the truth

Name: Chrissy "Cricket" Reid Age: 29 Birthday: February 12th  Birth place: Lockwood Springs Occupation: Unemployed Positive traits: dependable, loving, resourceful, Negative traits: moody, complacent, impatient  Location: Rural

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Words were just words and Kas found them as amusing as he did damaging to his ego. Not that he’d ever show the world he could be bothered by them. He let out a low and rumbling laugh, leaning on the bar as he looked at Cricket. “Who knew you were so feisty, I would’ve liked that energy Crick.” he pointed at her. “I mean, you can get away with being a pillow princess because you look so good but a little zest wouldn’t have hurt.” he insulted casually before he turned to the bartender that arrived to place his own order. “You want one or not?” Kas asked Cricket, not exactly with an inviting tone but an offer nonetheless. He looked again to the doors, shrugging while he chuckled. “Sure, I look forward to it. I only wanna shake his hand, Cricket. I’m not always looking for a fight.”

Spence had to collect some money from someone before he could meet Cricket. It took longer than expected but he arrived to Neon Boots only a little late. Apparently, however, Kas took her alone as a sign that she was available. When he walked in he could already tell he was bothering her from the look on her face, which instantly pissed him off. He lingered by the door a second to tell himself to calm down before he moved forward. “Look forward to what?” Jett asked on approach, putting his arm around Cricket from behind and bending down to give her a quick kiss. “Hey baby, sorry I’m late. He botherin’ you?” He looked back over to Kas, smile gone. Hopefully the ‘fuck off’ look on his face was enough to make him go away. ( @cricketxreid​ )

;

“Maybe it’s just energy reserved for big dicks?” Cricket responded, not trying to cause any issues for people in the bar but Kas was beginning to get on her nerves. Actually, he had got on her nerves even when they dated and she wished she could wipe the whole experience from history. It was karma, probably for wanting to make Spence jealous and now she was stuck with the worst ex to have in the damn city. Cricket’s shoulders only stopped tensing when Spence arrived and she shot him a wide smile, feeling much more confident now her scary dog privilege was with her. “He definitely needs a few lessons in manners but what’s new?” she mumbled, preferring to turn her attention to Jett and sinking into his arms. “What was it you said, Kas? Wanna congratulate him for putting babies in me before you could?” @kas-morrison​

“You know all you got to do is call me and I’ll come runnin’ to you, darling.” He shot a cheesy grin down at her. She was so damn beautiful it was hard not to run to her whenever she called his name. There wasn’t a thing in the world he wouldn’t do for her. “Uh, um, half? I don’t know. There’s only one of you if that’s any measure.” There was at least a six pack down and a few shots but he wasn’t counting. Also a bunch of food so that had to even things out, right? “With you? Fuck yeah I do,” he laughed and wrapped his arms around her waist. Of course he couldn’t help but to rest his hands on her ass, because why wouldn’t he? He painted kisses along her jaw and chuckled softly. “What if I want to make a mini-Cricket, though?” Spence mumbled against her skin between kisses then pulled a little to flash her a grin.

;

Cricket laughed, wanting to roll her eyes but Spence always managed to put a grin on her face without even trying. “I’ll have to test that out and see how true it is.” she teased, going back up onto her tip toes so she could let her nose gently brush over his. “You know I’d come running too, right?” she checked, sounding a bit more serious but she was still caught up in the conversation with Ethan, worrying she made Spence get stuck into a boring life. She loved this side of him though, when his warm heart was obvious and he wasn’t too busy being an idiot. This was the side she wished everybody else got to see, because she knew it could win if he let it. “Ha, I think that’s the first time I’ve heard you be happy to only see one of me.” she laughed, turning around under his arm slowly and then leaning her back against his chest so his arms could surround her. “Easy there cowboy.” she then mused, looking up at him as she laughed. “We can barely cope with two, even if a Mini-Cricket would probably be a little angel, let’s be honest.” 

With one twin sat happily on his lap, the other one soon came over and Ethan was happy to be almost hidden under two climbing tiny cowboys even though he was having a heart to heart with his daughter-in-law. Specifics didn’t really matter, Ethan knew there’d be wedding bells sooner or later. “Now, why would you think something like that?” his voice was morphed by a pair of hands prodding and poking his mouth as as he talked. “Football was only ever gonna get Jett so far in life, having a family is something much more meaningful.” At least Ethan thought so, and he knew his son. Spence was an idiot, no ifs and buts but he wasn’t a heartless idiot. “He loves you, even if he’s a dumbass which I gotta apologize for.” he laughed, now losing his pair of glasses to one of the twins balancing them on their head. “I’ll sign it in blood if it means that much to you.” he joked. “I know, honey. He’ll wise up and if he don’t, I’ll make him wise up. Somehow.” Maybe once he figured out to get out of the new handlock his grandkids had his fingers in. 

