Page 15 of Oz Wisdom

Taylor forced a swallow and locked eyes with Oz. “I had a car. Have a car.”

“Yeah? Where is it?”

Her shoulders dropped when she released her breath. “At the clubhouse.”

“Clubhouse? As in Drifter’s clubhouse?”

Taylor could only nod. Fear of his response forbade any explanation.

“Sorry darlin’. Chalk that one up to a loss. We have no influence to get it back. And you’re better off not setting foot back on the property. If you do try. . .” His words fell off. She imagined he was trying to determine a nice way to advise her of the consequences.

“I know what would happen. And I don’t want that.” She looked up. “I truly don’t want that.”

“Report it stolen and drop the insurance. Get your name away from the vehicle or you’ll be going down for something they do.”

Not what she wanted to hear. What she had expected? Maybe, but not wanted.

“London will talk to you. Be honest and forthcoming with her and she has things in place for most any obstacle that could hinder your progress. Trust her.”

“Okay.”

Oz placed her backpack onto the bed and turned to leave.

“Oz.” Taylor stepped forward as he spun back to face her. “Thank you.”

His wink was more than she expected. No words. No touch. But she could feel the warmth filling her. This was more than anyone had done for her of their own free will.

***

Taylor spun the glass in front of her with her fingertips, watching the ice cubes that appeared to stay in place as the glass moved. She and London sat at the small breakfast table in the kitchen where London had thought it would be more comfortable than her office. London jotted something down and looked back toward Taylor.

“I know Oz came here inquiring for you. And please don’t read this the wrong way, but I must ask. Do you want to be here?”

Did she want to be here? No. She wanted to be in her own home with her own car and job. But that was not an option, so what was the next best thing? Taylor looked up and nodded. “Yes. I know this wasn't my choice. But it was also an option I didn’t know about.”

“Oz didn’t share anything personal. But I was there at the clubhouse the day you and Chelle….” London’s words fell off. “Well. That horrible day, I was there although you may not recall.”

Taylor shook her head. Her mind was filled with other worries that day. She couldn’t recall who was there or who she may have met.

“It’s okay. It must have been very traumatizing. I arrived at the clubhouse in a similar situation. But I was lucky to survive my ordeal. The man I was with shot me and left me for dead. Fortunately, he dumped me on Troops land and Rash found me. So, I do understand the hardship of sudden change and breaking free of your past. But you have to want it. And if you want it, I’ll make sure it happens.”

Taylor bit her bottom lip. London was right. This was up to her. She straightened and locked eyes with London. “A few weeks before that day, we were on the bike, and I told him I needed to stop for tampons. We hadn’t intended to be out all day. Or at least I didn’t know if it had been planned. He flew into a rage that I would stain his seat and embarrass him if it had leaked. I convinced him that I had been having problems and needed to always have an extra pair of jeans and toiletries with me. He agreed and never wanted to see it. So, I bought a backpack and always kept it with me. But not for that reason, though I had a change of clothes, all of my money, and a few necessities. I was just waiting for a chance to run and not get caught. So yes, I want this. I want to be on my own. To support myself.”

“What about family?” London asked.

"My parents are in Missouri. I just learned my sister joined them last year. But I’m not sure I can go there yet."

"Have you talked to them? Or thought about reaching out to them for help?"

Taylor shook her head. “I haven't had a way to contact them since I lost my phone. But I'm not sure they would be of much help.”

"You're welcome to use any phone here. If you want privacy, my office is always open. You can call from there.”

"Thank you. I would like that. I have her phone number in my bag.”

"Go get it and I'll meet you in the office," London offered.

Taylor hurried up the stairs to her room. Her heart raced. Not from running up and down the steps, but from anticipation. What would Tenley say? Would she invite her to come stay with her? Had she missed her? She sucked in a deep breath and stepped into London's office.

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