Page 8 of Roam

“So I think we should toast you kicking booty at the competition and securing a job with housing. I’m really proud of you, Sprite, even though I’m not your parent. From the first time I saw you struggling to carry everything into this house, you’ve always put those girls first.”

Sprite struggled to keep from crying. Her own mom had never said she was proud of Sprite, but Clara, who had only known them a while, was proud of her and let her know. Sprite placed her drink on the counter and slid her arms around Clara.

“I don’t know how I would have survived without you next door.”

“Oh, Sprite. You’ve given me as much as I’ve given you. Those girls keep me young. Now, tell me about the job and where you’ll be living.”

“Well, I’ll be working at Bluff Creek Ink. It’s a smaller studio with only the three of us working there, but Rascal, my boss, wants to transition to part-time. Roam is the one who offered me the job. There’s a three bedroom, two bath house on the MC compound that is part of my package. Roam said they aren’t a one percenter club, and they also do security jobs with the bail bonds in town.”

Sprite kept her voice even, but she knew her face was flushing when she mentioned Roam.

“Now tell me about this Roam. Your voice changes when you talk about him, along with that lovely look on your face. Did you take a biker for a ride?”

Sprite giggled. Clara might be in her seventies, but she was open and talkative about a woman’s needs.

“I did but then I found out he was going to be one of my bosses. Well, Rascal and he decided that Rascal would be the only boss, but oh my, I don’t want to endanger my girls’ security.”

Clara leaned closer at the table, patting Sprite’s hand. “Sprite, sometimes things work out. I know you haven’t seen that happen, but I feel good about this. Now, who do I need to talk with about finding a rental in Bluff Creek?”

Sprite had held back but at the thought of Clara coming with them, she couldn’t stop the tears from coming. She’d tried to be strong when she became a mom to Blake and then again when she lost her job. But tonight, it was all too much.

“You’re coming with us?” Sprite whispered.

“Honey, you couldn’t stop me if you tried. Now, do you have Roam or Rascal’s number? I’d like to give them a call to check.”

Sprite grabbed her phone and shared the numbers with Clara.

“Now, if you’re packing tonight, then I’ll stay and help. If you just want to take a relaxing bath and go to sleep, then I’ll head home.”

She’d really like to get started on packing, but she was exhausted. Oakley usually woke up early and her dropping off early just about guaranteed it. Her best course of action was getting some sleep and getting a fresh start tomorrow.

“Sleep, I think.”

Clara smiled and stood, hugging Sprite close. “Don’t worry about breakfast. You know I’ll be up early. I have some breakfast items I need to get rid of. Text me when you’re awake and want the food.”

Sprite saw Clara to the door, then stood on her porch until Clara had entered her house safely. Then Sprite closed and locked the door. She glanced around the living room, making a mental list of what she’d need to do. For now, she’d take a hot shower and head to bed.

She could work on the logistics tomorrow. Knowing Clara would be coming with them gave her an added layer of comfort.

Chapter Five

Roam had loaded the last of the boxes and packing material in the SUV, along with some totes to contain the kids’ toys and clothing. His mom had texted a list of items that would make it easier for Sprite and her family to relocate to Bluff Creek. She’d mentioned Winnie and Bear were two of the people coming to help. They were bringing Phoebe with them to meet Sprite’s kids. Regina hoped the kids would feel comfortable enough to ride back with Phoebe.

Regina and Baron were having a grandkid sleepover at their house with Meg and Rascal whenever they got to Bluff Creek. Phoebe was in charge of inviting Sprite’s kids. His mom had hoped immediately introducing them to the Bluff Creek kids would help with the transition.

With the phone call from Clara last night asking if there was room at Bluff Creek for her, they’d made a couple of changes in the plans. They were leaving it open to either leave on Monday for Bluff Creek after packing all day Sunday or leave Tuesday if they needed the second day to pack. Since he had no idea how big Sprite’s or Clara’s houses were, he had multiple contingencies.

He asked Sprite what she and the kids liked to eat for take-out. She’d mentioned pizza and Chinese. Since he expected his brothers to pull in about the same time he got to Sprite’s house, he was picking up both. He’d already bought enough plasticware to get them through meals until they left town. He’d texted Bear to grab drinks for everyone and had been informed Winnie had loaded up a couple coolers before they left Bluff Creek. He’d hoped to be there before noon but even with the two-and-half-hour drive and the shopping for packing items, he’d be getting there right before eleven.

He got in the truck and started to put his phone in the holder but realized he’d missed a text.

Cannon: Flick, Beth, Ellie and I just got in town. Need us to pick anything up before we get there? Bear, Winnie, Phoebe and Kennedy are ahead of us, I think.

Roam: I think we’re good.

Roam grinned, thinking of Sprite’s face when his family invaded. They were loud, loving and sometimes a little crazy. He hoped they didn’t scare her away because he was looking forward to working normal hours at the tattoo shop with the three of them working to get caught up.

He placed the first order from the drive-through in the large cooler he’d bought. He figured it would keep the food warm and then they could use it to transport Sprite’s refrigerator contents.

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