“Out of the women I’ve seen him, you’re the only one I remember, even if it’s been years.”
“Why?”
“I told him the first night, when you guys got together, that it was something different and because you have been constant more than they have.”
“But I was only here for like a couple of weeks.”
“Yeah, still longer than anyone else. And I have never seen him as happy as he was in those days. When he got back from your house. It was like he was fucking glowing. It was obnoxious. When he came back from the desert with you. I can’t explain that one. He was happy cause he saw you and you guys talked, but he was sad because of everything.”
“Yeah. I was too. It was like I felt I was air until we hit the city limits, then my entire being just bursts.”
“Then when you came to the club. He was so broken. He told me a million different ways he was going to kill your husband.” I laugh as I shake my head. “Also, she looks over at the kitchen. He told me what he offered to do for you, about raising the baby. Tate, I’m so sorry.”
“He tell you I was in the hospital?”
“No.” I tilt my head, looking at her, now confused why she poured me a drink when I walked over. “I assumed what pushed you over, that you were here with bags, and I can see it in your eyes that you’re devastated.”
I can feel the water filling my eyes again.
“He deserves to die.”
“And what did you mean you knew the first night? We had been together before that—”
She laughs at me, shaking her head. “I saw quite the show you two put on. Maybe that’s why I remember you. I’m not sure.”
I’m sure I’m blushing now, as I’m remembering that night, as he had me pressed against the wall.
She laughs, leaning across the bar and whispers. “It was hot. Don’t be embarrassed. I was out through the tunnel right after you guys. I ran into Z a few weeks later. He remembered me and offered me to work here.”
I sit, staring at her, wanting to simutaniously laugh and cry. “You actually told him I was different?”
“I did. And I was right. Maybe that’s why he’s always talked to me about you.”
I hear Ella walk back into the room with something that she has heated. I take a bite before I look back up at Croft and ask her for another drink.
“I can’t do that.” She shakes her head. “Z will not be happy if I do.” She slides me a water and I nod again.
“Speaking of…” Jag walks into the lounge and flops down on the couch across the room. I take a bit before I spin around on the stool and look at him. “They’re on the way back. He’ll probably be here in like 10 minutes, max.”
My nerves spin as I look at the forkful of food and then set it back down on the plate.
“What’s wrong? Is it okay?”
“Yeah.” I nod. “I just got really nervous about this. What if I misread it? Fuck, I’m going to bring so much shit on him. It’s going to be my fault he gets arrested again.” I rub my hands on my face.
“I mean, wouldn’t be the first time.” Jag says from across the room, making his mom laugh. “But it will probably be the best reason that he has been.”
I’m sure I’m blushing as they tell me, looking down at the food and trying to take at least one last bite, but my body has me wincing in pain.
“They didn’t give you anything for it?”
“They did, but I don’t want to take it just yet.”
“Why not? Take what?”
“I want to have a clear head when he gets here.” I watch as Ella smirks and nods her head.
I’m sitting on my bike talking with my brothers, as I know Darren’s watching me. It’s an unmarked police SUV and I’m not sure if he’s trying to be stealthy about it.
