton and then at me. “Who’s Ray Donovan? Only the best character ever written for a movie or TV show. Ever. You haven’t seen him?”

“I don’t watch television,” I said. “Not really. Jeopardy! that’s about it.”

“You have to watch Ray Donovan,” she said. “It’s the best show, ever.”

“Damned good show,” Hap said.

I glanced at Hap. “You’ve seen it.”

“All of ‘em,” he said. “Waiting on the new season. Ray’s in New York now. Season one started with him in Calabasas. You know, where those Kardashian twits live. Can’t believe Ray lived in the same town as those self-centered bitches.”

Reggie laughed. “You don’t like the Kardashians?”

“Can’t stand ‘em. Killed two of ‘em a couple of weeks ago. If I remember correctly, ran over them with a pickup truck.”

“Gangbanger hit them in a ’64 Impala,” Braxton said. “Dragged their bodies away with his lowrider. Plastered purses, jewelry, high heels and sweatpants from here to Encino.”

“That’s right,” Hap said. “Mexican gangbanger.”

“You guys are nuts,” she said with a laugh. She looked at each of us. “So this is your Sunday thing?”

“Every Sunday,” Hap said.

“I could get used to this,” she said. “It’s fun.”

“Heads up!” Hap tossed his empty beer bottle past me.

Reggie leaned back as it whooshed past her.

Braxton caught it mid-flight and set it aside. “I’m not throwing a full one.”

Hap walked to the door and paused. “Not asking you to.” He looked at Reggie. “You like those Kardashians sisters?”

“Not at all,” she said.

Hap grinned. “In that case, you’re welcome to come back any time you like, sweetheart.” He looked at me. “Be back in a minute, Kid. Gotta hit the head.”

It was important to me that my family by choice accepted Reggie just as she was. She held nothing back, and both men accepted her with open arms. The only thing standing between us and a long-lasting future together was the MC, and the men in it.

That was one obstacle I was sure to struggle with more than anything else.