“He was on a run this week; he’ll be rolling in soon with Chaos.”
“Who’s Chaos?”
“Another member.” Princess winks, being a smartass.
She failed to mention yesterday that he wasn’t even in town; it would’ve saved me a lot of immediate worrying. What if I’m spazzing out for nothing? He could show up and completely ignore me. It never crossed my mind before, but what if he shows up with another woman?
Holy shit, how could I not think of that? I’m not with anyone, so I automatically picture him with no one as well. I’m a freaking idiot. It’s been years; he could have his own wife!
No. He likes his freedom; he flat out told me that. He won’t be married—hecan’tbe.
Fuck.
“It’s not what you’re thinking, it was a gig.”
She knows what I’m thinking? I hope she can’t tell. “A what?”
“You know, a job. He still plays. One thing he didn’t give up over the time you’ve been away is his sticks.”
What the hell is she talking about? Sticks?
“What’s he play, exactly?”
“Wait, you don’t know?” Her eyebrows raise, and I shake my head. “He’s a drummer. All this time, I thought you knew that about him.”
“Nope, I had no clue. We don’t exactly talk about him, you know.”
“I’m sorry; I try not to bring him up to you. I don’t want to hurt you after the way he treated you and all.”
I nod. Not sure what else to say right now. I thought he was just a biker, but now that I’m here, I find out he’s not even a Nomad anymore. He’s a drummer, and I had no idea. I feel like I don’t know him at all. We fucked, and I fell. I didn’t need to know anything to want him and then let my heart get broken in the same breath.
“Are you okay?” My friend’s worried gaze meets mine.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Lies.
Brush it off, B.
“Maybe you should have a beer. I’m here. I’ll help keep an eye on Maverick; besides, he’s completely fine with London’s daughter. She won’t let anything happen to either one of them.”
“It’s kind of early; I was going to wait until later when we eat. I only have one beer if I have to drive somewhere.”
“Listen to you, all responsible. I’m so fucking proud of you, Bethany.”
“I have to be and thank you.”
“Well, if you want to drink, go ahead. We can always walk home if we need to or one of the Prospects can drive us. You’re safe here, try to relax and let yourself have a little bit of fun.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes. I know you can’t be the crazy girl you used to be, which is completely fine- I understand and admire you. But you can cut loose here; you know I’ll never let anything happen to you or Maverick.”
“Thank you.” I let a pent-up breath free.
I can have a beer now and then another later when we eat. I’ll be able to be momma and still function, but the alcohol will help calm my nerves a bit. No hard stuff, it’s been forever since I drank tequila and the last thing I want to do is pray to the porcelain god in the morning. That would be a train wreck, no doubt.
The sound of motorcycles arriving catches my attention as multiple loud exhausts rumble into the parking lot. Three bikes come to a stop, and I know who it is before he has a chance to climb off.
Exterminator swings his leg over, his back patch still reading Nomad. At least there’s one thing that hasn’t changed. Another man, a bit older comes to stand beside him, and I’m guessing that must be Chaos. He’s gorgeous, distinguished, I’d say mid-fifties and fit. Built like a football player with a look of pure trouble.