“You got a problem with what I’m telling you V.P.?”
“Fuck yeah, I do, when it comes to my old lady.”
“You had me take Symone on as one of my own. That makes it in an in-house problem, which means I get the final say. Now, you and I are going to take a walk and leave these ladies alone. That means you too, Chase. She’s a big girl. I’m pretty sure she can take care of herself in your absence.”
Chase frowned.
Something tightened in Symone’s chest. “We both know I’ve been through worse,” she urged.
“True enough. I’ll be around if you need me,” Chase replied. She walked off.
Lefty followed behind Demon reluctantly.
“Come on, let’s get you something to drink,” Demon prompted.
The room grew silent.
“Are you going to hate me forever?”
The pain dripping from every syllable cut Symone to the quick. “This has nothing to do with hate.”
“No? Then why can’t you look at me?”
“Because I’m jealous as hell of the chances you took and ran with. You did everything we dreamed about and as proud as I am? I’m jealous and bitter and so fucking angry.”
“I did what you asked me to. Everything I did was with you in mind.” Gia’s voice shook. “I can’t stand having you here like this hating me.” She shook her head.
Symone glanced up and refused to let the tears building in her eyes fall. “I can’t help the way I feel.”
“Try. Please. Jesus, I thought you were dead! All this time, I’ve been mourning you. I built the club as a monument to you. You have to know that.”
“I know,” she whispered.
“Then what? What do you need from me?”
Words exploded out of her mouth. “How can I tell you what I don’t know!” Symone screamed. The sound of her own raised voice made her jump. It’d been so long since she expressed the torment happening inside her mind.
“Just give me something. You were the reason I escaped. I’ve never forgotten that. Without your encouragement, I’d still be back there rotting. Seeing you filled with so much contempt for me rips my heart right out of my chest.”
“I’m sorry,” Symone whispered. “I just—I need time and space.”
Gia shook her head. “Yeah, I hear you.”
“Gia, this isn’t about hate. I love you and that never stopped. It’s about me. What’s in my head.” She tapped her left temple. “My fucked up issues I need to deal with before I can move forward.” Holding her breath, she took a few steps closer and paused in front of Gia. “One day, you and I will mend the broken bridge between us. But now is not that time.”
Gia swallowed. “One day though?”
“Absolutely. The good between us outweighs the bad, Gia. I know that logically, but right now, I need to do this on my own and for myself.”
“I remember that feeling. When I first got here, I didn’t want to owe a soul. I don’t want to steal any of that journey away from you. I just want you to know I’m here.”
“Believe me, I know.”
Gia sighed. “Okay then…we’re squared.”
“Yeah, I think we are.”
“Let me go get Lefty. I’m sure his stubborn ass is chomping at the bit.” Gia turned and walked away.