Page 16

Darko—

A week has gone by, and Eli and I head to the clubhouse for Thanksgiving, a bunch of pies loaded in the crew cab.

“Did you ask Lizzie again, Dad?”

I sigh and focus on the road. “She said no, son. I can’t make her come if she doesn’t want to do it.”

“Do you know where she lives?”

“No.”

“Don’t you have employee files or something?”

“Okay, at the garage, I probably have all that. But we’re not at the garage.”

“Come on, Dad. Let’s just ask her one more time. She won’t say no to me.”

“Oh, really? And why’s that?”

“Because we’re friends.”

I suck the inside of my cheek between my teeth, then pull out my phone to hit up Utah.

“Yeah, VP?” he answers.

“Ask your old lady for Lizzie’s address.”

There’s a chuckle on the other end, and a moment later, he puts her on the phone.

“Hey, Darko. What did you need?”

“First off, tell your asshole ol’ man to shut the fuck up. I need Lizzie’s address.”

She rattles it off, and I make a left turn. “Thanks, doll.”

I toss my phone on the seat and glare at Eli. “Happy? Utah’s fucking laughing.”

“Why is he laughing?”

“Never mind.” I drag a hand down my face and stare at the road. There’s no way I’m going to tell him the guys are all on to me.

A few minutes later, I turn in her drive. It’s a nice house in a neighborhood that caters to young families. Studying the place, I can see Lizzie loving it and being so excited the day they moved in, and I think of the life she imagined they’d have—babies and nurseries and swing sets in the backyard… All the things she never got to have.

Her car is in the drive, and another one is parked next to it. The first thought that pops into my head is she’s got a man over. I feel a flush tingle through my body, and I grind my teeth. Last thing I’d wanted a moment ago was to knock on her door, but now I’m all in. If there’s a guy in there, I’m gonna fucking put a crimp in her plans.

Shutting the truck off, I shoulder the door open with a little more force than necessary and stalk around the front of the truck. Eli follows after me.

My knuckles wrap on the storm door.

Lizzie looks surprised when she swings her door open. “What are you doing here?”

“Can I come in for a minute?”

Her eyes shift to my son. “Um, sure.”

I’m through the entryway and two steps into the living room before I realize the company she has is not another man. It’s a middle-aged woman.

“Beverly, this is my boss, John Taylor and his son, Eli.” Then she looks at me. “This is my mother-in-law, Beverly.”

Shit. I’m an idiot.

Beverly’s sharp eyes take in my jeans, biker boots, and my Royal Bastards MC t-shirt that lays over a gray Henley I’ve pushed up to the elbows, exposing the ink that runs up my arms. Not to mention my silver rings.

“This is your boss?” she asks, giving her daughter-in-law a wide-eyed look.

I extend my hand and try to salvage the situation. “Nice to meet you, Beverly. Lizzie’s my new office manager. She’s doing a fantastic job, too.”

Beverly’s gaze shifts between her daughter-in-law and me. “Lizzie, can I talk to you a minute?”

Lizzie’s shoulders slump, but she ignores her and looks at me. “What did you need?”

I flick my gaze to Eli and hold my hand out. “Something you want to ask her, son?”

“We came by to pick you up. You are coming today, aren’t you?”

“Why, it’s Thanksgiving Day, Eli,” Beverly begins. “My daughter-in-law is spending the holiday with us. Isn’t that right, dear?”

Lizzie sighs. “Beverly, let’s talk in the kitchen, okay?”

They retreat through the dining room to the rear of the house.

I shove my hands in my pocket and strain to hear what they’re saying.

Eli leans to look at some mail and papers on a desk against the wall, then straightens and hisses out one word. “ Dad!”

I put my finger to my lips and strain to hear Lizzie. It sounds like she’s telling her mother-in-law she has no plans to spend Thanksgiving with them this year and she’s already told her that several times.

I hear Beverly arguing.

“You already skipped the memorial at the fire station, Lizzie. Now this?”

“That’s not fair, Beverly.”

Eli grabs a piece of paper and holds it in front of my face. I yank it out of his hands and glare at him, mouthing, “ What are you doing?”

He mouths back , “Read it.”

I look at the paper. It’s a foreclosure notice from her mortgage company. My eyes widen. Holy shit. I had no idea she was in this kind of financial trouble. I frown, wondering if there was no insurance money or just too much debt.

