Page 13 of Kiwi

The rest of the evening goes by smoother than expected. Although Piper and I exchange glances, the steady flow of conversation manage to distract others from noticing, or so I hope. I listen to her talk about campus life and her academic progress. When she speaks about her experiences so far, she does so with a genuine smile on her face. I haven't seen her this stress-free in a long time.

"So, Kiwi. I heard the club was opening a Kings Custom Bikes shop, and that you'll be running the place." Promise sways in her chair, soothing a very sleepy Jaxson. Piper looks my way again.

"That's fantastic news, Kiwi." Piper rises from her seat, rounds the table, and hugs my neck. I stiffen for a split second, then quickly relax. It's not like Piper hasn't hugged me before and in front of a club member. Jesus, get a grip. "I'm so happy for you." Piper releases my neck and sits in the empty chair beside me.

"I'm stoked. Riggs' realtor already found a few properties. We looked at them just the other day."

"Oh yeah?" Nova grabs a whiskey bottle from the center of the table and pours a couple of ounces into his glass. "What's the verdict?" he offers me a drink, but I decline. I don't plan on crashing at Nova's house tonight.

"We had the relator put in an offer on the building down on Parker," I tell him.

"No, shit? That's the one right down the road from the youth center, right?" he asks.

"Yep. Since it used to be an old tire and oil change shop, the set up is perfect. All the paperwork is signed. Utilities are on already too, so we're ready to roll."

Promise stands. "Well, I'm going to lay this little guy down, run myself a bubble bath, and pour a glass of wine. Kiwi, I'll see you later," she smiles at me then exits the dining room.

"I'm gonna head out," I tell Nova.

"You can crash here if ya want," he offers, but I decline.

"Thanks, brother, but I have an early day tomorrow. I have to get shit rollin' at the shop. Believe it or not, we plan to open soon. Hell, most of the shit we ordered for the place was purchased before we bought the building. In a few days, we should have everything we need to get going."

Nova pushes away from the table. "I think I'll go help my woman wash her back," he grins, "I'll catch ya later, brother. Stay safe."