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York didn’t miss a beat, as if waiting for me to quiz him. “I have a fenced yard.”
“What if your dog bullies my dog?”
“Junior is a skittish weenie. Mochi will own his ass.”
Sharing his smile, I pushed myself into a sitting position. As long as I didn’t apply pressure to my foot, my pain was manageable.
“If I plan to leave the lazy tranquility of the Sorority House, I’ll need to figure out crutches,” I said and eyed them leaning against the wall near the TV.
York moved with purpose toward them. Holding them, he eyed the crutches like he wasn’t certain about bringing them to me.
“Can you get into a standing position on your own?” York asked, holding the crutches hostage as he walked toward me.
Scooting to the edge of the cushion, I used the arm of the couch to push myself up onto my good foot.
“Ta-fucking-da!” I said triumphantly.
My parents applauded while York helped me adjust the crutches under my arms. Once they were the right height, I began to inch around the room. York moved tables out of the way and shoved aside rugs. I managed to pour myself a glass of juice in the kitchen and return to the couch before needing a break.
Over the next two days, I practiced often and became more confident. Whenever I wanted to be lazy and get rolled around, I thought about York’s house. I had often imagined spending time with him in Baton Rouge. Now, I had a chance to enjoy the man I loved in his home.
Even with our plans in motion, my dad suggested I get “permission” from my club president about the trip.
“Clint might worry about you heading into enemy territory,” Blackjack said, and his dark eyes flashed with concern. “The security here was already good, but it’s been beefed up over the last week. I don’t want to take you and your mom somewhere unsafe.”
York claimed the former Black Rainbow members were desperate for a truce and wouldn’t start trouble. Though Blackjack trusted York, he still wanted me to get Clint’s opinion first.
After breakfast, I sat outside while York showered. Nearby at the pool, Sabrina called for our mutt, Death to Missouri. The dog was named after our hatred for the state where Boone had been jailed on bullshit charges. I still felt intense sadness whenever I imagined my brother locked up.
Boone had been so bitter about his situation. I worried he might never find peace. Fortunately, a beautiful brunette had moved to Little Memphis before his release. Nova and her girls healed my brother’s pain.
Cher joined me on the porch couch and stroked my head. “You’re getting good with your crutches.”
Smiling, I admired how much color she had in her face today. “Where have you been?”
“At the hospital with Tricky. He’s awake more. I’ve been going every day, but Rock insisted I leave today.”
Noticing Cher’s frown, I said, “Rock probably thinks you need to rest. Sitting at the hospital can be exhausting.”
“You sat there every day when I was hurt.”
“Yes, but I also rested. That’s what you need before seeing Tricky again.”
Cher’s blue eyes scanned the quiet yard before she said, “Rock doesn’t want me to feel bad for Tricky. He blames him for what happened.”
I avoided the last part since Rock wouldn’t be wrong about Tricky’s culpability. Instead, I helped Cher see the men’s behavior more clearly.
“Tricky has been our friend from way back. But Rock is a Rawlins kid. He’ll always be more protective of you than he is of Tricky. And you nearly died last year. So, when Rock acts like a bully, just know his behavior comes from his worry over you and not because he doesn’t like Tricky.”
Cher smiled at my words. “Rock is like an obnoxious big brother. I like that.”
Stroking her green hair, I asked, “Do you still have romantic feelings for Tricky?”
“I’ll always love him,” Cher said, making me worry. “But he put me in a box. I need to be free, especially after I nearly died. I want to embrace life, not hide from it.”
“So, you’re worried about him?”
“And he visited me a lot when I was in the hospital. I know he cares about me. We just can’t work because we’re too different.”
