Me: Thank you for the offer, but she loves him being here and he loves her. She doesn’t bother us, just sleeps on her bed, like a lazy bag of bones.
Aunty: Okay, let me know if you change your mind. Cale and I are going out to dinner, but we can collect her if you need us to. Have a great night, love you.
Me: Love you too. Have a good night. Give Uncle a hug from me.
It was easier to call him Uncle, and if I am being honest, it feels right. I spoke to Katie at work, and told her that both Cass and Cale feel more like parents than my aunt and her boyfriend.
It feels right in my heart to see them as my mom and dad. Mine were terrible at taking care of me, and they were more concerned about what they did in their own lives. Whereas, Cass and Cale are always there for me.
I pocket my phone, my heart feeling full and happy that I have my family and Logan, and by extension I have the RuggedSkulls. They made me feel so welcome at the BBQ, once we rejoined them of course, after Logan made me fully sated.
Glory stops at a dog water station, lapping at the water.
An uneasy feelings rolls through me, ruining my happy vibe. Just when I am looking around me, my phone dings with another text. Pulling my phone out, I frown seeing Valarie’s name.
Val: I know I don’t deserve your time but can you meet me? I want to talk.
There is a GPS pin attached.
Me: I have plans. We can meet another time.
Val: Please? I need to see you. It is about Logan and my crew.
The unease intensifies, and my curiosity wins out.
Me: Fine. Be there soon.
Tugging on Glory’s leash, I call her name.
“Come on, baby, I need to cut this short. I have to be somewhere.”
She whines, telling me she is not pleased that her walk and outdoor time are being cut short.
We get back to the condo, and I make sure that the room temp is cold enough for her, and she has plenty of water and some treats that I know will take her an hour or two to chew through.
Moving into my bedroom I strip from my walking clothes and dress in jeans that I roll up to my ankles, and an oldACDCT-shirt, with a plaid shirt over the top, slipping my feet into Converse.
Double checking on Glory, who is lounging on her bed, I leave, taking the elevator down to the underground parking.
Once in my car, I let out a breath, my stomach knotting as my anxiety builds. What does Val have to tell me about Logan and her crew? I can’t help but feel like she is leading me to heartache and more hurt.
But I need to know.
Looking at my phone, I have the urge to call Logan. I think I need to inform him of what is happening but he is busy finishing up some custom bikes today, and meeting with a new client.
I do not want to bother him while he has so much to do. Especially knowing I will get to see him later tonight. Maybe I can cook him some dinner— he does like steak and potatoes.
Starting my car, I jump when loud K-pop music starts to play. Damn it, Demon Hunters. The song is catchy and should only be listened to loudly. I turn the volume down and switch to a different album and then enter the address into the car’s GPS.
I see that I am forty minutes away from where she wants to meet, which seems odd to me. Why not just ask me to come to her house?
Fudge, I have a bad feeling about this.
“Call Logan,” I instruct my Bluetooth.
It rings four times before it goes to voicemail. I try again, and again it goes to voicemail.
“Shit. Okay, I can do this. I can fight if she hits me. Right?” I talk to myself.
