Page 46 of The Price of Love

Once everyone returns to their conversations, Shadow says, “Yeah, I’m lucky to see them once a month.”

“But can’t you get the courts to make her?” I ask.

Shadow shrugs. “In theory, but when she knows all the judges, and I don’t have a lawyer, it’s kinda hard. But I’m saving up. I’m not done fighting, but I have to be smart about it.”

Of course, earlier she’d mentioned she works at a nursing home, so I doubt she earns a lot. Certainly not as much as her ex. I want to tell her I’ll lend her the money—give it to her. Living at the clubhouse, I have few expenses, and the only money I spend is on my bike, but I don’t think she’d accept my offer, so I keep it to myself. Besides, I’d sound like a crazy stalker offering money to someone I just met. Hell, I’m feeling a bit like a crazy stalker, so I wouldn’t blame her.

“This wasn’t what I planned to talk about.” Shadow waves her hand. “I don’t need to burden you with my problems. Poker runs are for having fun.”

Dimples puts her hand on top of Shadow’s, and jealousy flares in my chest.

“We’re not trying to dampen your day, but thanks for sharing,” Dimples says. “If you ever need anything, the Thorns’ mission is to help. Especially women and kids.” Dimples must have noticed Shadow’s surprised expression since she says, “I know. Don’t be shocked. We—”

“Oh, god, I’m sorry.” Shadow puts her hand on top of Dimples’ hand. “I didn’t mean to imply…uh…”

Dimples smiles. “It’s all right. People who don’t know us sometimes get the wrong impression. Ask anyone around Cinder Ridge, and they’ll tell you what we bring to the community.”

There’s a question burning in Shadow’s eyes, but I see she’s wrestling with how to ask it, so I kick down the door.

“We ain’t one-percenters,” I say, staying away from the word outlaws. “But we don’t always play nice like the Graces do. We get results. The folks living in the Adirondacks are solid, hard-working people, but it’s tough up there. They lost their industries, mining, logging, and manufacturing, so most of what’s left is tourism. Young people have been escaping for a long time, looking for more opportunities, while the rich folks flock to Lake Placid and take over other areas. The Thorns just help redistribute the wealth. That’s all. We don’t hurt anyone.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Dimples gaping at me. She’s gonna grill me about this. We don’t say these things to outsiders, but I don’t want Shadow thinking bad of us.

Shadow’s eyes show understanding, not judgment, and she finally nods. “I get that. After my divorce, I had to move north of Saratoga and farther away from my kids to find something I could afford.”

“Are they still in Saratoga?” Dimples asks.

“Nah. My ex sold our house and moved to Albany with the kids. When I moved up north, I had no clue she was planning on selling. I was only twenty minutes away, but now I’m more than an hour.”

“Why don’t you move closer?” I ask and regret it when I see the pain on Shadow’s face.

“I hope to when my lease is up.”

“Can’t you break it?” Dimples asks.

“If I want to lose my deposit and be on the hook for six months’ rent.” Shadow holds up her hand and shakes her head. “And before you ask. No, I didn’t receive anything from the house’s sale. Never marry a divorce lawyer.”

Dimples’ cheeks redden, and she says, “Couldn’t you—”

“Dimples,” I say, cutting her off. “Leave the poor woman alone. She’s not gonna want to eat lunch with us ever again.”

Shadow pats Dimples’ arm. “It’s okay, but Storm’s right. Can we talk about something more pleasant…like plagues or natural disasters?”

“Swarms of locust,” I add.

“Politics,” Dimples says.

Shadow laughs. “Gas station bathrooms.”

“Eww, now you’ve gone too far.” I crinkle my nose, and I’m rewarded with another laugh from Shadow.

“On that note.” Shadow places her hands on the table and pushes herself up. “Lunch is about over, and I see Wiz is gathering our team, so I better check where I’m needed.”

I nod toward her plate. “But you didn’t finish your meal.”

She looks down at it from her standing position. “I’m not hungry much anymore.” She slaps her hand against her jeans that fit her like a second skin. “But when I eat, it’s all the wrong things, so I’m not getting rid of this ass.”

I want to tell her that her ass is perfect, but I don’t.