Page 5 of Roam

“Okay, ask away.”

She paused as if she was gathering her courage. What could have her so worried?

“I’m a single mom. Would there be affordable childcare? And you mentioned housing. How much?”

“How old are your kids again?”

“My youngest daughter is three and my oldest is almost six.”

“Okay, so there is affordable childcare. I think I mentioned my MC, which is not a one percent MC, by the way. It is very family-oriented and works closely with the bail bonds company. There is childcare onsite at the compound at a deeply discounted rate for members of the MC and their affiliates. The shop is a ten-minute ride from the compound. As an employee of one of our companies, you’d get the discounted rate. I have three kids but two are toddlers. Toddler childcare is a little more. For the three, I pay three hundred a month. My kids are too young to be in school, but Phoebe, who is the daughter of one of our members, is in school. I’m sure your oldest could ride with her. Sometimes, she joins her mom at the bail bonds gym, or sometimes, she gets picked up by someone else. There’s a lot of help with parenting. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love kids in the MC.”

“Can you repeat that? You said three hundred a month? I was paying that a week.”

“Well, the daycare isn’t meant to make a huge profit. It’s a service to our families and employees, so it just needs to make enough to survive and pay the employees.”

Sprite chewed on her lip as he gazed at her. He was sure it sounded too good to be true, but he and Rascal wanted someone good. Being a small town, they had to make it as attractive as possible. Maybe he’d just answer the rest of her questions.

“Housing is provided on the compound. We have a couple houses on the compound that have two to four bedrooms available. Rascal and I are including the first year’s rent as part of your package because we really want you.” He paused, then laid his hand on her arm. “So, for me, last night was amazing and I would love to pursue something with you. On the other hand, I don’t want you to feel any type of pressure, so if you say last night was a one-time only, then I’ll abide by that. Rascal and I co-own the studio with a percentage paid to the MC. Rascal wants to eventually retire completely. If, after six months, you decide it’s a place you want to stay and be one of the owners, Rascal and I will sit down and set out a plan for you to buy into the place. If you’re interested at all, Rascal is waiting today for me to video call so he can chat with you and answer questions.”

Sprite stood up and walked around the area. Roam waited and let her think. He hopped on his phone, scrolling to see if he had messages. When he didn’t, he decided to text his dad.

Roam: So how did you know Mom was the one?

Baron: I knew immediately when she fainted in my arms and I held her for the first time, that my life had changed. I don’t think I can describe it besides a knowing deep inside I wanted to take care of her. Then you and your brother crawled inside my heart, and I knew you would be my sons. Did you meet someone?

Roam: The woman Rascal and I wanted to join our shop. I don’t know if she’s the one or if she’s just the first woman who treated me like a person. After Shanna, I don’t trust myself to know what to do. I have to protect my kids.

Baron: You know there’s this thing called dating where you figure out if the person is the one for you. It might be an option. Make Rascal her boss.

Roam: It’s a little more complicated than that.

Baron: You boys can’t do easy. What’d you do?

Roam: Why do you think I did something?

Baron: If you weren’t feeling guilty, you’d be asking your mom for advice. What don’t you want Regina to know?

Roam: Friggin’ hell.

Baron: Just tell me.

Roam: One-night stand before I knew she was the tattoo artist.

Baron: Did you suck? I don’t see the problem.

Roam: I’m not telling you how I was. Jeez, you’re my dad. I don’t want her to feel she has to sleep with me to get the job.

Baron: Son, I’ve wiped your butt. Held your head when you had the flu and vomited all over my cut. Yeah, that was a great time. And I gave you the sex talk. If you’re worried about her feeling like she has to sleep with you, then tell her straight out she doesn’t. Does she know you’re technically still married?

Roam: I’m separated because the skank left. Once the time’s up, it will be official.

Baron: Technically, you are married even though I don’t consider you to be because you’ve tried. Don’t let her find out. Tell her. She might think you’re a cheat.

Roam: Okay, gotta go. She’s coming back.

Sprite sat down beside him, staring into his eyes. He wished he knew what she was thinking.

“I think I’d like to talk with Rascal on video.”

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