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I was sore this morning, a gloriously wonderful ache that stayed with me all morning. He dropped me off a short time ago, reminding me to speak with Millie.
The morning was too busy to stop for even a minute. I think every trucker from here to New York decided to visit Millie’s Diner. I hopped from table to table, taking orders, pouring coffees, and making chitchat with some of the most awesome people who come through the door. I love this job, but not as much as I love creating my gowns and dresses. Watching people wear my designs is thrilling. The day I saw Willow in the wedding gown I made just for her, I felt a kind of pride that I’d never felt before.
In a perfect world, I could do both.
At three that afternoon, we have a lull, and it’s the right time to talk to Millie.
“Do you have time to talk for a minute?” I ask. I’m a nervous wreck. She’s been so wonderful to me, and I hate the thought of disappointing her.
“What’s up, buttercup?” She pulls out the chair beside me and takes a seat, sipping her coffee. “Are you doing okay? You’re looking a little pale.” She pats my hand.
“I’m fine.” I take a deep breath and get it all out before I lose my nerve. “I love working here, Millie, and in my perfect world, I could be here and have a go at my dress design business. I really want to give it a try. I don’t have nearly enough customers to be able to pay the bills, but Wildcard tells me to take a leap of faith. Abigail said the same thing, and Sofia was adamant about it. I’m scared, and I’m not sure if I’m doing the right thing. If I give enough notice, can I reduce my hours here to part time and dedicate my time to the other job to see if I have what it takes?” Millie is silent, so I add, “Please?”
The corners of her mouth curve into a smile. “You do have what it takes, you know. Everyone knows. I knew when I gave you this job that you were meant for better things. Just like my Vi. She was in the same place as you are right now. If you, dear Charlotte, give yourself to what you truly want, you’ll get it. I see the fighter in you.” She takes a breath and lets it out. “I’m going to do you a huge favor. I’m firing you. Today is your last day.” When my jaw drops and I begin to tremble, she holds my hand. “However, I expect you to come in twice a week for a visit. I’ll miss you here. I gave the same deal to Vi, and she’s never let me down. I expect you to do the same.”
I jump out of my seat and hug her fiercely, whispering, “I’m scared, and I’m going to miss you so much.”
“Fear happens when we can’t control our plan. But it’s also an adventure. And think of all the help you have. Wildcard can design a website. Vi can guide you through the process. Sofia is so savvy, she’ll give you business advice. You already have a whole team. Including me,” Millie says. “You’re not doing this alone.”
“You’re the best.”
“So I’ve been told.” She laughs. “We have some time before the dinner rush. Why don’t you run over and tell Wildcard the good news.”
I take her advice, and as soon as I head outside, I see Thunder there.
“Where you heading, Charli?” he asks.
“I need to go see Wildcard,” I tell him, continuing on the sidewalk. He walks alongside me, then opens the main doors to the compound for me and lets me pass. Wildcard raises his head in surprise to see me standing there. I run across the room and leap into his arms.
“I got fired,” I say happily. Wildcard spins me around the room and kisses me.
In the distance, I hear Thunder ask Orion, “Since when is getting canned a good thing?”
“Jesus, brother, wait until you get yourself a woman,” Orion says, shaking his head.
To which Thunder replies, “I have plenty of women.”
FOURTEEN
I Felt It
GHOST
Three Months Later…
It’s been months since we’ve heard anything about Crusher. According to Risk, Reno’s connections inLa Famigliahaven’t been able to find him. It’s like he’s disappeared into thin air. But I know he hasn’t, and I can feel him. This ice-cold prickly feeling on the back of my neck tells me danger is near. He’s close, and he’s getting ready to strike.
This uneasiness doesn’t let up, and I decide to speak to Guard about it. I find him outside the compound in the back. He’s staring up at the blue sky, his eyes narrowed, taking deep breaths. Damn! I’m hoping I was wrong about this gut feeling I’m having that danger is near, but I know that expression. Guard is asking for guidance from above.
“You feel it too,” Guard says without turning his head.
“There’s evil lurking. I feel like we’re about to enter the storm.”
“Ava and the kids are here. Did you bring Abigail?” he asks. This is where we bring our families when shit goes down.
“Yeah. She’s reading a story to Ryder.”
“War and Orion are calling the men. We’re rallying and bringing the families here for safety reasons,” Guard says. All this time, his eyes don’t stray from the clouds above. Then in a hoarse whisper, he says, “Priest.”