;

Cricket didn’t mean to ignore the toddler’s antics but she was so used to them by now that it was hard to notice Ethan was their next victim. “I don’t know, I get worried sometimes that...I’ve made him stuck.” she admitted, always finding it easy to talk to Ethan. Tammie would tell her to not be so stupid, Nora would hug it out and say Spence loved her and she didn’t really talk to Elijah about feelings. “I know he loves his family, I just worry I guess. That he might wake up and think he could’ve had something better than with me or that I stop him having fun.” She didn’t want to be a nag but Spencer’s idea of fun was mostly chaos. Cricket looked back at Ethan just in time to see Sawyer trying to wrestle with his hand, and she swooped hers to pry it away. “I don’t want people to be harsh on him, especially not you. I think making you proud is important to him.”

“Waiting for me, huh?” Spence grinned and happily leaned down to kiss her. He stole a few more than one before he glanced over to the little cowboys sleeping on his aunt. A low chuckle fell out of him. “I’d have way more fun with you.” He dotted a few kisses along her jaw then nuzzled into her neck quickly. It was a fact that he always had way more fun when she was with him. Spence gave her one tight squeeze and straightened out. “You lead the way hot stuff,” he took her hand so she could pull him wherever she wanted to go to dance. “Long as it ain’t nothin’ too fast. I forgot my dancin’ boots at home.” He joked and shot her a wink. Spence didn’t care though, if he looked like an idiot it would just make her look even better. If that was even possible.

;

“Mhm, that’s what I always seem to be doing, waiting for you.” Cricket quirked a brow as she chuckled, teasing him but also wondering if he’d ever get down on one knee again. She’d say yes, she thought. Maybe...he seemed to be getting better at keeping his cool. “Good, how drunk even are you?” she asked tilting her head with another smile, because he was always a cute drunk. To her anyways, other people wouldn’t be so lucky. Her hands moved from around his shoulders so she could take his hand, smiling up at him as she lead them to where a few people were dancing by the music. “Oh, does that mean you wanna slow dance?” she laughed, letting her arms back up onto his shoulders again and going on tip toes so they could rest comfortably. “Careful, two mini-Jett’s are enough.”

-

“Right…you’re just…looking?” Lydia slowly dipped her head, maintaining eye contact. It’d be a lot easier if she could’ve said that Cricket was way more her type than Spence ever was. “And the boys are…watching?” she added, glancing to the two toddlers eating a snack without even blinking. Kids were fucking weird. Lydia looked back at the mention of Jett, shrugging her shoulders lightly. “I mean, I can see that Cricket. Doubt a dude built like a freaking linebacker is hiding anywhere.” she retorted, not even smiling despite barely being serious. “Think I could have coffee in peace or are we trying to see who blinks first? All four of us?” she nodded to the toddlers.

;

“Not at much.” Cricket mumbled, glancing down to her half drank coffee and wishing she could throw it at Lydia. It was dumb but she was convinced the other woman was still madly in love with Spencer. Why else would she want to be friends with an ex? “The boys have never seen a bitch before.” she said, even quieter and hoping Lydia didn’t hear her. Or the twins for that matter, they learned enough from their dad or Tammie. “People usually drink their coffee without making such a big deal out of it, Lydia. Nothing’s stopping you.” she waved a hand, sighing as she picked up her own coffee cup. “If you want a staring contest, you can have one.” 

-

Kas chuckled at her remark, finding the little insult cute. Then again, even when Cricket had a face like thunder she managed to look sweet with it. Not much deterred him. “I love it when you talk like that.” he said quickly, flashing a wide and boyish smile at her. Pretending to be pleasantly eager for Spence’s arrival, Kas slowly angled himself to watch the doors. When nothing happened he looked back at Cricket. “Are you tellin’ me lies, little lady?” he teased her, cocking his head to the side. “I thought I’d be able to congratulate the man himself, for gettin’ a few babies inside you before I could.” Kas didn’t care that his voice carried over the music and as Cricket moved along the bar, he waited a few moments before he did too. “You sure did. No one ever just takes one ride, though Crick. Where’s the fun in that?”

