Page 87 of Rest In Pieces

“You think?”

“Yeah, I do. Now go take a shower because you stink, and I’ll make something for us to eat. I assume he’s coming over later? I’ll head to the library for a little while to give you guys some space. Actually, I could probably get a hotel room for the night?—”

I cut her off. “He wants me to stay with him tonight at the clubhouse, so you’ll have the RV all to yourself.”

“Oh, that’s perfect. I was struggling with this one scene, and it came to me while I was driving. I had to pull over and make a few notes so I didn’t forget. Now I can write in my PJs and stuff my face at the same time, both things frowned upon at the library.”

“Are you sure? I’ve been spending a lot of time with G since you moved in here, and the last thing I want you to feel is abandoned.”

I tilt my head as I realize what I said. I have been spending a lot of time with G, so Monica getting his attention at work has more to do with my insecurities and less to do with him. Dammit.

“I’m sure. I really do want to get this book done. And as much as I love spending time with you, this thing won’t write itself, unfortunately.”

“Alright, but promise you’ll let me know when you wanna do something like catch a movie or have girls’ night or whatever, okay?”

“Absolutely. After I write ‘the end,’ let’s go out. We’ll find a place to dance and have drinks and celebrate.”

“Now that’s a plan I can get behind.”

I leave her to finish putting things away and jump in the shower. I keep my hair out of the spray and wash off quickly before climbing out and drying off. I wrap the towel around me and search through my clothes, trying to decide what to wear.

In the end, I keep it simple—I’m going to an MC clubhouse, not The Ivy. I pull on a pair of dark boot-cut jeans and a silver knit tank top that dips low enough in the front to show some cleavage but not so low that I risk flashing anyone my nipples. I grab my low-heeled biker boots with silver buckles, figuring we’lltake his bike, and my black leather jacket with silver zippers on the sleeves.

Not wanting my hair to become a tangled mess, I braid it and pull it over my shoulder. I add a few silver rings and a pair of hooped earrings to finish the look.

I leave my gun behind for Nevaeh. She might hate them, but she knows how to shoot, and it makes me feel better about leaving her alone. Still, I don’t want to walk into the clubhouse unarmed. I think for a moment. I’ve got just the thing.

I head out of my room, passing Nevaeh, who gives me a whistle. I grin at her but keep walking until I’m standing next to the driver’s seat. I reach up and untangle the silver rosary that once belonged to my mother from the rearview mirror. Pulling the bottom part of the cross off reveals a small blade that, though short, is wickedly sharp—kind of like Pippin.

My mom always wore it, saying a woman could never be too careful. I click the bottom piece back into place, slip the beads over my head, and pull my braid free. The cross sits in the V of my chest and adds a gothic twist to my outfit.

“What do you think?” I turn and pose for Nevaeh, who’s stir-frying some vegetables. The smell is making my mouth water.

“You look hot.”

“I’ll take that. Should I bother putting on makeup? I’m not sure what time G will be here, and I don’t want to overdo it.”

“Yeah, put some on. It shows you made an effort. I know you usually skip it because it sweats off your face, but the only exercise you’ll be getting tonight is the sexy, fun kind. Just remember to pack some makeup wipes.”

“Yes, Mom,” I say with a grin before heading back to the bedroom to throw a few things into my backpack—mainly clean underwear and makeup wipes, of course. I toss in my toothbrush, phone charger, Kindle, and a change of clothes.After zipping it up, I carry it out to the living area and place it on a chair before sitting at the table.

“Do you need any help with anything?”

“Nope. It’s almost done.”

“Okay, I’ll do the dishes then.”

“Whatever makes you happy. So, you’re off for the next couple of days, right?”

“Yep, unless I get called in to reshoot something.”

“Do you have any plans, or are you going to have a lazy few days? And when I say lazy, I mean run a half-marathon for fun and maybe eat some egg whites.”

I stick my tongue out at her. “I thought I’d mostly just have lots of hot and sweaty sex. The rest? I’m going to play by ear. I might even sleep in.”

“Oh, you rebel, you.”

“Alright, smart-ass, what about you? Gonna spend your weekend with your fictional boyfriends, or maybe go out and talk to a real-life man?”

---