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“Wish in one hand and spit in the other. What would you have done?”
He didn’t have an answer.
I answered for him. “Same thing you’re doing now. I didn’t miss much. But I had some peace for a while.”
“Eve, I told you we’ll do whatever you decide.”
Leaving it all up to me wasn’t fair. But I was finished talking about it. “Speaking of my Gran. I spoke to my brother this morning. He hasn't heard from you.”
“I’ve been busy. The fire. We’ve been snowed in.”
I lifted both shoulders. “I didn't expect you to do it over the holiday. I'm sure you were enjoying time with your wife.”
“You sound a bit miffed like you don't like the fact I have an ol’ lady.”
“Oh, I’m green with envy,” I said sarcastically. “I never expected to be a single mom.”
“I don't want that for you either. Hallow will return.”
Not wanting that on my brain either, I changed the subject back to my brother. “When do you expect to bring Hob back to Royal Road?”
After checking his expensive watch, Kingpin bowed a little. “We can do it now if you wish.”
It’s as if he’d told me I won the lottery. Jumping up and down wouldn’t do though. I clapped my hands. I hadn't seen my little brother since I left Royal Road. Hob hadn't known where I’d been hiding out. My brother and I didn't really get to speak much before that because we didn't want anybody at the club to find out who he was.
Kingpin loaded the vehicle, and I left my key inside the apartment so I could call the landlord and tell him I wasn't coming back. Then we were off to Cotton Town.
I texted my brother on the way to let him know we were coming, “Be ready.”
On the way my stomach rumbled. A pregnant woman’s belly growl was like no other. Kingpin made a face. Of course, he’d know. He had a pregnant wife at home.
We stopped for lunch at a little local but authentic Mexican place. I had to watch what I ate, my sugar and my salt. Therefore, I ordered water. Kingpin had to translate what I was saying to the waiter as I ordered the rest. His Spanish was broken and concise but competent. I was so focused on food, I didn’t recognize Mateo at first. I knew he worked two jobs. When he finished his morning shift at Jolene’s I’d heard he waited tables somewhere. So did Jesus.
He stopped by once Mateo left.
“Jafa,” he said as a way of greeting. That meant lady boss or something. “We miss you at work. Carl’s filling in. He’s throwing a hissy fit.” Jesus had learned that phrase from me. He turned to Kingpin. “We heard the President of the Royal Bastard’s was expecting a child, but we had no idea we had the honor of knowing his Ol’ Lady.”
As he said it, I shook my head. “Jesus, Kingpin and I ain’t a couple.” That was true enough.
Embarrassed, Jesus went about his job.
“Two down with one bullet,” Kingpin said as a way of explanation. He was scoping out some potential prospects. “We need some new blood. Actually, we need to diversify. We’re not skinheads, but we’re starting to look it. I could use more men fluent in Spanish. Nashville’s changing fast.”
Running into them wasn’t a happy accident, Kingpin had picked this place on purpose. The biker President always worked.
“That’s all I am to you, an obligation, something to take care of.” It wasn’t a question.
“I thought you said earlier you were just a vessel? So, eat.” He pushed the chips and salsa toward me.
“I can’t eat that, too salty,” I said, pushing it back.
“I know a pregnant woman needs to eat.” Kingpin inched them toward me. “You said you were starving.”
“I think I know what’s best,” I said, pushing it away, again. “I can wait for my order.”
Kingpin made a noise.
“You may mistake my accent for ignorance, but I’ve been doing just fine taking care of myself and this baby. Sure, there are concerns, but I’m doing my part. The rest is in God’s hands.”
