“You better be helping, not just drinking,” Gloria says, walking back in the kitchen.
I laugh and sip my beer. “I’m doing a little of both.”
“Liar,” Ivy whispers.
“Trader,” I say, walking past to see what I can do.
“What’s going on with Z?” Nora whispers. She’s basting the turkey in the oven but has her eyes on me.
I play dumb. “I don’t know. He was fine earlier.”
When he finally came back in the house, he was the first to apologize. He told me he was out of line and didn’t mean any of it. That I could take all the time I needed, and he’d be there when I was ready. It all just made me feel more like shit. I told him it was my fault and he didn’t need to apologize, but he wouldn’t have it. I was going to tell him everything, but of course club business got in the way. My plan is to talk to him when we get home.
“I don’t just mean today,” Nora says, getting my attention back. “I overheard Enzo talking to Brooks before everyone got here. He said that Z has been out of control. That he’s got an anger issue and they need to figure out what to do about him.”
“What the fuck?” I ask, putting my hands on my hips. “I mean he’s been moody, but I think he’s just got a lot on his mind with my dad out there still plotting our deaths.” I don’t mention anything else because I’m not sure what she’s privy to.
“His father was the same way,” Gloria chimes in. “He let the stress of the club and family get to him. His head wasn’t where it needed to be, and it cost him his life.” She says it with no emotion, even shrugging when she’s done.
“I think everyone needs to mind their own damn business. This has to do with the club, and we don’t need to be stirring the pot of lies and accusations.” I turn to Gloria and narrow my eyes. “How could you speak so callously about your brother-in-law? You only know what you were told.”
She blows smoke my way and laughs. “I know a lot more than you could ever imagine, sweetheart.”
I hate leaving Ivy with the lionesses, but I need a break. I don’t want to say something I’ll regret or that will make things worse for Zane. I step out front and sit down on the first step, looking out at the green lawn. It’s hot out, as it usually is in Vegas, but I feel like I can breathe better out here. I sigh and look up at the clear blue sky. What the hell is going on with Zane? Is Gloria right? Is the stress of the club and family getting to him? I know he said he had a lot more questions than answers, so there must be more to it. I just wish there was something I could do to help him.
The door opens and I turn around. His deep blue eyes search mine. “You alright?”
I force a grin and pat the spot next to me. “I’m fine. A huge turkey dinner is a little overwhelming,” I say, laughing. “I’m not much of a help.”
He laughs and lights a cigarette. “I’m sure you are more of a help than you think, babe.”
&n
bsp; I smile and rest my head on his shoulder. “If drinking beer and talking constitutes more, then sure.”
His arm wraps around me and I immediately feel safe. “You want to get out of here?”
I lift my head and sit back. “Why? What’s wrong?” I no longer feel safe. He never wants to leave family dinner, not before eating. It makes me think something happened with him and the club. That Brooks and Enzo figured out a way to handle him.
“Nothing is wrong. I’d just rather have some time with just you.” He winks at me as he blows out a puff of smoke.
“Z?” I timidly ask.
His eyes harden as he looks from the door to me. “What?”
“What’s going on with you and the club?”
He tosses his cigarette and stands up. “Nothing.”
I stand up and push on his shoulders. “Please don’t make me cause a scene here,” I whisper. “I thought we decided no lies.”
He lets out a hollow laugh. “Oh, is that what we’re going with? I’m not the one hiding from you.”
Ouch. That was fucking low. It’s true, but still fucking hurtful. “Is that how you wanna do this? Will it make you feel better to take out your anger on me?” If he wants to try to avoid talking about the real problem, I’ll give him that. I cross my arms and lift my chin slightly. “Go for it,” I say.
“I’m not taking anything out on you,” he hisses. He’s shaking with anger. I have no idea at this point if it’s because of me or something else. But, now that Nora brought it up, it’s clear.
I decide looking at the man I love more than anything or anyone else, that I need to do something. The anger he has is going to change him into someone he isn’t. I won’t sit back silently and allow that to happen.