... and Forever (Next Generation: Chaos Bleeds 1)

“You’ve broken it down to make it sound simpler. It’s not. You forget to add that family get-togethers from now on will have to be in Piston County. Do you think Simon is going to let me come to Fort Wills with the Dogs so close?”

“Do you think he even gets to have a say in what you do?”

She opened her mouth, closed it.

“I’ve surprised you?”

“Yes, no, I don’t know. Maybe. I guess I’ve been giving him a lot more credit. Wow, I just totally had a man in control there, didn’t I?” she asked.

Daisy laughed. “It’s fine. You’ve been through a lot.”

“In all honesty, I don’t know if I want to make this work,” she said.

“Oh.”

She covered her face with her hand, knowing the tears were close. Crying wasn’t something she enjoyed doing but seemed to be something that happened so often just lately. “We … er, damn it, Daisy, we had unprotected sex.”

“Ouch.”

“It’s not an ouch thing. Not really.”

“Are you happy about it?” Daisy asked.

“That I could be pregnant again when I’m twenty-three?”

“If it makes you feel any better, you’ll be giving birth when you’re twenty-four and there’s nothing wrong with your age. Women are having kids all the time. Teenagers, older women.”

“You’re not pregnant.”

“Let’s not talk about me.”

“Yes, let’s. Let’s talk about your love life with Anthony.”

“Not going to happen,” Daisy said. “Besides, we’re talking about your little confession and how you’re not sure if you want to make things work with Simon. I hate to be the one to put a reality check on you, but that’s a big deal.”

Tabitha dropped her hand and checked the time. “I’ve got to go.”

“This isn’t fair.”

“I’ve got to go. Talk soon.” She hung up before Daisy could say another word. Guilt swamped her.

Pushing everything to the back of her mind, she made her way inside to find Dean sitting at one of the tables. Simon’s best friend appeared to be perusing the menu.

Great, just what she needed.

She went to the staff room, put her cell phone in her bag, and made her way out.

Complete with a pen and notepad, she looked at him, waiting. “What can I do for you?” she asked.

He put the menu down. “Coffee, burger, and fries.”

She wrote it down. This is what she loved about working in this coffee shop, everyone had to order a coffee with their meal.

“And while you’re at it, I’d like to know if you’re going to put my boy through shit.”

She paused in writing and glanced up at him. “None of your business.”

“It is. I’m the one who’s been taking care of him. Not you.”

“You got a little crush on him, Dean? It piss you off that the first person he comes to is me?”

“Not at all. I’ve got his best interests at heart.”

She dropped the notepad to the table and glared at him. “You do? You’ve got his best interests at heart. Let’s be clear on something here, rich boy. You don’t have the first fucking clue on what you’re dealing with here. While you were getting fed with your silver spoon and having your ass wiped by nannies, me and Simon, we got a real hard look at the world. Take it from me, it’s not pretty. We got shot at. We witnessed death. Life coming and going. People passing through intending to do harm. Believe me, you don’t have the first clue what you’re dealing with. What you’ve seen doesn’t even scratch the surface. What goes on between Simon and me, it’ll stay that way. You don’t get a say in this. Not ever. Now, you can have your food and leave me the fuck alone, or you get the hell out.”

“You going to tell Simon about our talk?” Dean asked.

“No, he doesn’t need to know, but I will tell you this. I do respect you for coming to me. No matter what goes on between us, he needs someone to have his back. Just don’t ever take your eyes off it. Got me?”

“I got you.” Dean leaned back. “I will have that burger. I knew there was a reason I liked you, Tabby.”

“Don’t call me that. Only Simon calls me that.” She turned on her heel and went to get his order.

Taking a deep breath, she felt her hands shaking, her body coming alive. What was it about standing up for herself, or keeping it real, that just made her feel awake for the first time in years?

You’re not weak. You fight. You don’t take shit from anyone. It’s time you realized it. What you’re getting now is your goddamn wake-up call, and you need it.

Taking a deep breath, she turned back toward the tables, coffee in hand. She could do this.

****

Simon got a warm welcome back at the club. He expected it. The guys embraced him with open arms, applause, and it was like time hadn’t moved. He was still Devil’s son. The golden boy. The prince to them.