“I was,” I admitted. “That’s why I was so grateful Wyatt was there.”
Dusty cupped my face. “Okay. She has a reprieve on my rage, but I reserve the right to change my mind if she hurts my girl.”
“Thanks, Dusty. I appreciate that.”
“Okay, tell me what they’ve ordered, and I’ll grab it while you go visit for a bit.”
“Are you sure?” I asked.
“Yes. Go.”
I handed her my ticket, and headed back to the breakfast bar, grabbing the coffee pot on the way.
“Dusty’ll be right over with your order,” I said, refreshing the coffees.
“Thanks, honey,” Wyatt said, adding more cream to her cup. “Now, I know that we’re not talking about Healy.”
“Wyatt,” I warned.
“Hear me out.” She raised her hand. “Sundance just wants to make sure you’re covered in case Stanley sent anyone else after you before… well, you know. So, he’d like your permission, and heisasking for your permission, Rowan, to have a few of the boys check in on you.”
“Check in on me, how?”
“However you need them to,” she said. “If it’s busy and you need them to work, they’ll do that. If you need them to stay outside, they’ll do that too. You call the shots.”
“Except Gizz,” Violet said. “I’m not sure he’s really gonna follow anyone’s instructions in that regard.”
I sighed. She had a point. I glanced over to where he was currently seated, his eyes focused on the saloon door, obviously waiting for Dusty to walk through it.
“Can I think about it?” I asked.
“Of course,” Wyatt said. “But I’ll need an answer before I leave.”
“How are you?” Sierra asked, and I bit back tears.
“I’m doing great,” I lied.
Before she could respond, Dusty arrived with their desserts, so I used the excuse to help other customers in the diner. Luckily, we had another little rush, so by the time the ladies left, with a tentative agreement from me for one or two of the biker brothers to check in, I was able to avoid any further conversation.
They did insist on hugs all around, which was awkward, but I made it through, then escaped to my office for a few minutes of time with Lord which helped to calm my anxiety enough to close up for the night.
I noticed Gizzard was still hanging around when I took Lord out to pee at almost midnight and didn’t hear the roar of pipes until I’d flipped off all the lights in my loft.
* * *
Scooby
I had just grabbed a beer out of the fridge when Wyatt, Violet, and Sierra walked into the kitchen.
“Hi, Scooby,” Wyatt said.
“Wyatt,” I replied, then nodded at Violet. “Letti.”
“Hey,” she said.
“Sierra.”
“Asshole.”