Hearing footsteps, I shove the paper at Eli, and he puts it back.

Lizzie and Beverly rejoin us.

“So, you’re coming, right?” Eli snaps. “You have to, you promised.”

My eyes cut to him in amazement, because she did no such thing, and we all know it. Except Beverly.

Lizzie’s gaze shift from her mother-in-law to Eli, and she bites her lip. “You’re right, Eli. I did. Of course, I’m coming.”

“Lizzie, darling. You can’t be serious. You’ve always celebrated the holiday with us.”

“Not this year. I hope you understand.”

Beverly bends to grab her purse off the coffee table and marches out. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

Lizzie walks with her to the door, and I hear their exchange in the entryway.

“It’s like you don’t even care about Matt anymore. It’s like you’ve become a different person.”

“Maybe I have, Beverly.”

The storm door slams, and Lizzie returns to us.

“What the hell just happened?” I ask.

She looks at Eli and smiles. “Eli just saved me from a dreadful afternoon.”

His face lights up with a hundred-watt smile. “See, Dad. I told you she wanted to come.”

Twenty minutes later, we walk through the clubhouse door, carrying pies.

Utah approaches. “Oh look, snacks.”

“Keep your paws off,” I say, lifting my stack of pies out of his reach.

“Why you gotta be like that, Darko?”

“Don’t act like I don’t know ya, ‘cause I do.”

“You don’t know me like you think you do. There are layers to me.”

“Yeah, you’re a real onion.” I step around him and head to a side table set up with desserts. In the center of the clubhouse, in front of the fireplace, the guys have pushed the furniture out of the way and set up several long folding tables.

The ol’ ladies have laid out tablecloths and place settings. It’s all paper, but still looks nice. There are even a couple of centerpieces.

The sound system is already playing Christmas music.

I glance at Rock and point my finger up. “Christmas music. Really? That your ol’ lady’s doing?”

He shrugs and grins. “It makes her happy, so shut up.”

I see there’s already a Christmas tree in the corner and lift a brow.

Rock looks over his shoulder. “Yeah, we’re pulling names for Secret Santa after dinner.”

“What about the game? We are watching football, aren’t we?”

“Yes, VP, we’ve got the big screen set up in the other room.”

“Good. Gotta watch my Denver Broncos annihilate the Cowboys this year.”

“Well, they don’t play until 4:30, so you’re good. We should be done eating by then.”

“As fast as these animals eat, no doubt.”

Baja puts his arm around me.

“Hey, man. I love you.”

I lift a brow, looking at him suspiciously. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”

“You’re not going to say it back, are you? You selfish son-of-a-bitch.”

“Shut up and get me two longnecks.”

“Do I look like a prospect?” Baja asks.

“Do I look like I care?”

He points at me. “You’re lucky I’m in a holiday mood.”

“Right.”

I see Kate and Lizzie talking, then laughing and moving toward the door that leads to the kitchen.

Night Train puts his arm around Eli and leads him toward the room with the big screen.

My gaze travels around the room, and I lift my chin to two patches standing at the bar with Memphis. “We got company this year?”

“Yeah, nomads. They were just passing through. Memphis knows ‘em from his nomad days. Invited ‘em to join us. Of course, they’re welcome, and we’ve sure got enough food. You should see the kitchen.”

“I’ll bet.”

Baja brings the longnecks, and I take them and tell Rock I’m going to track down Lizzie.

“Meet me in my office in a few minutes.”

I nod and head to the kitchen. The girls are all talking and getting the food ready. I pass Lizzie a beer.

“Thanks,” she murmurs with a smile.

“No problem. You good?”

“Um hmm.”

“You want another, the bar’s open.”

“Thanks.”

“I’m gonna go talk to Rock for a bit in his office.”

Lola leans around Kate. “Tell my dad we’re eating soon.”

“Sure. Just send a prospect to get us when the food’s ready.”

“Where’s Eli?” Lizzie asks.

“He’s watching football with Night Train. He’s good.” I wink at Lizzie and walk out, then find Rock in his office.

Behind him sits a picture of his new wife, Evelyn, and his tiny daughter, Rachel.

“So, how’s everything?” I ask.

“Everything’s great. It’s you I’m worried about.”

“What’s got you worried?”

“You’ve taken on a lot with the boy and Kate’s friend.”

“It’s fine. Eli’s enrolled in basketball, and Lizzie agreed to see his next game. He seems to have settled in okay. Got a couple buddies on the team now. It’s all good.”

