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“I’ve thought about getting a tattoo,” Alice says.
Sukie reaches over, taking hold of her mother’s hand. Alice gives her daughter a heartwarming smile, but I see the vulnerability behind it and a great deal of strength. Alice looks back at me, then reaches her other hand across the table and pulls her long sleeve cardigan up, revealing a long vertical scar the length of her inner forearm.
“Every time I look at it, I think of him.” Alice takes a deep breath. “I’d like to change that.”
I don’t ask what happened. She doesn’t need to relive the past more than she already does. “Whenever you are ready, come by the shop, and I’ll do it myself.”
Alice lowers her sleeve, her eyes misty. “Thank you.”
Everyone is quiet for a few minutes before Alice speaks again. “My daughter is the one good thing in my life. She’s worth every sacrifice I’ve ever made.” She locks eyes with me. “I know your lifestyle comes with its challenges. It’s not lost on me, the good and bad surrounding you. I’m aware of the rumors whispered around town and that many rumors are true.”
“Mom, you have nothing to worry about,” Sukie says.
Alice looks at her daughter. “I worry. That’s what moms do.” She focuses back on me. “No one could ever love her more than I do. Promise me you will protect her from those things in your life that can harm her.”
There is no question about what I will do to keep Sukie safe. “You have my word,” I state with conviction.
Alice searches my eyes for truth, then nods. “You’re a good man, Harlem.”
So people keep telling me.
The unmistakable rumble of a Harley pulls our attention away from the conversation. Sukie looks at me, confused.
“It’s Baja,” I ease her mind but give no further explanation, and though I sense she has questions, Sukie says nothing. I down most of my coffee and stand. Leaning down, I kiss Sukie’s forehead. “I’ll wait for you outside and follow you to work.” I shift my attention to Alice. “Appreciate the food.” I walk out of the kitchen, heading for the front door.
I step outside to Baja. He has parked his ride beside my bike, but he remains seated. I reach into my pocket and pull out a pack of cigarettes, tapping it against my palm before extracting one. I flick my lighter and bring the flame to the cigarette’s tip. I inhale deeply, feeling a sense of calm wash over me as smoke curls around my face.
“Prez call?”
I exhale slowly through pursed lips and watch the smoke dissipate into thin air. “Yeah.”
“How you holdin’ up?” Baja’s voice carries a hint of concern beneath its gruff exterior.
I take another drag from my cigarette and exhale slowly once more, saying nothing. Feelings aren’t something I discuss. My tension has undoubtedly been at an all-time high since my father rolled into town. The club knows it and considers my father’s presence a threat. As we should. He’s not a man to underestimate.
The screen door slams against the frame. Turning my head, I watch Sukie walk down the porch steps, heading toward us. I take one final drag from my cigarette, flick it to the ground, and stub it against the sole of my boot.
Sukie smiles at me. “I’m ready.” She turns to Baja. “Good morning, Baja.”
“How’s it goin’, sweetheart?” Baja greets my woman.
I stroll over, open her car door, and pull her into me before she climbs in.
“Give me those lips,” I rumble.
Sukie raises on her toes, softly kissing me.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Being understanding of my mom and how protective she is over me. Also, for agreeing to tattoo her and not asking the hows and whys about the scar.”
“I don’t require an explanation, babe.”
Sukie slips her hands beneath my shirt, dragging her palms over my lower abs. “Where have you been all my life?”
“Sitting in the dark, waiting for you.”
