Page 7 of Sweet Pea

“What the hell was thatall about?” Rob asked.

“I honestly have no idea,” I replied, equally as stunned, but trying to keep my composure.

“Why did he come over here?”

“Rob, I don’t know. I was standing here, talking with the Millers, and he just strolled on over like he didn’t have a care in the world,” I lied. He didn’t need to know it was me who approached Sweet Pea.

Rob leaned in and whispered, “Does he know about the file? And what was that about meeting you for a drink?”

“I told you, I don’t know. It all happened so fast.

“Callie, the Burning Saints are stone cold criminals and we have no idea what this Sweet Pea guy has planned for you.”

I could tell Rob was genuinely concerned, and I appreciated that, but I also sensed a desire to protect me that felt more romantic than friendly. As much as I liked and respected Rob I never viewed him as anything more than a friend. There were times, however, when I feared he wanted more from our relationship. Admittedly, I was never great about picking up on romantic social cues, spending most of my high school and college days studying rather than mastering the art of dating as many of my friends seemed to do.

“I’d never go anywhere I didn’t feel safe. Besides, wherever we’re meeting is going to be a public place, so what’s he going to do? Whack me in the middle of some Italian eatery?”

“You’re making mob jokes, but you’re not too far off, Callie. You know the violence these clubs are capable of. Besides, after what you just went through, do you really think that you’re in shape enough emotionally to meet a biker for drinks?”

“I think I can take care of myself and my emotions just fine, thank you,” I snapped.

“Come on Callie. That’s not what I meant, and you know it.”

I did and he was probably right, not that it would stop me from meeting with Kimble. Rob didn’t need to know the real reason I was meeting with Kimble. In fact, the less he knew the better. For his sake.

“All I’m saying,” Rob continued, “is that you’ve been through a lot over the course of this trial and we’re all pretty wrecked over what just went down in there. I just want to make sure you’re making clear-headed decisions when it comes to your safety and well-being.”

Rob meant well and was right. I was crispy around the edges and the last thing I should be doing was exactly what I was about to do.

“As soon as Kimble texts me with the location, I’ll text you. Okay?”

“Don’t be a hero, Callie. If you feel unsafe at any time, you get the hell out of there and call the police.”

“I will,” I replied but Rob looked unconvinced, so I held up my right hand. “I swear.”

“Do you need a lift home?” Rob asked.

“That’s super sweet, but no thank you. I’m going to head back to the office before meeting Kimble. I’ll just get an Uber,” I said pulling out my phone.

“You’re going back to the office? Don’t you ever take a break?”

“I need to grab something from the office before I meet with him. I can get changed there.”

“Of course, you have a spare change of clothes at the office.”

“Spare clothes are what you keep in your bottom drawer, Rob. I have a portable dressing station. I don’t fuck around,” I said with a smile.

“No, I suppose you don’t,” he replied before turning and heading for the parking garage.

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