“And what about you?”

“What about me?”

“You’re keeping your distance from Lizzie. I get all that, but that’s gotta be hard. I’ve seen the way you look at her.”

“Everything is fine.”

“Really?” He sounds doubtful.

“It’s not easy, but I’ll survive. I just want her to have a safe place to land, ya know? I don’t want this job to be something she dreads. I want it to be her haven, if that’s what she needs. So yeah, I’m keeping my distance.”

“And how long you think that’s gonna work?”

“As long as she needs.”

Rock strokes his chin, studying me. “Remember when Evelyn and I got married, and after our honeymoon, I arranged for her to take that motorcycle trip with the girls to Joshua Tree?”

“It was your wedding present to her. And hers was finding and restoring the old car you had when you were sixteen. What’s your point?”

“Watching her ride away that day was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It was the last thing I wanted. It about killed me. But it was her dream, and I wanted her to have that. I wanted my queen to know her dreams were important to me. So, I let her go. It’s strength to push your woman to fly. It’s king shit wanting your queen to get her dreams and to live happy.”

I stare at the desktop, deep in thought.

Rock puts his elbows on the desk, one hand wrapped around his other fist. He breaks the hold and lifts his index finger.

“You’ve been alone forever, Darko. If this is the one, don’t let her get away.”

“You make it sound so easy, old man.”

“You find out her dreams, and you make sure they happen. And no, it’s not easy. Nothing about love and relationships is easy. But it’s worth it, brother. Absolutely worth it.”

“I hear everything you’re trying to tell me, but we’re not there yet, Rock. Not even close.”

“Life is throwin’ you an opportunity, VP. Just like it did for me that day Evelyn stole my wallet at the Quick Mart. Don’t miss it. That’s all I’m sayin’.”

There’s a tap on the door, and Lola sticks her head in. “Time to eat, Daddy.”

“Be right there, honey,” Rock replies, and we both stand.

She leaves, and he comes around the desk and throws an arm around me. “I still can’t believe you’ve got a kid.”

I grin. “Life will definitely throw you a curve ball, won’t it?”

“Amen to that, brother. Let’s go eat.”

With our crew, three prospects, two nomads, the runaway, and the ol’ ladies and kids, there are twenty-nine of us gathered at the long table. Rock sits at the head and fourteen people line each side.

“Before we dig in,” Rock says, standing, “we’ve got a few new faces at the table this year. I’d like to welcome Eli, Darko’s son.”

There’s a cheer around the table, and watching my son, I see him blush and grin. I pat his shoulder proudly.

“Kate’s best friend, Lizzie. And we’ve got a new employee at the clubhouse. Everybody welcome, Brooklynn.”

There’s more clapping.

“And last but not least, we’ve got two nomads with us this year. Everybody welcome Keno and Shack.”

T-Bone lifts a beer bottle. “Hear. Hear.”

The two men nod, and the brothers near them slap them on the shoulder.

“Now that we’ve got that out of the way, it’s custom here to go around the table and say something we’re grateful for this year. I’ll start.” He looks over at his wife, Evelyn, holding their three-year-old daughter, Rachel. “I’ve got a lot to be thankful for. A beautiful wife, three kids, and three grandkids.” He takes Evelyn’s hand and carries it to his mouth, kissing it. “Love you, babe.” Then he lifts his chin to his son, Trez.

Trez looks at his wife, Isabella. “I’m grateful for my wife and child as well.”

I’m next. I glance at Eli and slap a hand on his shoulder, grinning. “I’m thankful for having my son with me this year.”

It’s obvious it’s his turn, and I nudge him. “What are you thankful for, Eli?”

I catch Lizzie’s face on the other side of him. Her eyes flair, and her mouth tightens, and the look she directs at me is the you’re an idiot look women give men.

A moment later, Eli’s chair scrapes from the table, and he dashes across the room and out the front door.

Lizzie surges to her feet, tossing her napkin on the table. “You’re all a bunch of insensitive jerks.”

I stand, but Kate rises to her feet on the other side of the two empty chairs. “Let her go. She knows what to say to him.”

I feel like a goddamn fool and slowly lower to my seat, my eyes closing at my thoughtlessness to my own fucking son’s pain.

The room is quiet, and then Rock starts passing platters. “Eat up, everyone.”

