Pulling a face, she said, “I figured I couldn’t screw up with rice krispies. It’s just butter, marshmallows, and cereal.”
Vegas picked up one of the treats, studying it closely. “It looks fine to me. How’d you save it?”
“More marshmallows,” Simone explained, plucking one off the tray and handing it to me. When she grabbed one of her own, she took a very small piece off the corner and gave it to Isla, who looked pleased as punch for a sugary sweet. Jasper made a face, but didn’t argue, handing her off to Simone so he could have his own treat. He couldn’t balance that two liter and the baby while eating. I loved seeing how easily he passed her off to Simone. He trusted her. Which made me hopeful that she could be around for the long haul without messing with the peace we’d made recently.
Simone stepped closer to me and I put my arm around her automatically, snorting when I leaned in for a kiss and Isla patted my face with one slobbery hand. Simone just grinnedagainst my lips, offering Isla more of her treat to distract her from putting those sticky hands on anyone else.
It was weird not wearing our colors, not to see a line of bikes out front, but it made me feel a little better knowing the crew was still the same. The chaos that ensued when we were together was more tame, but with kids around, that was going to be true anyway. If this was all I could have of my crew, I’d take it. It was better than nothing. And I appreciated the hell out of Jasper for giving me a chance to have a night with my friends. I’d need to find some way to show him how much it mattered to me. Something that wouldn’t embarrass him, but would show my appreciation all the same.
The question was: How?
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
ZERO
It took some doing, but I planned an outing for Jasper that I felt he’d like and would show him how much I appreciated him. I had to ask Simone to babysit, which I felt bad about because she worked all week, but she was the only one Jasper truly trusted and I didn’t think he’d enjoy himself if Isla was with anyone else. When I told her my plan, she agreed without hesitation, which was a relief.
“He’s been feeling the echoes of your struggles. I think some time together relaxing and having fun will do good for both of you.”
My shoulders slumped with relief. I’d timed the phone call for her lunch break since I didn’t want to spring babysitting on her last minute. I’d honestly expected to need to make pretty promises to get her to agree.
“I really appreciate it. He trusts you, and if I asked anyone else to watch Isla, I think he’d spend half the time checking his phone for updates. If she’s with you, I think he might actually relax.”
I could hear the smile in her voice when she replied. “I’m glad he trusts me, and I’m happy to help. Do you want to drop her off here, or would you prefer I watch her at your place?”
I thought about it while stripping the wires of the project I was working on. The phone was tucked between my shoulder and ear, my hands moving like a habit without me thinking about it.
“If you don’t mind coming to mine, I think Jasper would prefer it. Unless your place is as baby proofed as mine is.”
She chuckled. “Considering Isla is the first infant I’ve spent much time with, I never felt the need to babyproof before now. Your place is fine. I’ll bring over some things and have a little spa day with her.”
My chest warmed hearing her make plans with Isla. She wasn’t just planning to watch her. She was going to make a day out of it.
“You’re really fuckin’ perfect, you know that?”
“Language,” she chastised, huffing out a laugh. “I need to get ready for my next class, so send me the details on when you’d like me to arrive and I’ll see you later.”
We hung up after saying our goodbyes and I tucked my phone away, a smile pulling at my lips. When Isla and Jasper came into my life, dating was the last thing on my mind. Stumbling into Simone’s classroom felt like fate. She was exactly what I needed to get through the hard parts. I was already thinking of claiming her and it hadn’t even been a full month of dating yet.
The thought made my chest twinge uncomfortably. I couldn’t claim her how I wanted to until the restrictions were lifted. Not only was I not allowed to wear my cut or get her one of her own, but I didn’t want her tied so publicly to the crew right now. Not until shit died down. She was already targeted just by being onthe road at the wrong time. Giving her a property patch would be like putting a fucking target on her back.
Shaking off the thought, I pulled up my contacts and selected a different number. I knew if I wanted to pull this off, I couldn’t just have it be me and Jasper alone. He’d find it awkward and I honestly didn't blame him. I figured a teenager would have more fun with other kids his age around, and I wasn’t comfortable with the idea of being the sole guardian in that situation, not with all the shit that’d been happening. I knew of at least one person who would jump at the chance to join in.
“Yo, Zero!” Rooster greeted cheerfully. “How’s it hanging?”
I rolled my eyes at the greeting. “Hey, Rooster. Got a favor to ask.”
He hummed noncommittally, and with the noises in the background, I got the feeling he was doing the same thing I was, phone tucked against his ear while he got his work done. The thought made me smirk.
“Depends. Will it make up for the fact that you had a gathering and didn’t invite me? I’m hurt, Z. I thought we were friends.”
Should’ve known Rooster wouldn’t make this easy. Idiot was always causing trouble.
“I didn’t plan that. Jasper and Xander did. But yes, this should make up for it. I want to take some of the kids to the arcade. Jasper’s been looking out for Isla and me, I want to give him some time to just relax and be a kid. I was thinking the arcade at the mall, but after the last time I was there went to hell, I’m not comfortable going alone. Would you be down for joining and playing chaperone with me?”
His tone turned serious. “You’re right. Alone would be a bad idea. Happy to help, man. Have there been any sightings of Battle’s crew at the mall since last time?”
“I haven’t heard anything.”
