“Ex-wife. I’ve texted you. I’ve left messages. I wanted to explain in person, but you won’t see me so…”
“There’s nothing to explain, Cupid.” She shifts the bag to her other arm.
“Least let me get your bag for you.”
“Yeah sure.” She lowers it and I take it from her.
“You getting settled in at your new place?”
“Yeah. It’s nice. Different but a good different.”
“Heard you took a job working at Billy Jack’s Diner. I wanted to stop in and see you but didn’t want to make you uncomfortable.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.” We arrive at her car and I place the bag in the backseat for her.
“I miss you, baby.”
“Cupid. Please.” Her eyes close. “Don’t do this. Not right now. I’m just getting on my feet and trying to start over away from the club.”
“Away from me?”
“I didn’t mean it like that.”
“Yeah you did, but I understand. But you can’t just push me out. We have a baby to think about and, sweetheart, I won’t walk away.”
“You already did.” She opens the driver’s side door and I have no words for her that won’t come out angry, so I keep quiet. I deserve everything she’s dishing out to me and more. “Listen, I have a doctor appointment next week. It’s just a check-up but if you want to meet me there I’ll try to be okay with that.”
“I’ll be there just call me.”
“I’ll text you.”
I watch her get in the car and drive off wishing I could chase after her. Wishing I could change her mind about me—about us.
Her car leaves my view and I head down to the basement to pay a visit to Zo Zo and end that piece of shit who isn’t worthy of being a brother of mine.
Chapter Twenty-two
—MaryAnn
It’s been one month since Zo Zo attacked me. Things haven’t been easy. Adjusting to life outside of the club and truly being on my own as lonely as it is, its refreshing. Some days are easier than others. I miss Ryan. It took me a while, but I finally listened to and read the messages he sent me when I was recovering. I understand to an extent why he did what he did but he should have told me the truth. I would have done whatever he needed me to and then maybe I wouldn’t have been in the situation I was in with Zo Zo.
I can’t fully blame Ryan either though. He had no idea I would go to Zo Zo’s house or what his intentions were. I never expected that from him. He seemed so normal, but I guess we truly never know anyone. Ryan didn’t think in a million years that Mandy would commit suicide, killing herself and her unborn son. How alone and scared she must have felt. I can’t even imagine and in the end I’m not angry with her. How can I be?
I agreed to have dinner with Ryan. He wants to talk, and I know I can’t keep putting him off, we need to reach an understanding where the baby is concerned. I’m driving over to his new house. He still hasn’t sold the old one. People aren’t too quick to buy a house where someone just recently died.
His new place is a few houses down the street from the house Harley and Reaper are renting until they figure out if they want to build or buy. At least if I decide I can’t do this whole dinner thing Harley will be close by for support. Her, Sara, Amber, and Shelly have really rallied around me during everything. I adore them for it. They are good friends and I am lucky to have them.
When I told them that I was having dinner with Ryan tonight they insisted on coming over to help me get ready. I wanted to decline but they were so excited I couldn’t say no. A knock sounds at my front door. They’re early. I peer through the peephole and am surprised to see Ryan with takeout.
I open the door. My brows knit in confusion. “Hey, what are you doing here? I thought we were doing this at your place.”
“We were but I just got off work and was passing through the neighborhood.”
“Mhmm.” I roll my lips and move out of the way, so he can come in. He’s so full of shit. He’s freshly showered. Just got off work my ass. I don’t say anything though. “The girls were on their way, I just need to text and tell them another time.”
“Already taken care of. I pulled in when they did and told them to hit the road.” He smiles sheepishly.
“Okay, I’ll get the plates.”