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I grab a change of clothes, a different pair of boots, and head right back out.
At the top of the stairs, I run into Swan. Misty-faced and hair in a high ponytail, she looks like she just got done guiding the ol’ ladies through a yoga session like they usually do when we’re in church.
“Hey,” I greet her. “Did you have to cut class short since we didn’t take long at the table?”
“No,” she says in a clipped tone. “We had an intense session yesterday, so I went easy on them today.”
I know fuck-all about how intense yoga can or can’t be so I just nod. “That’s good.”
She’s sort of blocking my path to freedom and I try to move past her without knocking her down the damn stairs.
“Haven’t seen much of you lately,” she says with a lilt to her voice that almost makes the statement a question.
Damn. After our conversation, I haven’t wanted to be alone with Swan again. Guilt prickles over me. I say she’s a friend, but I haven’t treated her like one.
“Just busy. I’m headed to CB now. Girls were asking for you the other night.” Damn, that was a stupid thing to say, now she’ll think I want her to come into the club.
“They’re fine without me.” She hesitates for a moment. “But I’ll pop in tonight if you want.”
I’d rather she didn’t. For several reasons. “That’s okay. You need to make a clean break some time.” I flash a crooked smile. “What’re all those rich yoga clients gonna think if you’re slumming it at Crystal Ball when you should be off meditating or something?”
She titters with laughter. “You have a point.”
Thank God.
“Are Pepper and Porsche doing okay?” she asks.
“As far as I know.”
“I mean, I just had lunch with Porsche the other day, but are they fitting in at the club?”
“Uh, yeah. No complaints.” I’ve barely spoken to either of them except for a quick hello but they come in, do their shifts, and don’t create any drama. That’s all I need.
“Good.” She beams at me. “I’m glad I was able to help them out and the club at the same time.”
Something about that stabs a hot poker of guilt in my chest. “You’ve always been a big help. You don’t have to be our talent scout too.” I try to keep it light and teasing but her smile falters.
“I suppose you haven’t been around much because you’re back together with Emily?” she asks.
Since that’s a recent development the answer’s no, but I don’t exactly feel like giving Swan a timeline of my love life. A strong urge to protect Emily takes hold of me.
“Yes,” I answer in a tone that makes it clear the topic isn’t up for discussion.
She nods quickly. “That’s good. I’m happy for you.”
That almost sounded sincere, and I appreciate the effort. “Thanks.” This has gone on long enough. I gesture to the stairs. “I gotta go.”
She slides to the left, leaving me just enough room to pass.
“Later, Dex.”
I wave over my shoulder and clomp downstairs. The living room is empty. Noises from the dining room filter to this end of the house. Normally, I’d stick around for the big weekend breakfast, but I’m not feeling it today. I leave through the front door, hoping to avoid everyone.
Outside, I run into Trinity headed to the play area with Alexa and Chance.
“Getting in some quality auntie time?” I call out.
She turns and smiles wide as the kids run ahead of her. My legs eat up the distance between us and I follow her over to the playground Murphy and Z built for the kids.
“Yeah,” she says in a low voice. “Heidi looked like she needed a break and Chance doesn’t like to be left out.”
Our attention’s drawn to Chance. “Aunt Tin-it-ee! Watch me!” he yells from the top of the slide.
“I see ya!” Trinity calls out.
“Hey, can I ask you something?” I glance over my shoulder at the clubhouse. No one else seems to be outside. Still, I keep my voice low. “Is everything okay with Swan?”
She stares at me for a few beats before answering. “Okay, how?”
“I don’t know. She doesn’t seem happy lately.”
She stares straight ahead. Either she’s going over her recent interactions with Swan or she’s trying to decide how to answer. “We did yoga together this morning and she seemed fine. Wrath says she’s been pretty chipper at the gym, getting her schedule set up there.”
I blow out a relieved breath. “Okay. Good.”
“Maybe it’s you?” she suggests. “I don’t think it’s a secret she cared about you.”
Wow. I wasn’t expecting Trinity to go right for it. She’s usually very hands-off when it comes to commenting on our lives. “You realize we hadn’t—”
Trinity holds up her hand. “You don’t owe me any explanations, Dex.”
Actually, this time, I think I do. Trin seems to have the wrong idea. “What I mean is, it’s been a while. Last I knew she was into Carter. So, I didn’t expect her to feel any sort of way about me seeing someone.”
