His jaw tightens as he looks back at the bike, then at me. “Poppy, we live here.”
“I know.”
“I don’t want them coming where we live,” he says, stepping closer now. “With Owen here.”
“I trust them,” I say, softer but firm. “They’re bringing me business. They’re keeping us safe.”
He lets out a sharp breath. “At what price?”
I open my mouth, but he keeps going, voice low and intense. “The guy goes by the name Grave. He literally isn’t afraid to put people in the grave, Poppy. And that’s who you chose to bring around here and do business with?”
My chest tightens. I hate that I hear fear under the anger. “I didn’tchoosehim,” I say. “I chose not to let Sully scare us anymore.”
We’re both quiet for a second, the bike looming between us like a third person in the argument.
Then Owen appears at the top of the stairs, cereal bowl in hand, eyebrows knit together. “Are you guys fighting?”
Ollie and I both freeze.
“No,” I say at the same time Ollie clips, “We’re talking.”
Owen squints. “You sound like you’re fighting.”
Ollie rubs a hand over his face and exhales. “We’re not fighting, buddy. We’re just… being loud adults.”
Owen nods slowly. “Okay. If you are fighting, can you not break up? I like our family.”
I bite back a laugh. Ollie snorts despite himself.
“We’re not breaking up,” he says. “Families have disagreements.”
Owen looks between us, then back at Ollie. “Also, we need to leave soon for my basketball game.”
“Yep, let’s get ready,” Ollie says, finally smiling as he pulls him into a side hug. “You’re going to do great. I’ve seen how much you’ve been practicing.”
The tension eases just enough for me to breathe again. Ollie looks back at me, concern still there, but softer now.
“We’ll talk about this later,” he says quietly. “Together.”
I nod.
Owen calls back to us. “Can we order pizza later?”
Ollie chuckles. “Yeah, kid. We can order pizza.”
I sigh with relief. Because he’s right. Families have disagreements. I don’t want Ollie or Owen to think I’m like Sully bringing bikers around. I’m not here to BBQ with them and sing Kumbaya. I like Sully gone, and I wouldn’t mind a little business. I do like working on bikes.
Chapter 22
Ollie
I think I’m In Love With You by Chris Stapleton
It’s my day off, which means I’m trying to relax. Life is finally slowing down and I’m here for it. I’m halfway through my first cup of coffee, standing in the kitchen in gym clothes, already running through my mental checklist for the day. Gym first. Text Maggie to see what she needs help with over at The Dogwood. Swing by the store and grab some groceries. Normal stuff. Easy stuff. I like easy. Because after living in chaos for so long, I need easy. We all do.
My phone starts vibrating on the counter.
I ignore it at first, take another sip, and tell myself if it’s important, they’ll leave a message. The buzzing doesn’t stop. I reach for it, thumb hovering, and that’s when I see it.
