Page 7 of Roam

She’d need to leave a message for her brother at their prearranged drop box. He served in the military and was unavailable for months at a time. She’d left a message six months ago when she’d suddenly become guardian to her niece. Then she’d left another when she was let go, asking if there was any way for him to send her money.

She’d always been a saver but being all on her own and having a baby, then paying someone to keep her had drained her savings. She’d barely been making it as her daughter turned three, then suddenly she had her niece too. She was positive her brother sent money home to his baby mama, but Sprite hadn’t received any when she’d taken over.

If accepting a job at Bluff Creek meant her kids didn’t have to go without then she’d do it. She had to admit Roam was one of the main attractions at Bluff Creek too. She’d never felt a connection with anyone like she did with Roam, and they were fire in the bedroom. Oakley had been conceived when she finally let that loser boyfriend in her pants. Once he’d found out she was pregnant, he’d given her a thousand dollars and told her to get rid of it. She loved her daughter, but her sperm donor was a freaking loser. He’d been good at hiding who he really was until after he got in her pants.

Roam gave off a different vibe. Something about him told her to trust him and honestly, at this point, she didn’t have a choice. She had to try something new.

“If all the contestants could return to the stage, we have the results.”

Roam kissed the top of her head, then whispered, “You’ve got this.”

Sprite held back her tears as she walked toward the stage. It had been so long since someone told her they had confidence in her or held her in their arms. Her brother hadn’t been home for over a year and had been incommunicado for months. She’d been so alone until she walked into the hotel bar last night. She hadn’t realized how alone until Roam’s arms wrapped around her. She’d debated having his arms around her because hello, he was going to be a co-worker. Rascal had made it very clear she only reported to him, but she’d craved the contact when his arms had slipped around her. Being able to lean on someone had been something she was missing.

It boggled her mind that she’d only met Roam last night, but she was taking the leap. She wanted to have a home.

Sprite listened as the emcee named fifth, fourth and third place. Her name hadn’t been called. With only second and first left, she was guaranteed at least five thousand dollars for second and fifteen thousand dollars for first. This weekend had so been worth trying to juggle childcare and come up with the entrance money.

“First place is awarded to Sprite Pacer.”

Sprite’s heart pounded in her chest as she walked to the judge and accepted her plaque and check. Her real check was in a small envelope. The large cardboard check was only for pictures. She smiled as they took pictures, seeing Roam in the audience close by, snapping his own pictures.

Today was the start of a new job, new home and maybe a new relationship. She’d have to see if the tattooed, hot biker was all she thought he was because she didn’t have a lot of trust with men.

Chapter Four

Sprite and Roam had discussed their plans for her move. They were leaving the convention early instead of staying overnight until Sunday. She was heading the two-and-a-half hours to a small rental in Ardmore, Oklahoma, so she could talk to her girls tonight about their move. Roam was going to drop by their Texas Chapter in Cider Creek, spend the night, and borrow an SUV along with a trailer for his bike. He was going to pick up boxes, strapping tape, packing materials and then get up early tomorrow morning. He and the people from Bluff Creek would arrive before lunch on Sunday. They’d spend all day packing and then head out on Monday to her new home.

Sprite wanted time by herself to think a little and inform the kids what their plans were. She’d accepted the job with Rascal as her official boss. He and Meg had been genuinely happy and open to having Sprite join the tattoo shop along with her kids. Meg had even asked a couple questions about their likes and dislikes.

Growing up in the trailer park where her mom paid their rent weekly, Sprite hadn’t ever known how people could be neighborly until she’d moved into her rental house. Her next-door neighbor Clara was in her seventies and retired. She’d immediately stepped into a mothering role with Sprite and her children. Sprite had been hesitant at first because she’d grown up with people always having an angle.

Clara had proved to her over time that people could be genuinely kind. Sprite had the same feeling about Rascal and Meg.

Roam gave off a genuine feeling too, and she had to force herself to not start remembering their night together or she wouldn’t get anything done. She also couldn’t focus on how good his arms felt around her because she had to be smart. She was an adult, and her kids deserved for her to put them first.

But she couldn’t afford to move to Bluff Creek and have it blow up in their faces. She would do everything to make sure it was a permanent place for them. As much as she liked Roam and had enjoyed their time together, she wasn’t sure what was next. Should she push for friends only, co-workers only or should she consider something else? Being an adult sometimes sucked when no one gave you the correct answer.

Oakley and Blake deserved a chance at a happy, safe and secure life. Sprite would put whatever she needed to on hold to ensure they had it all. Not like her mom raised Sprite and her brother.

Once she told the kids what was happening, she needed to put a list together, including leaving a message for her brother at his drop box. Not that he’d read any of the last three messages or replied to them. He must not be in a safe place to connect with her.

There was so much to do but at least this time, she wouldn’t be worried about how she’d keep the electricity on or if they’d have enough money for food through the end of the week.

She pulled into her driveway and parked. Before she was completely out of the car, Clara was on her front porch holding Oakley while Blake ran to her. Blake jumped at the last second and Sprite caught her, though she struggled. At almost six, Blake was tall for her age but running and jumping was Blake’s thing with her dad. Sprite would continue catching Blake as long as she was physically able.

“How’d it go, Mama Sprite?”

Sprite smiled at the girl who she’d help raise. “Perfection. I won so you can pick whatever take-out you want. Clara can join us, and we’ll start packing.”

“You got a job?”

“Yes, and I’ll tell you all about it when we get inside.”

SPRITE WIPED DOWN THE counter after she’d sent Blake to shower. Oakley had fallen asleep right after eating, and Sprite had just wiped her down, changed her into pajamas, and put her in bed.

Sprite was curious what Clara thought about everything. She’d been quiet while Blake had peppered her with questions. Sprite wasn’t surprised that Blake had taken the move in stride because not only had she had a lot of upheaval in her life, Sprite had also explained before she left for the convention that her changing jobs might mean they’d need to move.

Clara picked up her glass of iced tea and Sprite’s glass of water and handed the glass to Sprite.

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