I wait a few minutes and pass some plates on to others, taking nothing. Then finally, I can’t resist following Lizzie.

I slip outside and stand in the shadows of the doorway. I spot the two of them standing near my truck, Eli leaning against it and Lizzie hovering close, her hand on his shoulder.

“There’s comfort in sharing grief with someone who understands, even if that person is not family.”

Eli nods.

“When I lost my husband, people would stand over me and tell me how sorry they were, that this was something that shouldn’t have happened.” She drags in a long, slow breath. “I don’t know how much that helped. I felt cheated. Matt was so young, and so was I, and death was something that didn’t happen to young people. We were supposed to grow old together, become parents and grandparents. It wasn’t fair.”

“How did you find out?” Eli asks softly.

“Matt was with his crew, responding to a house fire. One of the men on his crew was his best friend. He showed up at the house, still in his dirty, grimy gear, his face sooty. There were tears in his eyes. I knew the moment I opened the door my husband wasn’t coming home. My heart dropped.” She squeezes my son’s shoulder. “How did you find out?”

“It was a weekday morning, around the time I got up for school. I remember all I’d been thinking about that week was what I was going to be for Halloween. My aunt woke me up. I was still foggy, you know? I was rubbing my eyes, and her words didn’t make sense. How could my mother be dead? I knew she was sick, but no one told me she was dying. Not even her.”

“And you were mad at her for that, I bet, huh?”

Eli nods, and my heart breaks for him. I know I shouldn’t lurk in the shadows, but I need to hear this, and I don’t think my boy will ever tell me these things.

“My whole world was changed. I still can’t believe she’s gone.” He swipes at his eyes, and Lizzie wraps her arm around him.

“I know, sweetie. I know.” They rock together for a moment, then she nudges him forward. “Come on. Let’s get some food. You don’t have to talk, I promise.”

I step forward. “Hey, I was just coming to look for you. You two okay?”

“Yep,” Lizzie says. “We’re just heading inside.”

They stop in front of me. “I’m sorry about what happened, Eli. It was a thoughtless, shitty thing to ask you.”

He won’t meet my eyes.

“Come on. Let’s eat before there’s nothing left.” I hold the door, and Eli steps through. As Lizzie follows, our eyes lock, and I lift my chin toward my truck. “Thanks for that.”

“I didn’t do it for you.”

“Thanks all the same.”

She steps through the door, and I follow.

After the meal is finished and the pies are devoured, the guys move to the other room and the football game.

I hang back, and when Lizzie disappears in the kitchen with Lola and Isabella, I grab Kate’s arm to prevent her from following.

She looks at me with a frown.

I put a finger to my lips and nod to the front door.

She leaves the empty platter on the table, and we step outside onto the porch.

“What’s up?” she asks.

“Are you aware of Lizzie’s situation?”

“What do you mean?” A frown furrows her brow.

“She’s about to lose her house.”

“What?”

“When we picked her up today, I saw a foreclosure letter on the desk. She doesn’t know I saw it.”

Kate’s eyes widen. “She told me she wants my help with an estate sale next weekend. I just thought she was downsizing. You know, getting rid of some of Matt’s things, maybe their bed or whatever.”

I shake my head. “She must be preparing.”

“She’s going to lose her house? For real?”

“Didn’t they have insurance?”

“She did complain about there being a lot of debt, but I never knew why. They didn’t live extravagantly. I know their insurance policy wasn’t much, but I didn’t realize she was in so much financial stress. Of course, losing her job on top of everything didn’t help. Christ, what is she going to do?”

I cross my arms and lean against one of the timber posts. “I don’t know. Maybe she’s planning on moving in with her mother.”

“She’d hate that. Maybe she can move in with Utah and me.”

I drag a hand through my hair. “In the meantime, what can we do to cheer her up? I feel like she’s made some progress, and the last thing I want is for her to backslide. What things did she used to enjoy doing?”

“What makes her happy?” Kate repeats my question and bites her lip. “Well, it wasn’t her job. Basically, it was Matt.”

“What else? She had to have interests.”

“She likes boy bands and girlie girl stuff.”

“I don’t think I’m the guy to help her with those things.”

“Maybe I could take her out for a spa day and shopping.”

“She doesn’t have the money. I could give you some.”

“It’ll be my treat.” She waves me off. “You don’t have to give me money.”

“All right. You really think that will do it?”

She shrugs. “I’ll give it my best shot.”