“You worried?” Trix said quietly to me as the rest of the women teased Molly. “Cam was pretty concerned.”
“Yeah.” I nodded. “A little. I can’t imagine what the hell would make her call our parents.”
“Could be something simple,” she said, giving my arm a squeeze. “Maybe she’s just ready to come home.”
“God, I hope not,” I joked. “No, it can’t be that. My parents wouldn’t have left so fast if it was something easy.”
“You think she’s in trouble?” Trix asked.
“I think I’m glad that Cam went with them,” I said with a sigh. “Because fuck knows what Cecilia is getting them into.”
“Casper’s no slouch,” Trix said wryly. “He can handle it.”
“Yeah, my mom can take care of herself, too.” I gave myself a little shake, trying to get rid of the tension that had settled in my shoulders. “But I have a feeling this is big.” I paused. “Really big.”
“She’ll be okay,” Trix replied. “She knows she’s in over her head with whatever it is, and she called in reinforcements. Now we just have to wait.”
“The waiting is the hardest part,” I complained.
“Jesus, I know, right?” She smiled. “It never gets easier, but the reunions are sweet.”
“That’s my brother,” I said, wrinkling my nose at her sly smile. “Don’t go there.”
“You want to say something about my brother?” she teased. “I can take it.”
“Not even a little bit, you sicko,” I said, smacking at her.
She laughed and threw her arm over my shoulder. “You’re lucky to have me as a sister,” she said, kissing the side of my head with a loud smack. “And don’t worry, if Cecilia comes home I’ll kick her ass for you.”
“Nah,” I replied, leaning my head on her shoulder. “I can handle Cecilia.”
“Offer still stands,” she said as we watched Amy slowly make her way back to the table with Poet following her, his hand on the base of her spine.
“Where’d ye leave off?” he asked as he pulled his wife’s chair out.
“The little house,” she replied.
“Okay.” He sat down beside her. “I’ll take the next part, shall I?” He looked over his shoulder. “Thomas! Get me a drink, boyo!”
“That’s right,” Hawk said, smiling widely. “Put him to work. Hey Thomas, I need a refill too!”
Chapter 18
Charlie
The conversation with Vera at the clubhouse had been heavy as hell. I didn’t know how to explain to her the way shit worked where I came from or how completely unprepared I’d been for her. I hadn’t seen it before. I’d put her in the same group as all the other women I’d been with, seen our time as fun, hadn’t put a lot of importance on it. That had been a mistake, and I hadn’t even realized it when I’d raced back up to Tacoma for her.
My mind was reeling and I was nauseous as we pulled into the driveway of the house I’d rented. Thankfully I’d gotten a good deal on the place since the owner owed me a favor, because I didn’t have shit to my name. I wasn’t even sure how we’d buy a damn couch.
“It ain’t much,” I said, dragging the garage door open so I could wheel my bike inside. “But the heat works and it’s clean.”
Vera didn’t respond so I just continued talking as I walked her through the garage and into the house. I had no idea how to open up the conversation we’d been having when we were interrupted, so I did what any smart man would do—I pretended that it hadn’t happened. I’d told her I loved her and she’d gotten pissed. Yeah, I wasn’t touching that with a ten foot pole.
“See,” I said, “kitchen’s small, but I figure we don’t need much. You cook?” No response. “I’m shit in the kitchen but I make a mean sandwich,” I continued. “Living room.” I pointed. “Obviously.”
I walked over and opened a door. “Bathroom. Nothin’ fancy, but it’s clean.” I shot her a smile. She’d complained about the nasty bathroom at club every time she’d had to use it. “We’ll get a shower curtain today.”
Vera stood there, no expression on her face as I opened the bedroom door.
“Tiny,” I said. “We’ll probably have to put a dresser out here. Once there’s a bed in there, won’t be any space to walk.”
I closed the door and took a couple steps into the living room area.
“Uh, I think these windows’ll let a lot of light in when—”
“Are you kidding?” she asked, her voice low and angry. “I don’t care about the stupid lighting.”
“I’m just—”
“Stop talking,” she hissed, running her fingers into her hair and fisting them there. “What is this?”
“It’s a safe spot for you to heal,” I started.
“With you,” she replied. “We’re just going to—to—what? Live here together? We’re not even married.”
I’d started to step toward her but that drew me up short.