“You didn’t have to do that,” I say softly.
“I wanted to.”
“I wish I’d been able to see you when you dropped it off. Say hello…” Damn, why do I have to sound so clingy when he did such a nice thing?
He sighs. “Serena, I didn’t think it was a good idea to pop into your office.”
“No, you’re right,” I answer quickly. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. About killed me to be so close and not see you.”
“I can come over tonight after work,” I offer.
He’s silent on the other end.
“Grayson?”
“That’s not a good idea. New tires or not, the roads won’t be great.”
He’s right but the explanation feels wrong.
“Is everything okay?” I ask.
“Just busy.”
“I’ll let you go.”
“Serena, wait. It’s supposed to snow this weekend. Let’s try to get together. We can be snowed in together.”
“I’d like that.” I glance up and notice someone who looks a lot like my next patient crossing the parking lot. “I have to go.”
“Call me when you get home.”
“I will.” I want to say so much more but I’m not even sure where to begin.
And I’m out of time.
Chapter Thirty
Grinder
“Everything all right?” Wrath asks. “Your kids behaving?”
I groan. The guys have been making “kids” jokes at me all week for having Remy and Griff as my shadows.
No more visits from shady gangsters, thank fuck. Big Chief hasn’t reached out in any other way. While it’s a relief, I’m also left feeling like an ass for worrying over nothing and causing so many people to go out of their way for me.
“They’ve been good, except neither of them will take any money from me.” Griff had accepted cash for the tires I asked him to install on Serena’s car. And I’ve fed both of ‘em all week. But it still doesn’t feel like enough. The little shits won’t let me pay them for all the time they’re wasting hanging out at my place.
“We’ll take care of them.” Wrath’s expression turns more business-oriented. “How’s Serena?”
“All right.” Ain’t gonna admit to Wrath that I’m missing her like someone carved out my heart. I need whatever’s going on to end so I can see my girl.
“Z coming up?” I ask.
“Probably not today. This weekend, though, most of Downstate will be up here.”
“You might have ’em all weekend. Supposed to snow again.”
“Yeah, I saw. It’s fine. Got the room.” He waves his hand toward the stairs. “Trin and Swan placed a large order this morning, so we’ll have plenty of food and supplies.” His mouth twists. “Hate that you can’t just stay up here and hang with everyone. Even if you wanted to bunk at our house to avoid the noise.” He cocks his head. “Your P.O. been by again?”
“Yup. Pretty sure he thinks I swing both ways since Griff was there this time.”
He snorts. “Fuck. How’d you explain that?”
“Griff shared a moving story about how I was a friend of his dearly departed grandpa. And on ol’ grandpa’s deathbed, Griff swore he’d look out for me if I ever got out of prison. Kid belongs in Hollywood. It was quite a performance.”
Wrath doubles over laughing. “That’s priceless. Wish I’d seen it.”
“It was smart. No one around to call bullshit on the story if Grillo tries to verify it.” I’d been impressed with Griff’s quick thinking.
“Good.” He slaps my arm. “It’s gonna be a few minutes.”
“I’m gonna go down to the dining room. See if I can find some coffee.”
“Trin’s down there. She’ll help you out.”
“Thanks.” Club’s quiet as I make my way to the dining room. I poke my head in an open door. Lights are off but I can make out the mirrors on the wall, cushions on the floor. Guess that’s the yoga room Shelby mentioned.
Hope’s in the dining room with Grace in her lap and a spread of food on the table in front of them. I grab my coffee and glance around the empty space before approaching.
“Morning, Hope. You got a minute?”
“Of course.” She pats the chair next to her. “I think Rock’s in the war room if you need him.”
“Nah, I’ll talk to him in a minute.” I drop into the chair and automatically reach for one of Grace’s little blue booties.
Hope shines a warm smile my way and extends her arms. “Do you want to hold her?”
More than anything. But it’s not like I’ve handled a lot of little ones in my life. She looks so damn breakable. I flex my hands. “Probably shouldn’t.”
Hope scoots her chair closer to me. I reach for Grace and she wraps one tiny hand around my finger. “Strong grip, little one.”
She blinks up at me and giggles.
“You’re a sweet one. Gonna ride your own hog with that grip one day? Are you?”
More laughter. She bobs her head as if she’s agreeing with me.
“She get you up early?” I ask Hope.