Page 24

Sunny

“J ust do as the doctor’s say,” Sunny growled, exasperated, as Cherry began arguing.

“I don’t need a bed. I’m not that badly hurt, and someone else needs this more than me,” Cherry argued.

“Do as you’re told, Mom, for once in your life!” Sunny demanded tiredly.

Cherry gazed at him and nodded sharply. “I am not staying, though.”

“Fine. I just need to know you’re okay,” Sunny said as the nurse put the blood pressure cuff back on Cherry’s arm.

“Grandma!” Liv cried as she entered the cubicle with Diaz on her heels. Diaz looked every inch the bodyguard she was.

Liv hugged Sunny briefly and then turned to Cherry and took her hand.

“I’m fine, Liv, don’t fret,” Cherry stated, patting Liv’s hand.

“I need you to get undressed, Mrs Barlow,” the nurse interrupted.

“On that note, I will leave. Mom, I’ll be right outside,” Sunny said and left.

Sunny headed for the waiting room, idly noting night had fallen. There, he was surprised to see his club brothers.

“What are you doing here?” he demanded, not in the mood for bullshit.

“An old lady is injured, we’re here,” Chance replied from where he sat.

“Mom’s not been an old lady for a long time.”

“She was Bullets. That means Cherry is Hellfire’s,” Big Al retorted.

“Fuck me, now you bother with her? You didn’t for twenty years.” Sunny laughed bitterly.

“Sunny, we sent her yours and Bullet’s cut from the profits.

We reached out several times but were rebuffed, and when Cherry fled, we guessed it was too painful for her.

Sure, we didn’t know where she was, but the money went into her bank every month.

Just like it does for Samantha, Slash’s widow,” Chance explained.

“Can’t deny that,” Sunny said. He couldn’t. The money had arrived on the first of every month, although Cherry never touched it. She put it into an account for Liv. Liv would be incredibly comfortable when Cherry turned the account over.

“What now?” Diesel asked.

Sunny noted how antsy Diesel was being and realised the SAA was recalling the last time they were all up here. The cult bombing.

“Go home, relax,” Sunny ordered Diesel, who managed to look affronted.

“Ain’t running,” Diesel replied.

“This has bad memories for you, get out of here,” Sunny ordered.

“I’m cool. How’s Cherry?”

“Fighting mad,” I answered with a smirk.

“Was that Liv?” Bear asked.

“Yeah.”

“She’s beautiful,” Big Al said. Sunny wondered if that was a peace offering.

“We’ll have church tomorrow. That dead asshole and Cherry’s attack just threw a spanner in the works,” Chance announced.

Sunny nodded. He watched as some of the brothers exchanged grim looks. This was proof. Before, all they had was Sunny’s word. That was easily dismissed. Not now. Diesel held his gaze.

“No way would you sanction an attack on Cherry, not if Liv could have been harmed,” Diesel added.

“Good of you to recognise that,” Sunny responded sarcastically. “Thanks for coming, but she won’t want a fuss,” he said in a more genuine tone.

“If you need us, call,” Pyro replied and left. Most of the brothers followed him out.

“I’m staying,” Tati stated from behind Sunny and made him jump.

“Not sure how Mom would feel about that,” Sunny muttered.

“Don’t really care. Cherry and I were close once,” Tati retorted and sat her ass down. Big Al took his place next to her.

“I’m staying too, Bear. Go back to the clubhouse. Keep your eyes open,” Chance murmured, but Big Al sent Chance a look.

“I need to call Callie,” Sunny muttered and headed outside.

The phone rang twice before Callie picked it up.

“Are you okay? How’s your mom? Clio called me,” Callie asked in a rush.

“Calm down, kitten, Mom’s going to be fine. I am sorry our plans this evening got messed up,” Sunny said.

“Don’t even worry about that. But I’m owed an explanation. Still, your mom comes first.” Callie’s tone was soothing.

“Come to mine tonight. I want you to meet Mom and Liv.”

Callie fell silent. Sunny waited.

“Are you sure?” Callie asked in a small voice.

“Definitely. She will be excited to meet you. Wait, shit, my house is off-limits as a crime scene,” Sunny said.

Cherry would actually be shocked as fuck to meet Callie because she’d no idea Callie existed. Sunny hadn’t told anyone about her, not wanting to jinx himself. Liv would also be surprised.

“Okay. Come to mine, we have a couple of spare bedrooms, and your mom and Liv can stay here. I’ll cook dinner,” Callie replied. Before Sunny could tell her not to worry, Callie hung up.

With a brief smile, Sunny made his way back into the waiting room. When he got there, he discovered Liv with Diaz on her heels, staring at Chance, Big Al, and Tati.

“Dad,” Liv cried, looking relieved.

“Baby girl,” Sunny murmured, laying an arm across her shoulders.

“Nana’s going to be okay. They’re releasing her and giving her some pain relief. The doctor said she might be stiff and sore in the morning. He suggested lots of Epsom salts and heated pads to ease her muscles,” Liv reported as she eyed the three in front of her.

