I get to my feet, my back and legs protesting from sitting on the floor for so long. With one last look at the door, I head out, jogging down the steps without looking back. I don’t bother going back to the clubhouse. I head straight to the gym, where I have a spare change of clothes, along with my workout clothes.
I get there just as it opens. I don’t see Capone, which is just as well. I’m not in the mood to answer his questions. Instead, I find Powers at the desk, one of our two newest prospects.
“Anyone else about?” I ask him after I get changed.
“Capone opened, but he got a call and took off. It’s just me here until eight, then Circus is coming in.”
“Alright, I’m heading to the weight room. If anyone asks, you didn’t see me.”
“You got it, Midas.”
Ah, good, there is hope for this guy yet. The four prospects we have are leaps and bounds above the last bunch that tried to prospect and failed dismally. But that’s what prospecting is for—to weed out the weak. So far, Hoops and Dice are well on their way to getting patched, with Powers and Ambros not far behind. I head to the weight room. There is only one other guy here, but he’s working out on the other side of the room with his headphones on.
I take a deep breath and try to focus on nothing but the weights. It’s not easy, and my thoughts quickly slip back to Legs. Goddammit. I didn’t realize how much I missed her until I laid my hands on her, and everything between us came rushing back like a fucked-up movie, only this one doesn’t have a happy ending. With my anger taking a back seat, or at least aimed at the motherfucker living next door instead of at Legs, it’s easier to see the damage I’ve caused, the hurt that’s etched into every inch of her as her body bowed under the weight of my presence. Everything I wanted to avoid came true. And now, when she could finally be free, I still can’t leave well enough alone, picking over the carcass of our relationship like a vulture.
I only planned to spend an hour at the gym, but it swiftly turns into two. By the time I’m done, my body’s fucked, but my mind is clearer than it has been for a while. I head to the changing rooms to shower and get dressed. When I head out, I pass Circus as he’s walking in.
“Midas. You done already?”
I nod, grabbing hold of the door to stop it from closing. “Yeah, wanted to get a workout in before I have to do a stock-take at Au,” I bullshit. I’ve got fuck-all to do at work other thansit around and wait for customers to come in because I’ve done everything I can in a bid to keep my raging thoughts at bay.
“Good luck with that. Much as I don’t want to bring shit up, I gotta ask. You planning on hiring someone to replace Legs?”
Expecting what he was going to say, I’m able to stop myself from flinching when I hear her name. “Not sure yet. Why?”
He nods to Powers. “Ambros has been filling in here. Honestly, given his notoriety, he’s drawing in a crowd, which is making us bank. Powers still needs a job, though.”
“You’re a bleeding heart, Circus.” I sigh before looking at Powers. “Alright, send him over to Au when Ambros returns, and I’ll figure something out.”
“Nice one. I’ll let him know.”
I pass him and figure I’m home free when he calls my name. With a sigh, I blank my face and turn to look at him.
“You wanna go for a ride later?”
I was expecting a comment about Legs, so he’s thrown me off. But a ride is just what I need. “Yeah, that sounds good. When?”
“Text me when you’re done at Au and I’ll meet you there.”
“Sounds like a plan. Alright, I’m out.” I head to my bike and climb on, shoving the helmet over my head. I ride to Au and park around the back, next to the shop truck we use for deliveries.
I climb off and make my way inside before coming back out and backing the truck up to the door. I grab a large suitcase and shove it into the back of the truck along with some tarp and cleaning products before returning it to its parking spot. Then I head back inside and set up, ready for the first customer of the day. It doesn’t take long before an older man is in, pawning a watch. He makes small talk, and I nod along, only half listening. I try not to let them suck me in with their stories. Everyone has one and I’d make a shit business owner if I made concessions for every sad story coming through the door, though there arealways exceptions to every rule. By the time lunchtime rolls around, I’m starving. I close up shop, now that nobody is here to cover me, and leave a sign on the door before heading to the diner.
I offer a nod to the waitress behind the counter when she smiles at me. “Be with you in a second, Midas. Sit wherever you want.”
I spot Kruger and Crane and move toward their booth. “Hey, what are you guys doing here?”
When I speak, both look up from their burgers. Crane slides over so I can sit down beside him.
“We’re heading down to get some more supplies for the clinic. Havoc’s looking for a doctor willing to help out for the serious shit—for a price, of course. But Lil agreed to take over the basics,” Kruger answers.
“I’m guessing she isn’t thrilled about it.”
He shrugs. “We need her. Even if it’s just temporary, she’s the best we’ve got right now. Havoc is trying to convince her to go back to school on the club’s dime, but she’s adamant she isn’t interested.”
“We can’t force her to change her life just because it’s convenient for us. I think Lil’s done enough for our club already without us demanding more of her.”
“And that’s why Havoc is trying to persuade her instead of ordering her. Not that I think it will come to that,” Crane replies before he looks at me. “I doubt he’ll have any luck. I was watching her the last time he broached the subject, and she shut down as soon as nursing was mentioned. There is no passion or excitement there anymore, only loathing and?—”