;

“Urgh, God.” Cricket cringed to herself as her mouth settled in a frown. She couldn’t even believe she dated Kas, but it technically didn’t count as dating considering he cheated the whole way through it and made her think she was crazy. But, the good thing was he made her realize that Spence was the only one for her. “If you think for one second your trailer-trash twinkie is somehow better than a 6′3 cowboy who can throw me around like it’s nothing, you need a reality check. There’s a reason he could get me pregnant so quickly.” Cricket hated talking like it but Kas seemed to bring out the worse in everybody. “He’s going to be here, and you’re going to be shitting out your teeth Kas.”

at: neon boots @cricketxreid​

-

In Kas’ humble opinion which nobody asked for, Cricket could do a lot better than Spence Jones but now the girl was a mother to his kids which probably meant she was stuck to his side for life. Not if Kas could help it, their fleeting dating story was far too fun to just be a one off. Nobody was ever just a one off, Kas had a careful routine to make sure he could keep going back. Usually when he needed somewhere to stay, or a fixed address to give his probation officer. “Looking good tonight, mama.” he said with a genuine playful grin as he appeared at the bar beside her. “Dad on babysitting duty so you can have some fun? Kind of him.” Kas asked, leaning against the bar top and taking a sweeping glance over her frame. “Kind of him to let us have the pleasure of seeing you out here looking so good too. Thank him for me? I mean, if you end up going back home tonight.” he laughed, knowing how absurd his comment was but who could blame him? He drummed a quick beat against the bar and nodded his head to her empty glass. “I got the next one.”

;

Cricket always hoped that the rare times she got to enjoy herself, wasn’t the same night Kasen was at Neon Boots. His latest idea of prospecting meant he was there more often and she hated it. The only good thing is that she didn’t fall into his trap because she was still hung up over Spence, trying to make him jealous for dating Lydia. “Eat shit, Morrison.” Cricket said quietly, finishing her drink and watching him saunter into her personal space like he owned it. “Dad is gonna be here any second actually.” she looked to the doors, but then got anxious incase Spence would walk through them at any moment. There didn’t need to be a fight. She could handle this. Calmly. “Can you even afford it?” she asked flatly, sliding her glass away from him so she could move further along the bar and get some much needed space. “Isn’t there some other unsuspecting victim that doesn’t know any better, Kas? Because I’ve been there and done that.” she pointed to his general being.

“Oh, a hundred percent. You should let it stick. In fact, you can tell him it’s from me.” Ethan laughed and then gave a proud smile about his grandkid’s special talents. “I don’t doubt it. Especially if they’re anything like their dad.” Ethan replied happily, sitting beside cricket and bouncing Sawyer on his knee. “You and your brother gonna be football stars, huh? Put the Jones name in the records.” he grinned as he pinched the toddler’s cheek who was laughing. “If it’s any consolation, Crick, I stopped being all kinds of trouble by the time Spencer was about three so it’s almost time.” he offered that as comfort as he grinned at her. “Grin never went away though, it’s guaranteed success each time. Ava had to turn her back to me whenever she needed to lecture me.”

;

Cricket laughed, glancing through the party to try and see the big idiot that was being discussed. He really was a big idiot, there was no questioning it but she couldn’t help the smile she ended up showing. Spence was a lovable as he was dumb, which was why the famous Jones grin worked on her for years. “Do you think he misses football? Or wished he could’ve done more with it instead of...stuck with me?” Cricket asked, thinking that Ethan would know better than anyone else. If she asked Spence herself he’d play it off so she didn’t feel bad. She looked back to the Jones dad and laughed slightly, not really believing Spence would ever mature. Not properly, anyways. “So, only a year? Am I allowed to get that in writing?” she chuckled. “I love that grin he has, so I don’t want that to go away. Just all the stuff he does that he has to grin about.”

-

Lydia didn’t come face to face with Cricket often, which was a good thing because every time she saw the other woman she just wanted to shout out her sexuality to ease all the tension there ever was. Lydia never hated Spencer, not once, but she definitely never loved him but for some reason, Cricket seemed to think it was a special romance. She wasn’t surprised at the way Cricket tried to ward her away, but she needed her coffee fix and an awkward encounter was a small price to pay. “Sure there are…” Lydia responded, only slightly apprehensive as she put her bag on the next table over. This was already more relaxing than breakfast with her parents. “You don’t have to stare at me, Cricket. Jesus.” Lydia then sighed.

