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“I see the Lady Pride is on the move.”
“Lady Pride?” she asks, tilting her head to one side.
“That what they call themselves. They’re the wives and girlfriends of the Satan’s Pride members. I’m a Pride.” I point to my vest and the insignia etched into it.
“Are you happy?” They’re not just words. I can see that she really wants to know.
“As happy as I can be. There are great brothers in the club. They’re real family to me.”
Rosie bites her lower lip. She undoubtedly remembers that I never had a family. My parents dropped me off at my grandmother’s house and disappeared for days and weeks on end. They were more interested in their careers and traveling the world than looking after a kid. She died when I was fourteen, but instead of going to foster care, I took off. I was a clever kid and knew how to survive. The president of an MC took me under his wing. He was an older man, but he knew I needed guidance. He got me back in school and practically raised me. That’s where I met Guard.
“I’m glad,” she says quietly. Just then, Hanna comes back with a to-go box.
“Ham and Swiss with my secret spread. I hope you like tomatoes. And I added a little treat, a double chocolate brownie with caramel and pecan drizzle,” Hanna announces as she hands her the box.
“Wow. This is too much,” Rosie says.
“Please, I love my tulips. The girls come by for coffee around three o’clock tomorrow if you want to drop by and join us,” Hanna offers.
“I’ll try, but I’m on my own. Which reminds me, I have to get back. Thanks for this,” Rosie says, lifting the box, then turns to me. “Nice seeing you again.”
“Later, Rosie.”
* * *
Acouple of hours later, I found myself volunteering for a parts run. I hate deliveries, but this one means that I’ll be driving by the flower shop around closing time. I sit in the truck as Rosie locks up and walks up the block.
I don’t know what possesses me, but I follow her. I hop out of the truck, keeping my distance, watching as she moves up the steps of a cute cottage-like home and lets herself in. It’s a small house, but it suits her personality, warm and adorable. The home is painted pale yellow, with a white picket fence and, of course, a garden full of sunflowers. They were always her favorite.
I stare for a little longer, but manage to tear myself away. As I’m walking back to the truck, my cell phone dings.
A text comes in from Hammer.Where are you?
Be back in 5,I reply.
Seen Rose lately?he types back.
What the fuck! I look around as the truck comes into view. Hammer is leaning against the hood, along with Roscoe and Wildcard.
“Not a word,” I warn.
Roscoe shrugs. “Don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Too bad the flower shop is closed for the night. I was thinking of picking up some flowers for Charli,” Wildcard says with a smirk.
I glower at Hammer, who I presume is the one who mentioned Rosie in the first place. “I didn’t say a thing. You can thank Hanna for that. She said there was enough electricity between you two, it could light up the whole town.” I want to wipe his smug grin off his face, but instead, I pull open the driver’s door, get in, and take off.
* * *
It can be hard at times when you’re alone at the compound. Yes, we have our own rooms, but sometimes it’s good to be able to roam. Unfortunately, the club is busy tonight. I decide to take a walk outside to clear my head.
When I see Rosie drive by and pull into a spot at Millie’s Diner, I beeline for the diner as well. She’s like a magnet, drawing me to her. The pull is so strong that I have to see this through. I’m not sure if it’s because I was a complete dick to her and her family that last time I saw them, or maybe it’s closure. I’ve mulled this over a lot since that day.
But as I see her sitting near the window, chatting with Millie like she was her new best friend, I’m thinking this isn’t about closure, but the beginning of something. I must be losing my mind. This is Rosie. Sweet, innocent Rosie. Still, it’s as if my body has a mind of its own, and I find myself walking into the diner and sitting down across from her.
“Wow. Twice in one day,” Rosie says. Millie looks from Rosie to me, then back at Rosie and rolls her eyes. She’s seen the mighty fall before. Guard, Orion, War, and the list goes on. Right here in this diner is where Orion and Vi fell in love. “From the first cup of coffee I served,” is exactly how Vi puts it.
“Burger, fries, with extra pickles and a mega cup of java.” Millie dictates my order. She knows me too well.
