“I’d make it two weeks and keep nine-one-one on speed dial.”
Killyama’s mother got her point across. Crazy Bitch wrapped what was left of the burger and fries, putting them back in the bag.
“Peyton, you remember how I used to say I wished you were my mother when I came home with Killyama on the bus?”
“Yes, those are some of my fondest memories.” The attractive woman didn’t look old enough to have a child Killyama’s age. Crazy Bitch prayed she looked that good at her age.
“Today isn’t one of those days.”
Peyton wasn’t upset by her snarky comment.
“I wish Gavin had your appetite. He’s so tall that you can’t tell when he gains a pound. I found a short-term lease that starts in three days. I promised to make him some home cooking. Some of The Last Riders have been sending food when their husbands come, but it’s not the same when you have to reheat it, and Gavin doesn’t like leftovers.”
“You’ve gotten attached to him, haven’t you?”
“He’s like the son I never had. I am so blessed to have both Train and Gavin in my life now. You can never have too many people who give you reason to get out of bed in the morning.”
“And Gavin gives you that reason?”
“Oh yes. Killyama comes and visits me all the time, and so do Jonas and Hammer. But Train and Gavin need me. There’s a difference.” Affection filled Peyton’s voice.
“What does Train need you for? He seems pretty self-sufficient to me.”
“He needs me to remind him of what it’s like to have a family. I think he misses his mother and sisters, and while I could never take their place, I think I fill a space so he doesn’t feel as empty inside.”
Crazy Bitch laid her hand over hers. “You do more than that. You’re what a mother should be. You’re home.”
She didn’t get sympathetic often, but Peyton had been there numerous times for her. She had given her a couch to sleep on many nights when she hadn’t wanted to go home to her mother. She was the one she had called when she had found her mother’s body, sheltering her in loving arms as the coroner had wheeled the woman out of her bedroom on a gurney. Peyton had pleaded and begged with her not to drop out of high school. She had also been the one to tutor her in algebra. She was an expert at mothering. Gavin couldn’t be in better hands.
Both of them were watching Gavin’s door when Calder came out. He looked as tired as she felt.
“The nurse gave Gavin a sedative. Peyton, I’m going to stay for a few days. If you want, you can go back to Jamestown. Can you give Crazy Bitch a ride if you do?”
“I’d like to stay in case he asks for me. I can drive her home, but I’m coming right back.”
Crazy Bitch shook her head. “It’s almost a four-hour drive. I’ll rent a car.”
Calder frowned. “I hate to put you out, but I don’t want to leave Gavin.”
“It’s not a problem. I’d stay if I didn’t have appointments tomorrow.”
“If you’re ready, I’ll drive you to get the car. I want to be back before Gavin wakes up,” Calder explained.
Crazy Bitch gave Peyton a hug before leaving.
As they walked toward the parking lot, Calder took her hand. She cast him a surprised glance.
“I’ve never held a man’s hand before. Joker would have laughed his head off if I tried to hold his.”
“Joker was a fucking idiot.” Releasing her hand, he gave her the keys to his bike. “You want to drive?”
She almost cried. “You’ll let me drive your bike?”
“Why not? It’s not like any of the brothers will see. I’ve seen you ride; you can handle it.”
She straddled the bike, turning it on and gripping the handlebars as Calder got on behind her.
“You remember when I said I knew I was in love with you when you pulled me back over the cliff?”
“Yeah.”
“I may have been wrong.”
He settled his chin on her shoulder as he curled his arms around her waist. She leaned the side of her head to rest on his.
“This…” She stared down at the powerful machine beneath her thighs, proud of the confidence he was placing on her. “This is love.”
23
Crazy Bitch opened a bottle of beer, seeing Bear eyeing her enviously. Taking a drink, she showed her satisfaction as the cold beer slid down her throat.
“Quit bugging Bear.”
“I’m not bugging him. I’m minding my own business.”
“You didn’t have to tell him that he couldn’t have one of the ones Calder bought for you.”
“Stud, anytime Bear wants to buy the beer with his own money, or club money, I’ll be gracious. Calder bought these for me, and I’m not sharing. If he had given me roses, Bear wouldn’t expect me to share. I don’t see any reason that it shouldn’t be the same way with beer.”