‘I think it saysput in a good word for AJ,’ I say.
‘That’s it. Put in a good word for AJ,’ he repeats, smiling goofily at me. He slides one hand around the back of his neck. ‘Uh, so, like AJ’s a really good guy. You should forgive him for all the shit we pulled. He’s changed a lot since those days. He’s more mature… less like a total jackass. He would never dream of doing something like that now. And he really likes you, sooo…’
He gives a pronounced shrug. I sink my front teeth into my bottom lip, biting back a smile. ‘Thank you for that testimony,’ I say.
‘So, you gonna forgive him?’
‘I’m thinking about it. I have to go check on everyone else.’
Chase gets to his feet, checking the drawer moves smoothly on its runners. ‘I’m done here. What’s next?’
‘Broken floor tiles in the bathroom next door.’
‘Lead the way.’
Chase and Balthazar bring their drinks. I walk them around to the next room, pointing out the tiles. Chase roots around in his bag for something.
‘Will you guys be okay?’ I ask.
‘We’re good,’ Balthazar says.
‘Oh, and Chase,’ I say as I’m about to leave, ‘We’re friends now, right?’
Chase turns his head. ‘Sure, Jenny with the pink hair. Besties for resties.’
I frown at his sarcasm.
‘Hollie. C’mon now. I’m kidding,’ he says with a wink.
‘Okay, good, because only a friend would tell you that Aubri was asking if you’re single.’
His face lights up. ‘Who’s Aubri?’
‘She works downstairs on the front desk.’
‘Is she hot?’
‘Supremely. You should ask for her number.’
I flash him a grin. It feels oddly cathartic, letting go of the past. Making peace with my tormentors. I could hold onto the resentment forever, but what would be the point?
As I leave, Chase looks pleased with himself.
Back downstairs, Echo and his biker club have breathed life into the outside areas. The flowerbeds pop with color. Trash bags have been filled with dead leaves and grass cuttings. I spy AJ on the nearside through the window, wearing gloves and planting the last remaining flowers in the soil with his shirt off.
‘Damn, girl.’ I hear a voice next to me as Tawny joins me at the window. ‘I’m gonna ask you to get mad at your boyfriend more often. These guys got done in two hours what I’ve been tryna arrange these past two years. Did you see that hole in the wall upstairs?Poof!It’s long gone! They even painted over it. No sign it was ever there.’
I grin at her. ‘To be fair, I didn’t think he’d show up with the entire Hell’s Venom motorcycle gang.’
‘Well, whatever it was, you’d best be forgivin’ his ass. Cuz there ain’t so many men on the planet who would go to this kinda trouble for his lady. You got yourself a keeper, Hollie Palmer.’
We both watch AJ on the other side of the windowpane. ‘Helps that he’s somewhat easy on the eyeballs too,’ she adds, nudging me in my side.
Without thinking, I tap on the glass, getting AJ’s attention, and I beckon him to come inside.
Minutes later, Aubri grants him entry through the double entry doors. He’s put his light gray T-shirt back on, much to my disappointment. He removes his gloves, shoving them into the pocket of his jeans.
‘I need a little help with something,’ I smile at him.