Chance and Big Al were doing their best to seem non-threatening, but Tati had her head tilted and was studying Liv carefully.

“You’ve got Julie’s nose and eyes. But fuck, girl, you’re a beautiful version of your father,” Tati said.

“I’ve seen pictures of Mom. Dad says the same,” Liv replied.

“Well, kid, I’m your Aunt Tati. You might be a bit old for princess dresses and sparkling shoes, but there’s other shit we can do to bond,” Tati stated.

Liv looked at Sunny with wide eyes, and he nodded at her. “Tati is cool.”

“We will make a date. Pick something fun because Diaz hates shopping,” Liv said.

“Come to the clubhouse tomorrow. We’ll get to know each other,” Tati ordered.

Liv glanced at Sunny before nodding.

“Don’t be bossing my grandbaby about Tatianna,” Cherry announced from behind them.

Sunny turned and reached for Cherry, drawing her gently into his embrace. “You okay, Mom?”

“I’m fine, son. Tati, you seem well,” Cherry declared, turning to face Tati, Chance, and Big Al.

“Thank you, you look wonderful,” Tati replied with a genuine smile.

“I got old, but thanks. Chance, Big Al.” Cherry held their gazes.

“Can I?” Chance asked. Cherry cocked her head, and Chance reached out and hugged her. Big Al did the same.

“Is this bullshit going to end soon?” Cherry questioned as Sunny wrapped an arm around her waist and began leading her out.

“Hopefully,” Chance answered.

“Find the filth. Bullet is owed justice, and so is Sunny. They shot my son, your friend and brother. It’s time to end this, Chance. Let them rest in peace now,” Cherry said.

Chance held her gaze and nodded. Sunny was surprised that Chance didn’t hit back by telling Cherry it was club business and to stay out of it. Sunny appreciated the respect Chance was showing his mom.

“Take care, we hope to see you soon at the clubhouse,” Big Al murmured as he hugged Cherry goodbye. He reached out and held Liv, who stiffened but returned the hug.

Sunny watched them leave.

“We are not going home. Um, the house is a crime scene, and we’re not allowed in. But we’re going to… my girlfriend’s,” Sunny said awkwardly.

Sunny was grateful they were outside the hospital as two pairs of incredulous eyes turned to stare at him.

“I didn’t hear that correctly,” Cherry stated, her arms crossing over her chest.

“I’ve been dating someone. Clio’s younger sister. Callie is the fourth of the quads,” Sunny stumbled over his words as Liv arched an eyebrow.

“Sorry, Dad?”

“Callie’s younger than me by over twenty years. Let’s not make a big deal of shit. Her sisters are Clio and Thalia, Chance and Bear’s old ladies. Don’t make her age an issue.”

“Fuck that, I’m shocked that you’re dating,” Liv exclaimed.

“You’ve never brought a woman home. Not since Julie. This Callie must be pretty special. I can’t wait to meet her.” Cherry grinned.

“How did you meet?”

“Does she know about Liv?”

“What does she look like?”

“Did you say her name was Callie?”

Sunny bit back a groan as the questions came thick and fast. This was his worst nightmare!

◆◆◆

Liv squeaked. Sunny couldn’t call the noise anything else.

Cherry stared at Callie wide-eyed and gripped onto Liv’s arm. She mimicked her granddaughter’s squeak. Callie began shuffling her feet.

“You didn’t say she was Callie Dixon!” Liv managed to find her voice.

Sunny drew Callie in closer and wrapped an arm around her waist. Callie leaned into him for reassurance as she held their gazes.

“Nana and I make it a night in to watch your programme. We get coke, hot chocolate with marshmallows, popcorn and chips with pizza and binge your linked episodes at once,” Liv announced in a rush.

“It’s wonderful to meet you,” Cherry said, recalling her manners.

“You too, I’ve heard so much about you,” Callie replied softly, looking to Sunny for reassurance.

“Wow. Callie Dixon! You’ve upped Dad’s cool factor by ten gazillion!”

“Thanks!” Sunny chuckled.

“Come to the kitchen, I’m just finishing up dinner,” Callie suggested and led the way into the rear of the house. Sunny pulled out stools for Cherry and Liv to sit on and headed for Callie’s fridge.

“Wine, kitten?” he asked.

Callie nodded shyly and turned to check the pans on the stove.

“Dad calls her kitten! That’s so cute!” Liv whispered loudly.

Sunny faced her and rolled his eyes, and Callie finally laughed.

“I’m a normal person, Liv, nothing special. I hope you like chicken carbonara?”

“We’re perfectly fine with that,” Cherry said. “Can I do anything to help?”

“Nope, please sit there and relax. It’s been a trying day for you. Everything is under control, thanks,” Callie replied.

“Where’s the salad?” Sunny asked, opening the fridge and pulling ingredients out.

“Why bother asking?” Callie demanded with a roll of her eyes.

Sunny grinned and grabbed her tee, hauling her close and kissing her. Callie was flustered when he broke it off, and Sunny tapped the tip of her nose. “So cute.” “Sunny! Liv and your mom are watching,” Callie cried.