Page 26 of Catcher

Ruby flashes through my head before I can stop it.

“You all right, baby?” Mom pulls me back.

I blink, focusing on her again. “Yeah,” I say. “I’m good, Ma.”

It’s a lie.

She knows it.

I know she knows it.

But she doesn’t push.

She never does.

Silence settles between us, not uncomfortable. Just… there. Then she tilts her head slightly. “You gonna come home soon?” she asks gently. “It’d be good to see you.”

I huff quietly, glancing over Bourbon Street. “You’re seein’ me now.”

Mom smiles, but there’s something softer behind it. “I can’t hug you over the phone.”

The words land harder than I expect, the ache settling heavy. I swallow it down, unsure whether it’s guilt, longing, or something else I can’t name.

I run my thumb over my mug, staring at nothing. “I’ll see what I can do.”

Not a yes.

Not a no.

Her smile brightens just a little. “That would be nice.”

I sigh. “Gotta run, Ma,” I say after a beat. “Got work today.”

She nods, already understanding. “Your father and I love you, sweetheart.”

I swallow once. “Love you too.”

“Take care of yourself.” She smiles again, but her eyes look worried now, the warmth in her tone shadowed by concern she’s trying to hide.

“I will.”

The call ends, and the screen goes dark.

I stand there for a second longer, staring at my reflection in the black screen, then glance back out over the city.

Home. Sometimes I miss it—not the place, but the feeling. Even so, New Orleans is where I need to be.

I finish the cigarette, stub it out against the railing, and take the last sip of coffee before pushing off.

Inside, I rinse the mug, set it in the sink, then grab my cut and keys. The apartment door locks behind me with a solid click.

Downstairs, the street is waking up a little more. I swing onto my bike, fire her up, and head out.

The ride to the clubhouse is quick and quiet. No one is there when I pull in. No bikes or noise, just empty space and the lingering scent of leather, whiskey, and smoke.

Out of habit, I quickly check doors and windows and walk the perimeter of the property.

Everything is solid.