It’s not lost on me that had I just dealt with it earlier, things probably wouldn’t have ended like this. Sometimes I wonder if I’m more hassle for the boys than anything. I know they always have my back, and they never once complain, but tonight would have been better for all of them if I hadn’t been involved.
My eyes sting, but I suck it back.
Once I collect myself, I can hear the bar calling my name.
By the time I make it down the hall, my shoulders are square and my back’s straight.
The party in the clubhouse hasn’t slowed despite Tucker’s club leaving.
I push through the crowd and slide onto a stool at the bar, Colette leans next to me.
“You alright?”
And that’s how quickly word travels in this place. No doubt in the ten minutes since Tucker left, everyone has heard about the fight in the hallway.
I nod, waving a hand in the air. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to cause a fuss.”
“Oh, sweetheart.” She laughs, rubbing my back. “That wasn’t your fault. Plus, you have no idea how many times I’ve raised a little hell around here.”
I smile, taking my drink from one of the bartenders.
She pats between my shoulders. “Don’t you ever let anyone make you feel like you’re less than you are; us girls are the heart of this place. You’re important for many reasons, none of which have anything to do with who’s bed you’re in at night.”
A lump forms in my throat, but I manage to choke out, “Thank you.”
She winks before catching a glimpse of Gabe as he enters the room. Her eyes glitter. “Jon would be so proud of him.”
I look at him over my shoulder. “I think so, too.”
“Are you sure you two can’t…” She raises her eyebrows. “I do want grandbabies one day.”
“I’m sure.” I laugh. “He’ll find someone. He’s too good not to.”
“He’s not ready,” she says, but it sounds more like a question.
I shake my head. “Not yet.”
Taking my drink, I head toward the boys.
Katie bumps my hip and smiles when I move to stand beside her but doesn’t actually say anything.
I can almost feel the weight lifting off my chest.
Nik pulls out her phone and holds it up in front of her and Shane, squealing, “Happy New Year!”
As she talks excitedly to the other woman on the phone, Gabe’s jaw ticks, and he turns away from them, focusing hisattention on setting up the game of pool he previously had no intention of playing.
His chest rises and falls in sharp burst. I run my hand down his back and smile.
“You good?” he asks.
I nod. “You?”
His brows pinch. “Yeah?”
I give him a knowing look, and he rolls his eyes.
“I’m fine.”