Page 88 of Broken

Chapter Nineteen

Petal folded the laundry. She’d already beganmaking lots of little piles. For the past few days, she had gone througheveryone’s room, made a note of who had what, and began the massive task oforganizing. Maybe it was growing up with a houseful, or just knowing what shewas supposed to be doing, but either way, she had been able to combat what feltlikemonths worthof laundry.

In fact, with the women currently living in theclubhouse, it had gotten a thorough cleanup. Petal hated mess, and it wouldseem Tanya was not one for it either. Kim had all the help she needed and ahusband that wanted to please her.

“I thought I would find you in here,” Rosaliesaid, coming toward her, holding a mug of coffee.

“You didn’t have to do that,” Petal said. “Youcould have gotten anybody else to carry me a coffee. I do not want you gettingsick.”

Rosalie smiled. “I’m not feeling sick right now,and besides, I feel like I don’t get to see you a lot anymore. We rarely hangout.”

Petal looked toward her best friend. “That isbecause you’re very pregnant, and you’re still getting to know Colt, and it hasbeen crazy. I can’t believe I’m currently living in an MC clubhouse. This isnew.”

Her friend laughed and came to join her. “I shouldhave known if there was anyone who could fix this mess, it would be you.” Sherested her head on her shoulder. “How have you been?”

“I’ve been … good. Better than good.”

“I know you’re inDirty’sroom. Is he being a gentleman or do I have to kick his ass?”

Petal laughed and patted her friend’s hand. “Youdon’t have to worry about me and Dirty. We’re making it work.”

“Making it work? Does that mean you and Dirty areback together?”

“I don’t know what it means for Dirty and me, butwe’re doing better.”

“And is this what you want?” Rosalie asked.

Petal stopped and thought about it and nodded.“Yeah, I think it is.”

“Even after everything?”

She lowered the shirt she was holding and glancedover to her friend. “Do I need to remind you exactly what your husband waslike, and how he left you on your wedding night? That same man who threatenedto make your life miserable is now the father of your child, and if I’m notmistaken, I’ve heard you tell him you love him?” Petal mockingly gasped.

“That’s different.”

“It is?”

“Yeah, that … was … it’s complicated.”

“And now it’s not complicated. Dirty and I havecomplications, but we’re going to work through them. It’s no different.”

“You have a choice, Petal. You could get away fromthis.” Rosalie grabbed her arms and stopped her from folding a pair of boxerbriefs. “I’ve been thinking about this a lot, and my mom is gone, and you’re free.You have no true ties to the MC, and you don’t have to be living your life likethis. You know there is a death threat on the club, right? Anyone associatedwith it … and this was not supposed to happen. You’re a free woman. You havethe right to go and do whatever the hell you want, free from all of this.”Rosalie looked half possessed as she spoke. Petal reached and stroked a fingerthrough her hair, tucking it behind her ear.

“No, you’re wrong. The moment you and I becamefriends was the moment I was all in.”

“Petal—”

“Stop it,” Petal said, cutting her off. “I am notangry. I’m not disappointed or upset. Sure, our life didn’t exactly goaccording to plan, but whose really does? Men were not meant to get involvedwith our lives, and yet they are. You’ve got Colt, and I’ve got Dirty. This isnot what either of us wanted, but it is what we’ve got, and I am okay withthat. I like working at the diner. I like it even more that we’re running thediner. We don’t have to dodge the wayward hands of the boss. We’re our ownboss, with limits, I know, but it’s better than nothing. You’re happy. I’mfinding my happy.”

“But what Dirty did…”

“It’s no different than what Colt did, not really,and you found it in your heart to forgive him, right?”

“He’s my husband.”

“AndDirty’s… mine.”Petal shrugged. “I’m happy. Don’t feel sad or guilty. You’re my best friend,and I wouldn’t change what has happened. I mean, there are some things I wouldhave changed, but we can’t. We’ve got to embrace what we’ve got, and we’ve gotto make this work for us.”

“Petal, I love you,” Rosalie said.

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