“Bring him. Victoria has River, so he won’t be the only baby.”
She seems to relax and smiles as she nods. I relax on the couch while she gets herself and Oliver ready to leave. I don’t know what it is about her, but I want to be around her as much as I can. I keep my phone to hand in case the club call.
In the car, she’s quiet but I’m content with her peace. I’m happy enough to glance at her and soak in her beauty. Oliver sleeps in the back and only wakes when Pippa gets him out at the club.
Though she has been here once before, she looks around like it’s her first time here. Her eyes widen and I follow her line of sight. She’s seen Victoria and her busted up face. Fear flashes in her eyes when Luca approaches Victoria.
“That’s her husband.”
“Did he do that to her?” Her eyes dart to mine. “I should not have said that!”
I hide my amusement. “Don’t worry about it, or her. She was mugged a few nights ago. And just so you know, Luca would never lay his hands on her, he’s obsessed with her.”
“Oh.”
Whatever judgements or assumptions she further has, she keeps them to herself. King declared himself the official cook when I returned with the food and I was glad I wasn’t put forward for the job.
We find a table out back and after seeing Victoria’s plants and flowers, her greenhouse, Pippa begins to relax.
“It’s different here with other people around,” she comments getting the baby settled on her lap.
“They’re all good guys, there’s nothing you have to worry about being around them. You have my word.”
Staring at me, she says, “I trust you. I don’t know why but I do.”
Everyone’s conversations around us fades. It’s just her and me and I can’t look away from her.
“I don’t know what it is about you, but I think I like you.”
“You think?”
“I do, but I have a kid. A kid that isn’t even mine.”
Frowning, I ask, “You think that bothers me?”
“It could, and you’re part of a biker club.”
“Instead of thinking of what you believe is negative, follow the positives. I’m a good guy. I like you, I like the kid, I want to get to know you.”
She smiles. “I definitely believe you’re crazy.”
“Only in a rational way, though.” I laugh.
“Konan?”
Mom. She nervously looks around and clutches the strap of her purse tightly. To distract her, I stand and say, “Mom, this is Pippa. Pippa, this is my mom, Danni.”
“It’s lovely to meet you,” Pippa says.
“Like wise. I’m sorry if I seem out of sorts, I don’t like being here. It’s not you, I assure you.”
“Mom, it’ll be fine.”
She looks around and Pippa leans in closer. “You didn’t tell me your mom would be here,” she whispers.
Whispering back, I tell her, “She won’t stay long.”
That much I know. Reaching out for her hand, I tug on it until she sits. Luca will come find her when he wants to talk. Oliver starts to whimper, and it gets Mom’s attention. She cuts her eyes to me, and I just know what she’s silently asking me. Am I sure he’s not mine.