;

“I’m not staring.” Cricket answered even though she was, and the twins were too. Fair enough that they were in the curious staring stage but Cricket liked to think their Jonesness was coming through and they were glaring at the other woman because she sucked. If Lydia never put her grubby little paws all over Spencer, Cricket wouldn’t have ever dated Kas just to get back at him. She would’ve actually been saved from having one of the worst relationships ever. “Jett isn’t here so I don’t know why you’re trying to be nice to me.” Cricket shrugged, convinced that Lydia still held a torch for her should-be fiance. Husband by now, if he acted right. 

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“Four? Damn.” He let out a low whistle followed by a groan. There was definitely a lecture coming his way from someone, unless Tammie decided to spare him or his dad didn’t notice. Both were unlikely. At least Cricket didn’t sound like she was going to lay it on him. Even if she probably had more reason to than anyone. He grinned when she came close and pressed her lips to his forehead. “Come on now, that’s not a real kiss.” Jett stood up and wrapped his arms around her to lift her up. He went to press his lips to hers for a lingering lock but only got a quick smooch before their little devils interrupted. “Okay, alright, time to get ready,” he laughed and set her down. “I’ll get them if you want to get a quick nap in. I can pack their bag and everything, promise.” He was sure he could get it done, and insisted. It was the least he could do.

The bonfire was a mixture of sad with a good time. Uncle Jason would have loved it and there was no way in hell Spence was going to let that sullen ache take hold of him in any way. He was his usual joking, smiling self, trying to keep himself from doing anything dumb or drinking too much. A few of the guys had mentioned something about grabbing another keg and some stronger stuff to get the party going stronger. He was going to go help out until he heard Cricket and he waved them off to go without him. “Nowhere, at all,” he smiled and moved over to her. “What are you up to over here? Little cowboys asleep?”

;

“Stop, I gotta be mad at you for a few more minutes.” Cricket teased, laughing slightly because she could never stay angry for long at him. Technically, he never did anything wrong...he was just difficult. And a little bit stupid. But, she was stupidly in love with him so she supposed it was a fair compromise. She giggled against the kiss but then returned it softly. “That’s all you’re getting.” Cricket tried to be playfully stern, moving away so she could start getting ready. “I’ll hold you to that.” she then waved a finger at him. 

It seemed Spence was half telling the truth when he said he’d take care of everything. He did take care of everything, only didn’t make the boys change out of their cowboy outfits. Luckily going to a bonfire with the MC meant they’d fit right in at the ranch, so it wasn’t the worst thing to happen. “Waiting for you.” Cricket replied with a smile when Spence got closer to her and once close enough she quickly pulled him in for a kiss. “I love seeing you having a good time. You deserve it.” she whispered before nodding back to the bundle of crashed out toddlers on June’s lap. “Aunt June’s got it covered. Maybe you can dance with me instead of doing more keg stands.”

———♡———

                        “N’aww, you’re too sweet.” June laughed happily, always a smile on her face whenever she was with Cricket. From the moment her nephew introduced her to the family, June could just tell they were going to be together forever. The boys were just a lovely surprise. “Of course they are, because who could resit!?” June cooed to the twins, swooping one up to her lap and lightly biting his cute little arms with chomping noises to make him laugh. “Oh, I’m fine, sweetie. Thanks for asking. It’s always gonna be tough but just seeing how much he meant to everyone…it’s a little bit easier. How’s Spence doing? He holding up okay?”

;

Cricket smiled at the woman, impossible to really let any mood she had linger when June was around. Even watching her with Sawyer and Cooper warmed her heart, and Cricket knew she could always go to June for help with them too. “Oh for sure, they’re basically trying to charm everyone into getting extra cake.” she laughed and reached across to wipe some crumbs from Cooper’s cheeks. “Which obviously is working.” she observed, smiling big again. It changed to a sadder smile when June talked and she nodded to show she was listening. “Honestly, June if there’s anything I can do please just ask.” Cricket said, feeling hopeless with this sort of thing. She thought about Spence, glancing up to June with a small shrug. “I think he’s okay. Obviously not amazing, but you know...he’s not spiraled...yet.”

location: ambrosia

;

Cricket loved getting away from the ranch, at least she thought she did. She’d look forward to errand days but when they rolled around, she quickly realized how hard it was to visit stores with twin toddlers in a stroller. She couldn’t wait to get back home but even a stop at Target had been too much so she decided to have a break at Ambrosia, and maybe take a few treats back for Spencer. Then again, he had snored a lot and kept her awake half the night so he probably didn’t deserve it. Also, she had a dream that he cheated on her but she had already got annoyed about that so...she had to let it go. Funnily or not funnily enough, the person who stole him from her in her dream waltzed right into the coffee shop. Fucking Lydia. “There’s no seats.” she stated, considering she was propped by the door, scowling at her.

