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“Fuck, Celestina! Didn’t know it was you, son of a bitch. Did I hurt you, lil’ cousin? Hey, talk to me, please.”
I can hear her but am trying to catch my breath when she releases my good arm and starts rubbing it. I’m thankful she didn’t grab my bad one.
“Zeona, stop. I’m okay. Why are you up? Were you crying? What’s wrong?”
“Oh, Celestina. The nights are the worst after what we did today. Talked to Goldilocks tonight and I feel so bad for her, so yeah, just having a night. Poor Panther is out so thought I’d come out here and try to get my shit together. Why are you up, lil’ cousin? Too much shit on your mind?”
Thinking it might help if I talk about it, I give it to her. For some reason I feel a tiny bit of loss with my brother Jr. now gone. And man is he gone. I need to remember to never get on the bad side of Chains, Zeona, or even Irons. He was the biggest surprise because I’ve seen him with Everly, and it’s like he’s two different men. When I’m done, I look at her with an eyebrow up. She sighs then starts speaking quietly.
“Sorry you’re feeling so bad, lil’ cousin. It’s gonna take some time for your mind to process all the shit you saw today. Just let it happen and don’t fight it. This too will pass. Now, no, I wasn’t crying, maybe having a weak moment. Second, Goldilocks got her period again so it’s another month that she’s not pregnant. That is slowly killing her because when she got pregnant with Hannah, it was just the one time, or a wham bam thank you, ma’am. Her words, not mine. I wish there was something I could do for her but there isn’t. Ugh!”
Without thinking, I reach out to her and to my surprise she hangs on strongly. We sit like that for a bit before she pulls away, wiping her eyes.
“You want a coffee, water, or a shot?”
That brings a smile to my face. Yeah, we are related, no doubt.
“I’ll take a shot of whatever, surprise me.”
She walks to the built-in side bar and grabs two shot glasses, filling them with who knows what. Then she comes back, putting the glasses on the island counter. She points to my upper arms where you can see what I’ve done to myself before.
“What you saw today won’t make you go back to that shit, will it, Celestina? ’Cause if you feel anything coming on you, call me. I’m assuming you’re staying here, right? You’re always welcome in Montana, don’t forget it. Now, to a new life that is filled with everything you want and more importantly deserve. Salute.”
I grab the shot and throw it back. Wow, it tastes like battery acid. Burns all the way down. I look at her and she smiles.
“Jack Daniels all the way, cousin. That’s what they all drink around here and since you’re staying here, gotta train you so you don’t get embarrassingly drunk when the group gets together.”
I laugh and finish my shot. It’s warmed me up from the inside out. We talk and laugh for a minute or two then I go back to bed, moving close to Frank and lil’ shit. And this time I sleep like a rock.
Not sure what time it is, but I know for sure I’ve slept later than usual. I feel better than I did before I went out and had a drink with Zeona. I hope even though we live in different states, we continue to get close. Sensing arms pulling me close, I feel the evidence of his desire pressing against my ass. Yeah, this is what I want. All of it and now might have a chance.
After the shit went down with my brother, all the prospects, well not Slick or Diesel, but the rest were patched in. Received their top and bottom rocker, along with the center one. I’ve never seen anything like it. Simple as can be, it was done in the clubhouse like a small family gathering. Each member had something nice to say about each new brother, even Chains. I could tell which members favored which prospect. Like Chains with Irons, Stitch with Bullet and Doc, Brick and Fury with Frank, and Tiny with Beast. Finally Brick again with Stallion and MacGuire.
I couldn’t believe something like getting patched in could have so much power over each man receiving the patches. The expressions on their faces will stay with me forever. I’ve never been prouder than I was that afternoon. And Frank’s face was so full of pride. Something changed in him that night with Jr. He seems lighter and more accepting of his past. We’ve both talked and shared a lot about our pasts. Frank was severely abused so I’m thankful to the Grimm Wolves, and especially Brick, for seeing something in Frank and bringing him into the fold. I think it saved his life.
We’ve been putting everything into getting to know each other. I’ve been working on my mission to help those who my family abused over the years. I’ve emptied and closed around fifteen accounts. With Karma’s help, which thank God for his mad skills, I’ve been able to help keep some from being homeless or getting them in for drug and alcohol treatment. Others I’ve bought homes or new cars. Each time I can help takes another black mark my family left on my heart off.
Frank and I are trying to figure out what’s next for us as a couple. We both love the apartment and our roommates, though the thought of having our own place is intriguing. I’ve talked to Abby about it and she’s keeping her eye open for anything she thinks I’ll like. She’s even offered to help me make it my own. Then she surprised the shit out of me by offering me a job. Her accountant gave notice and she needs someone who’s good with numbers. When I told her I only have an associate’s from an online college, she laughed, telling me her last one didn’t have even that.
I talked it over with Frank and he told me to do whatever I want. Since I love numbers and Abby is really cool and easy to be around, I’m now an employee of Patrick’s Construction, Design, and Remodeling. So far it’s going great. I have an office and everything. My pay is outrageous and I’m entitled to the full benefits package, along with a 401K and a pension package. Abby is very generous. She bought me a new computer system that Karma set up for me. Also a new laptop with all the programs I need to work from home if I want. This allows me to come and go like I please. Abby isn’t watching me at all, and she’s always there if I have any questions. Karma has been a huge help and it shocked me when I found out he has a young son. So when I finally met Calum, I fell in love. And to Karma’s surprise, his son adores me.
Now when Karma needs a babysitter I’m first on the list because Calum loves being with me. I finally feel like I’m part of a family, though most might not consider it normal. I’m loved and accepted. That is what matters most to me.
So right now, I’m waiting for Frank so we can meet Abby at a small house up for sale about eight minutes from Abby and Fury’s house. Actually, if you walk through the woods to the north the house butts up to it. It’s right next to Fury’s property, on land they have been trying to purchase, so if we like the house—when they buy the land—both Abby and Fury said it’s ours. All we have to do is put in some sweat equity. These people can’t be real. My blood family never did anything good for me and strangers do more than anyone in my prior life.
Hearing footsteps coming up the outside stairs, I wait by the kitchen island until Frank unlocks the door and walks my way.
“Hey, Celee, you ’bout ready? Don’t know about you but I’m excited. I love it here but to have our own place, never thought it could happen. Ya know, being a loser and all.”
I get up and walk to him, arms going around his waist. I lay my head on his chest, hearing the beating of his heart.
“Frank, you’re not a loser. Your dad was because a real man doesn’t beat his kids physically or mentally until they believe the bullshit coming out of his mouth. And you’ve proved it in how you live your life. I mean, you had Karma find your siblings and you’re helping them move on from the abuse by getting them help. You’re a good man, Frank Smith.”
He squeezes me and when I look up he makes googly eyes at me.
“So do we have enough time for me to ravish you before we meet with Abby?”
Laughing, I try to pull back but he doesn’t let me go. Instead he pushes into me so I can feel how hard he is.
“Frank, don’t be a tease. We have to get going, we’re late as it is. Come on, we can celebrate after we check this place out.”
He grabs my face and kisses me like he’s starving. Then, hand in hand, we walk out of our apartment and into our future, whatever that will be.
