Wolf nodded. “You’re a lucky man.”
“You’re right. And I don’t need you to tell me that, because I know it.” He bumped his fist on Wolf’s knee. “There’s a lot to be said for having an ol’ lady, Wolf.”
When Wolf remained silent, Cole huffed out a sigh. “I told you to either step up or cut her loose. What’d you do? Neither.”
“Cole—I”
“You gonna tell me you weren’t still seeing her? You gonna look me in the fucking eye and lie to your brother?”
Wolf met his look. “No. I won’t lie to you, Cole. I was. I couldn’t stay away.”
“And how’s that gonna play out now?”
Wolf lifted his hands in a helpless gesture as if he’d given up. “I don’t fucking know. I can’t believe she’s gone.”
“Crystal wanted more, Wolf. You can’t blame her for that.”
Wolf nodded. No, he couldn’t blame her for that. She’d wanted more, and maybe that’s what had scared the hell out of him.
“You don’t want an ol’ lady, I get that. If all you want is to get laid, fine, go find you one of Sonny’s girls. But don’t think for a minute you’ll ever find the caliber of woman it takes to be an ol’ lady in that crop, because it’s just not gonna fuckin’ happen, Wolf.”
Wolf stayed quiet.
“You had something with Crystal. Maybe more than you want to admit. You don’t want to talk about this, fine. You do, I’m here for you. But, I ain’t Dear Abby. You’re a grown ass man, make a fucking decision. You either want her or you don’t. You either step up or shut up. Got it?
“Got it.”
They were quiet for a minute and then Cole asked, “You try calling her?”
“Called her. Texted her. She’s not answering.”
“Maybe you just need to give her some time and space.”
“Yeah.” Wolf nodded, but hell it was tearing him up.
“What happened to your face?”
Wolf absently touched his cheek. “Dog.”
A grin tugged at Cole’s mouth. “He always had a soft spot for Crystal.”
Wolf nodded back. “Yeah.”
“You may get the same thing from Crash when he sees you.”
“Fuck.”
Cole chuckled. “Go home, Brother. We’re meeting tomorrow. You’re gonna give us the low down on what’s goin’ on down at the Temecula Chapter.”
Wolf nodded again, but stayed seated.
They sat quietly for a moment.
“Cole?”
“Yeah?”
“I need to ask you something. And I need you to not be a dick about it.”