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Yep, definitely in trouble. One of his eyes closed again as Sawyer’s roar filled the room. He nodded and sat up. “Yeah, I mean of course. What time is it? I can take them out to do afternoon shit, I mean stuff, with me.” He stood up to stretch his arms over his head and let out a loud yawn. Immediately he sat right back down with a loud humph sound. He kind of wanted to go have a quick smoke, but instead he popped a piece of gum in his mouth. Quitting was supposed to be a goal he met before the twins were born, now they are over two years old. “I have one condition though,” he flashed a smile at her, blue eyes lighting up as they often did when she was in sight. “You got to come over here and give me a kiss.” She deserved a break, that was a given. But damn if he didn’t want to wrap around her and spend the rest of the afternoon practicing making more babies. “Wait, is tonight the bonfire?” He really needed to keep track of the days.

;

Cricket always found it hard to stay mad at Spencer but sometimes things were too much and he seemed oblivious. She knew he cared, though but he didn’t seem to understand that being asked to do things wasn’t the same as him just doing them. “It’s like four, babe.” she sighed, tilting her head. The sparkle in his eyes didn’t help her stay mad and she tried to stop the muscles in her face twitching into a smile. “I got to, do I?” Cricket stood up, putting her hands on her hips. It was impossible to refuse his grin and she slowly walked forward and dropped a kiss to his forehead, laughing at the fact he didn’t even know what day it is. “Yeah, it’s the bonfire. Which means you have to get yourself dressed and at least one of the tyrants.”

Cricket couldn’t remember the last proper night out she had, apart from going to Neon Boots whenever Tammie or Nora said they’d watch the boys. It wasn’t as fun as a bonfire though surrounded by everybody who mattered to Spencer. And she loved being able to be a part of it, and see him happy too. Even if she did want to give silent treatment for his hopelessness, it was too difficult. “Ah, where do you think you’re going.” she pointed at him as she saw Spencer heading away somewhere with some friends. “Get back here.”

where: silver spur ranch with: @cricketxreid​

———♡———

                       It was so touching seeing everyone show up for Jason but it was also exhausting. June had said thank you to so many people and finding all of the condolences as a reminder of losing her brother. After she noticed Ethan had his fix of the little wigglebugs, she hopped from her seat for her turn. “You’re gonna get sick to death of me by the end of tonight.” she chuckled at Cricket, sitting beside the younger woman and holding her arms out for one of the twins to come to her. “If you need help setting them down, I’m sure Sofia won’t mind you using the big house. And I won’t mind sitting with them either so you can still enjoy yourself.”

;

Even though being a mother felt lonely sometimes, Cricket couldn’t ever accuse any of the Jones family for making her feel that way. June especially, who seemed far more maternal than Cricket ever did. “That’s impossible.” she gasped and laughed, shaking her head. “That’s lovely, thank you. I’m good for now, I think they’re enjoying having more people to wrap around their little fingers.” she chuckled, watching both of the twins swarm over to June when she held out her hands. “How are you feeling? It’s kind of everyone to do this for Jason, but it must be tough for you and Ethan too.”

location: bonfire

@cricketxreid​​

The night was still young and feeling overwhelmed by the turn out of everyone sharing memories and stories about his brother, Ethan wandered over to Cricket and the boys. The bonfire reminded him of the big party everyone had in Ava’s honor, and the only thing that could make him feel better right now was seeing the little twins in their cowboy hats. “You can go find the big idiot, if you want honey. Enjoy yourself and I can take it from here.” he smiled, swooping up Sawyer as he tried to make a run for it. “Where’d you think you’re going, huh?” Ethan laughed at the boy’s childish giggles like he knew he was being naughty. “Jett was just the same, would think a smile could absolve him of all consequences. Think he’s still not grown outta that.”

;

Ethan had always been a support for Cricket so she gave him a big smile when he came over. Laughing, she sought Spencer out in the crowd and then smiled to herself. Even if earlier in the day he had annoyed her all over again. “Big idiot suits him. It might catch on.” she smiled back at Ethan, trying to stop Sawyer from scurrying off but luckily he was caught. “Sawyer’s the runner, Cooper’s the thrower. At least we know we might have some good footballers on our hands.” she joked, sitting back in the chair again. “Oh, yep. I know that one.” she sipped her drink and laughed. Spence could get away with most things, she blamed the gleam behind his eyes but maybe it was his smile too. “The get outta jail for free grin. It’s famous in our house. But Spence had to get it from somewhere, so maybe you might know something about that?”