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“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you,” Tara says, her voice matching mine in octave. “I… I’m just worried about you. You’ve been through so much. This is from a place of love, not judgment.”
I decide to keep my inner monologue to myself. I wipe my eyes and say, “We have a party to go to tonight. If you’re up for it?”
She frowns. “Whereabouts?”
I smile. “At the clubhouse.”
Her eyes go round. “With the bikers?”
“Don’t look so petrified. It’s not as bad as it sounds, and the girls are really nice. I don’t know who will be there, as it’s Crystal’s birthday. She’s the VP’s ol’…uh, his wife.” I know biker terms will freak her out even more at this point.
“If it means I get to hang out with you, then of course I’ll tag along.”
I beam, clapping my hands together. It’s so much better when my best friend is on board and not mad at me. “I can’t wait for you to meet Rock.”
She smiles. Even though it doesn’t reach her eyes, I know that she’s trying. She’s out of her comfort zone, and I have to realize this is hard for her, too. “Me too.” Her voice sounds a little flat, but I choose to ignore it.
“Great! Well, I’ll show you to your room, and if you want to freshen up, I can help you unpack in a bit.”
She nods. “Okay.”
I pull her into a hug. “This was the best surprise ever.”
She hugs me back. “I’m glad. I was starting to wonder if you needed me anymore.” She laughs wistfully, and I shake my head.
“I’ll always need you. Don’t ever worry about that.”
But things have changed. I’ve changed. And I feel as though I may have to have a heart-to-heart with Tara in the not-too-distant future.
Baby steps.
It seems like I’m hearing that word a lot lately.
The party is in full swing, and I’m shocked at how many people are in the back lounge area. A loud jukebox plays, and the lights are dimmed.
There’s bar staff and a few bikers are shooting pool in the main area, staying well away from the hooting and hollering going on just across the bar.
I start to feel the adrenaline in my veins. Especially when I remember Rock’s text messages from earlier…
Rock
I need you
I couldn’t keep the wide-ass grin off my face at seeing that.
He needs me?
Oh, God. I need him so fucking much.
Me
Where are you?
Rock
I’ll be there soon
Me
