The server returned and plopped Joni and Zip’s food down in front of them. Joni reached for the pepper shaker.
“Eat fast,” she stage-whispered to Zip. “Then we can get out of here and let the love birds get back to their inappropriate groping.”
She looked at me and shot me a wink and a grin.
I smiled back.
After the check was paid, Zip and Boxer went outside to discuss club business while Joni and I finished up our drinks. Joni glanced out the window, her brow wrinkling with displeasure.
“What’s that look for?” I asked her.
“Zip’s smoking again. He quit for a while and was doing really well, but he’s clearly stressed about something. It used to be me he needed a cigarette over.” She grinned at me. “I drove him crazy while we were getting together.”
I chuckled. “Of course you drove him crazy. Look at you. You’re gorgeous.”
“You’re a doll.” She brushed aside my compliment. “Has Boxer said anything to you?”
“About?”
“I don’t know. Zip’s been…on edge, I guess. For a couple of weeks now.”
I tapped my fingers on the rim of my coffee mug, unsure of how to answer. It was clear to me that she didn’t know that Boxer had been shot. He wore long sleeves, and his bandage was concealed. Boxer hadn’t come out and said I wasn’t allowed to say anything to the Old Ladies, but it didn’t need to be addressed. They did not involve their women in club business, even if I was something of a novelty.
“Do you think it has to do with club business?” I asked evasively.
“Probably.” She sighed.
“Do you wish you knew what went on? Boxer told me the club doesn’t tell the Old Ladies what’s what. Does that bother you?”
“Honestly? No. I think if I knew, I’d worry more. As it stands, I can somehow compartmentalize it. Almost pretend that Zip doesn’t carry a pistol. And I can pretend I don’t know that he’s had to use it before…”
I swallowed.
She peered at me. “You know, this is not really the place for this discussion.”
I instantly retreated, feeling foolish for asking.
She reached across the table and patted my hand. “I didn’t mean that to sound the way it did—like I wouldn’t talk about it. I’ll talk about it, but maybe we talk about it tonight? When we’re at my house?”
The knot of rejection uncurled inside of me. “That’s a good idea.”
Boxer and Zip came back inside and hovered by the table. Joni wrinkled her nose when Zip leaned down to press a kiss to her lips.
“You stink.”
“Woman, don’t start with me,” Zip muttered.
“I’m a nurse,” she said. “And Linden’s a doctor. Do I really need to lecture you about smoking and your health?”
“Don’t drag me into this,” I said, hastily grabbing my purse. “This is between the two of you.”
“Yeah, let’s get out of here.” Boxer reached for my hand. “Good luck, Zip.”
We left the café and stepped out into the late autumn sunshine. Boxer removed his aviators from his leather cut pocket and put them on.
“I’ve got to stop by the garage.”
“Fine.”