But it was early. Way too early for his ass to be up.
So, I decided to stop by the kitchen and grab myself some coffee. It was hot and strong, just the way I liked it. I sat down at the table and listened as the brothers started to stir. There were a couple of random coughs, a few muttered groans and curses, and an unidentified loud thud. Just your typical morning at the clubhouse.
I found comfort in it.
I liked knowing what to expect.
And lately, it was something I’d been missing. I finished off the last of my coffee and went over to pour myself another cup. I was considering making myself some breakfast when Preacher walked in, looking like he’d been up for hours. It wasn’t surprising. The man was always the first to face the day.
I gave him a nod. “Morning.”
“Morning.”
He poured himself a cup of coffee, then leaned against the counter and gave me one of his looks. It was his way of letting me know that he knew something about me that I more than likely didn’t even know myself. He took a sip from his coffee, then asked, “Late night or early morning?”
“Little of both.”
“Par for the course,” he chuckled. “Miss the days when I could burn the candle at both ends.”
“Like you ever stopped.”
“No stopping but definitely slowing down.” He raised his brow. “How are things with your brother?”
“Not too bad,” I admitted. “He’s been pulling his weight, and he isn’t half-assing it either.”
“I saw him load the truck last night.”
“Heard about that. Heard he’d helped restock the bar, too.”
“Fixed a damn good meal last night.”
“That he did.”
“You think it’ll last?”
“I don’t know.” I took a drink of coffee. “He’s not planning on staying long. In fact, he was supposed to check out a place yesterday.”
“I could make some calls… Any idea what he’s looking for?”
“No clue. I figure he’s just trying to find something he can afford. It can be a lot with all the deposits and shit, but I’ll help if he needs it.”
“Just let me know if I can do anything to help.”
“Appreciate that.” I paused for a moment, then told him, “I don’t regret giving him a chance.”
“Good.” He lifted his cup, then turned and started out of the room. “I hope it stays that way.”
Once he was gone, I exhaled, letting go of tension that I didn’t even realize I was carrying. It was going to be okay. It had to be.
The clubhouse was waking up now. Doors were opening and closing. Voices were drifting down the hall, and the guys were filing in. Life was moving forward like it always did, and it was time for me to do the same.
I rinsed my mug and set it in the sink, then headed for the door. On a whim, I turned to the left. Figured I’d take the opportunity to check in on my big brother and make sure he was squared away for the day.
I stopped at his door and knocked.
No response.
I knocked again, a little harder, and yet again, no answer.
