Page 4 of Lost King

Grace: Me too!

Me: Okay. Let's do dinner next week.

Bella: Wait! What about the patch-in party for Grey Sunday night? Are you still coming to that?

Alba: Party girl! We all have babysitters. Please say you're coming.

Me: Yep. I have a return flight home Sunday morning. I'll be back in time for the party.

Mila: Hell yeah!

Grace: Can't wait to see you.

Bella: See you Sunday.

Me: See ya girls Sunday.

Once all the ladies had said their goodbyes, I toss my phone to the cushion beside me then use the palms of my hands to rub my tired eyes. I don't know how much more of the E.R. I can take. Today a teenage girl was brought in. She had been in a car accident, and she was not wearing her seatbelt. She made it, but is in a coma. Seeing the kinds of trauma I see, day in and day out, is starting to take its toll. Car accidents, drugged out women in labor, men who beat their wives, and gunshot wounds. I don't want any more of that. I want sore throats, earaches, and sprained ankles. I also know the only person who can change my situation is me. I have to quit being a chicken shit and stand up to my parents. Maybe when I see them this weekend, I can finally do it. I can finally take my life and my future in my own hands. I need to let my fear of disappointing them go.

Chapter Seventeen

Quinn

Another day, another dollar. Right now, I'm changing the oil in Mila's vehicle that Reid dropped off about forty-five minutes ago. Work in the newly built shop has been smooth sailin' since we opened a couple days ago. Having more space and better equipment makes the job and the day go much faster.

"You comin' with us out to Charley's tonight, Quinn?" Logan peers over the rear fender of the bike he's working on.

Charley mentioned about a week ago he had a couple of guys come in nosin' around and askin' the local barflies questions about our little town and the people in it. The good thing about Charley's is all the regulars know us and don't say too much. The last thing we need is any more asswipes comin' around our town tryin' to stir up shit.

From what we know they haven't been back, so Charley thinks they were a couple of nosey fuckers passing through. It's been awhile since any of us have hung out at his place, so we figured it was high time we pay a visit and make our presence known. Just in case. "Naw, brother, not tonight. It's the second Friday of the month, man." Opening another quart of oil, I pour it into the funnel. "Plus, I told my dad I would help him on his car this evenin', but if you run into any problems, I'm there," I tell him.

"Thanks, brother," Logan nods.

"Damn, something is smellin' good," I remark screwing the oil cap back on.

Logan tosses a wrench into the toolbox beside him and stands. "Bella came by to cook lunch for everyone today. Her and the kids are back there in the break room."

My stomach rumbles. "That's what I'm talkin' about. Feels like forever since she has treated us to some lunch."

"She's had her hands full with Bree and Jake. I'll go see if the food is done." Turning, Logan walks towards the back where Bella is. It doesn't take me long to put my tools away and wash up. As soon as I walk through the break room door, I see Logan has Bella up on the counter, his hand under the front of her shirt and his lips on her neck.

"If I eat all my food will I get dessert too?" I waggle my eyebrows the moment Bella's eyes open and look in my direction.

"I don't share, brother," Logan rumbles, helping Bella down. I do my usual mock pout before Bella walks over hugging me.

"How ya doin', Sweetheart?" I ask her.

"Tired. Two little ones keep me busy," she peers over towards her kids, both fast asleep in a playpen; the smile she wears on her face saying it's all worth it. It causes my chest to ache because I want the same for myself one day.

"I had lunch with your beautiful mom the other day," Bella sits a bowl of potato salad on the table along with a platter loaded with pulled pork sandwiches.

Scooping food onto my plate, I ask her, "she help put your mind at ease about Bree?" What if she feels like she doesn't belong? What if she wants to find any of her biological family when she's older? These were just a few questions that were weighing on Bella about the baby she and Logan recently adopted. Knowing my mom probably went through the same emotions and had the same questions, I suggested she talk to her. I mean, I gave her my perspective on things but for her to bond with someone else—another mother who has gone on a similar journey in life would put things in a much better perspective than I ever could. "My mom is the best," I wholeheartedly express.

Within the following moments, Gabriel and Austin stroll in, sit down and start eating. Checking on the kids, Bella kisses her man. "I'm going to take Jake some food. The man has been working nonstop. He needs to eat."

Logan pulls her closer and leans in for another kiss. "I'll eat with you when you get back, Angel."

As soon as she walks out of the room I ask Gabriel, "You ever order that new barbell for me?"