Page 40 of Blue

She popped open the door. The room was simple but clean. The spice of Rogue’s cologne and cigarettes scented the air. As soon as Jazzy finished her laundry, I’d wash mine. Having nothing clean to wear and getting settled gave me another excuse for why I couldn’t go to the MC.

Jazzy sat on the edge of the bed. “I wonder if Willow and Bear have my dad thinking about my mom. I don’t know. Sometimes, I think he regrets that they didn’t figure out a way to be together.”

After she left and headed back to the apartment, her words lingered in my mind. I didn’t want to look back with regrets, that Blue and I didn’t find a way to work. I had issues, but there was something wrong with Blue, too.

Blue

Sweat soaked the back of my shirt. I carried the left side of the sectional couch, and Rogue carried the right. Because Bear’s ass had permanently molded the old recliner in the living room, Willow had insisted on new furniture for the house.

The bathroom and kitchen each got a coat of paint. Levi’s old room had undergone a complete transformation. A fantasy mural covered one wall of the nursery. A mobile of jungle animals dangled over the crib against the wall. Willow’s old rocking chair was in the corner next to the window, and diapers were stacked in the changer.

“Willow wants to surprise Levi tomorrow after her doctor appointment.” Romeo popped another piece of Willow’s oatmeal cookies into his mouth. “Everyone is meeting here at three.”

“Fuck, man, you’re going to be a dad,” I said.

“I know. I wore condoms like a religion so I wouldn’t leave little Romeos out in the world. Now I got a kid coming, and I can’t fucking wait. I guess when it’s right, it’s right.”

“You know I want to be here,” I said, and Romeo nodded. “Jazzy needs to be, and I can’t leave Kiss alone.”

Not that I didn’t trust her. I believed her when she said she wouldn’t use. But I wasn’t going to contribute to her feeling alienated from her friends.

“Everyone knows she’s staying with Jazzy. That shit was never going to stay a secret.”

“Is Levi mad?”

“She’s feeling a bit spicy. I don’t know if you know this, but all the girls are crazy when it comes to you. She loves Kiss, but she’ll go off if Kiss pulls any shit with you. And she’ll have her crew of crazies with her.”

“Tell her she doesn’t need to worry.”

I followed Romeo outside. Rogue, Bullet, and Bear sat at the patio table.

“I can’t believe Sully’s ready to hang up his leathers.” The chair creaked as Bear adjusted.

Bullet laughed. “That’s what everyone is saying about you. Is the road telling you to call it a day?”

“Not the road.” He glanced to the house. Willow was somewhere inside.

“Sully is going to be buried on his bike. He’s just ready to slow down. The board is young now. He’s feeling his age.” Rogue pointed his cigarette at Bear. “No way your old lady gives up the MC.”

“I know Willow. She’s not going to be able to stay away from Levi and the little bean.” He turned to Romeo. “But she wants you and Levi to have the house.”

“Nothing I say is going to be enough,” Romeo said. “Thank you.”

Bear stood and patted Romeo on the shoulder. “Just take care of my girl.”

“You know I will.”

Rogue stood. “I guess I’ll see you all later at the MC,” he said to Romeo.

It would be an emotional night, knowing Sully would be retiring from the board. But what did that say about me? All I could think about was getting back to Kiss.

Bullet and Romeo backed their bikes out of the drive. Rogue and I were parked on the street. I expected him to follow Bullet and Romeo, but we headed in the same direction and parked next to each other in Sully’s driveway.

“I thought you were going to the MC,” I said.

“I am.” He dug into his pocket, pulled out a wad of money, and peeled off several bills. He handed them to me then rested a hand on my shoulder. “You’re on babysitting duty tonight.”

“You’re not paying me to watch Kiss.”

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