“Has she figured out what she wants to do with the place yet?” Midas asks, but his eyes are across the room on Legs, who is fast asleep with her head on Probe’s shoulder and her feet in Crane’s lap.
“She wants to make it into a coffee and book shop.”
G leans back in his chair. “That’s not a bad idea. I could see it being popular, especially with the women. Add in the fact that the local library has just been shut down. Not everyone has the means to travel two towns over all the time.”
“Never thought about that. I know Neveah was pissed it was closing, but I’m not quite as passionate about reading as she is,” Havoc adds.
Midas chuckles. “Imagine having a famous author for an old lady and not being into books.”
“I didn’t say I wasn’t into books. I can just never find the time to read. It was different when I was inside.”
“Amity and Tink used to go to their local library when they were kids, back before Citi was taken. They used to spend their afternoons curled up on bean bags, reading. I struggle to imagine Amity ever being that still, but she gets this wistful smile whenever she mentions it, so I’m guessing they are happy memories. I know it’s not exactly the same, but I agree with Havoc. I think it will appeal to the locals, especially the women with fetishes for book boyfriends, and single parents who need somewhere to take their kids on a rainy day.”
“Throw in coffee, cakes, and sandwiches, which is what she’s planning, and yeah, I have a feeling if anyone can pull it off, it’s Delphi,” I agree.
“How are things going between you two?” Midas questions.
“Good. I mean, some things trigger a negative response from her, but we talk through it. It’s a work in progress, but I’m just thankful she’s even giving me the chance.”
“I get that, trust me.”
I nod, knowing he fucked up too, and almost cost himself Legs. Havoc nods, raising his coffee as if to say I have you both beat. Looks like we’re all a bunch of knuckle-dragging idiots.
“How’s the racetrack coming along?”
“Almost ready. Capone and Circus are done, though they have a couple of their team doing the finishing touches. I’m waiting for some equipment to be delivered and installed, and I have several interviews scheduled for next week. What I need most is a project manager to keep an eye on shit and make sure things run smoothly while I’m out with Legs and the baby.”
“Do you have anyone in mind?”
“Maybe. I’ll get back to you. I don’t want to jinx shit.”
G chuckles. “You and your superstitions.”
“You all think I’m lucky, but I’m just smart. I’m not giving karma any weapons to use against me.”
I see Ambrose walk in with his head down, heading toward the back. I call his name, and his head snaps up as he looks over. He hesitates, as if he’s lost the will to make small talk. Since his sister’s decline began, he’s pulled away from the club when he should be leaning on us now more than ever.
“Hey, guys. What’s up?”
“Not much, waiting for Blade to get here with Sunshine and the babies. Pull up a seat.”
“I was gonna take a shower and get ready for my shift at the gym.”
“I’ll get one of the prospects to cover you,” Havoc tells him.
Ambrose sighs but takes the empty chair, spinning it around so he can sit on it backward.
“How’s your sister doing?” Havoc questions, getting straight down to it.
“She’s her ever cheerful self. Tired, but she doesn’t let that stop her from talking a mile a minute. Used to drive me nuts when I was a kid. Now I just want to listen to her all day, every day, because soon she’ll say her last words. And I won’t even know they were the last ones until it’s too late.”
His voice cracks, and I feel for the dude, I do. Death is such a fickle bitch. She cares little about those left behind picking up the pieces.
“Is there anything the club can do?” I ask him.
He shakes his head. “Nobody can fight death. I know it’s coming. She knows it’s coming. I just want to slam the damn brakes and take a minute, but time is not on our side. It’s been me and her for so long…” He stops talking when he gets choked up, but none of us are judging him for it.
“What have the doctors said?” G questions quietly. “I can look for trials or something.”
