The Mane Squeeze
Page 49

Uh-huh. After turning in a complete circle, Roxy focused again on her daughter. Id love to see your office, baby-girl.
Absolutely! Blayne said and stepping forward, she took Roxys arm and steered her back to the double doors that led to the building elevator. Lets go see it. Gwen will be along in a bit.
As Blayne walked with Roxy, she managed to slam her skate-wearing foot on Mitchs instep as she passed him.
Ow! As he lifted his foot to rub it, Blayne turned into him, knocking the lion to the ground. Ow!
Oh, Mitch! Im so sorry! No, she wasnt. Nor did she stop propelling Roxy toward that elevator.
Once they were gone, Gwen realized she was clutching her hands together. Jess approached her, reaching out to touch her shoulder. Immediately Gwen stepped away. Dont
Jess pulled back and the dogs gave Gwen her distance.
Determined to face her mother, Gwen let out a breath and headed toward the elevator. Although she did stop long enough to kick her brother in the balls before moving on.
Roxy watched her daughter walk into the office. She didnt look like any of her cousins, yet she was naturally more beautiful than all of them. A face like her fathers, she had. With those bright gold eyes and that sweet grin, when she bothered to use it. Which, to be honest, was also like her father.
Can you leave us alone for a minute, Blayne?
But I havent finished showing you how our billing system
Out.
Unlike the good old days, when her daughter and canine friend used to jump at Roxys orders, Blayne didnt move until Gwen motioned toward the door. Give us a minute, would ya?
Sure. Blayne got up and rolled out the door.
Roxy couldnt help but study the quads on those tiny dog feet. The four-wheeled skates derby girls played in, unlike those ridiculous inline skates for the masses.
Roxy remembered when her daughter wore the black and gold skates of the Philly Phangs. And shed worn them for all of one bout. She never thought Gwenie would quit so easily, even with all the injuries shed suffered that day. Never had she quit anything before or since, but something else must have happened, because her daughter never went back and she would never discuss it. Not with her, Roxys sisters, not even Cally, whom she held in highest esteem among the ONeills.
How is she?
Gwen frowned. How is who?
Blayne. When Gwen frowned, she added, I saw what you two were doing in the basement. Thats derby training, baby-girl.
Gwen shrugged. Shes good. But thats not why youre here.
She moved around her daughter. Cant amother come visit her only daughter?
Not my mother, no.
And this was why she adored her baby-girl. Gwen was all about the direct approach.
Roxy lifted her arms, sweeping the room. You give up everything I have to offer you for this? A cruddy little office and no real work? What did I do? Why do you hate me?
Gwen dragged her hands through her hair. I dont hate
You must if this is what youve resigned yourself to. And if its not me, what is it? Your cousins? One of your aunts? Did they say something to you?
Ma, stop. They didnt do anything. You didnt do anything. I love what I do.
Did you see what you did with that little girl downstairs? How beautiful you made her look with a set of shears, a blow-dryer, and an iron?
Yeah, but
You could be doing that every day and running the business. Making real money. Have a high-end clientele. And youd have family around you, baby-girl. Family to protect you.
She brushed her hand against the still-lingering bruises on Gwens face. They must be recent, since bruises for their kind didnt last much longer than a day or two. Was no one watching her babys back? Other than that wolfdog who was too sweet for her own good? And Blaynes face hadnt looked much better.
Who did this to you?
It doesnt matter, Ma.
Tell me.
Why? So you can make it worse? Gwen smirked. And we both know youll make it worse. Besides, it was just a fight.
And no one watching out for you. No one covering your back.
Blayne watches my back. Blayne always watches my back.
But for how long, baby-girl? Shes a canine whos making new canine friends. Canine friends with money. Where does that leave you? I know youre not comfortable with meeting new people, and thats okay.
You always have your family. The ones who love you and will always be there for you.
Roxy put her arm around Gwen, kissed her forehead. Lets get your brother and go grab some dinner.
We can talk then.
No.
Dont be mad at Mitch. He was only trying to
No. I mean I cant. Imuhmeeting someone.
Oh?
Yeah. A bear Ive been seeing.
Roxy smirked at her daughter. Really? A bear? And her Gwenie? Well, that was interesting.
Yeah. In fact Gwen glanced at a wrist with no watch on it Im going to be late if I dont get a move on.