Page 76 of Fletch

“Me too.”

“Let’s go out for dinner,” he suggests. “Me, you, and Ruby.”

I bite on my lower lip. I don’t have to hide from the public any longer, but it still feels strange. “Okay.”

Fletch found a nice place that catered to Ruby’s specific request of a gourmet burger. And as we all sit, it feels right, like this is how it was always supposed to be, and again, I’m hit with the guilt that I let my father take her from me.

“So, what’s your plan?” asks Ruby, and I arch a brow, not having a clue what she’s referring to. “What will you do for work?”

“Oh.” I take a drink. I haven’t given it as much thought as I should have. “No idea.”

“Do you have savings to help pay the bills until you find something?” asks Fletch.

I nod. “But they won’t last long. Maybe I can speak to my father and ask again for a transfer?”

“For a job you never wanted to do?” asks Fletch. “You don’t seem sad you lost it.”

I shrug. “I don’t feel sad.”

“So, why continue? You didn’t get your father’s approval, which is why you did it.”

“He’s right. A career change is exactly what you need,” Ruby agrees.

“I don’t have any idea what else I’m good at,” I argue. “I’ve put everything into this career.”

“Take some time,” suggests Fletch.

“Speaking of jobs,” says Ruby, glancing at Fletch, “Dad said I could help in the garage on Saturdays . . . just in the office,” she adds.

I frown at her using the term ‘dad’ when she’s only just met Fletch. It sounds odd, but he doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, he beams in delight. “You’re a little young,” I argue.

“Come on, Gem, a Saturday job might do her good after all that private schooling.”

“What will happen with that?” asks Ruby.

Sadness hits me again. Ruby’s life will change so much already, and now, she’ll have to start all over again at a new school, making new friends. “I don’t think Mark will continue to pay,” I admit. “And I don’t know if I can afford the fees.”

“I’ll cover it,” says Fletch without missing a beat. I begin to shake my head in protest, but he holds a hand up. “She can’t leave the place because of us, especially when she’s got friends and a life there. I’ll cover it.”

“And will I stay living with you?” she asks, looking in my direction.

“Yes.”

“Unless she can’t get a job and cover her mortgage, then you’ll stay at the clubhouse.”

Ruby’s eyes widen. “Oh my god, can I?”

“No,” I snap, glaring at him.

“You think I’d see my daughter on the streets?”

Ruby smirks. “You guys are already arguing like real parents. It’s so cool.”

After dinner, Fletch insists we head back to the clubhouse. Ruby already loves it there, so I don’t really get a say, and as we step inside, she’s met by various bikers who fist bump her in greeting like she’s always been a part of the club. It’s sweet to see, and for a minute, I almost forget who these men are and what they’re capable of.

“You shouldn’t say things like that in front of Ruby,” I whisper to Fletch. “We need to discuss living arrangements before you offer promises.”

He shrugs. “If you lose your house, she’ll be here with me. There’s nothing to discuss.”

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