Page 4 of Reacher's Ride or Die

“They hardly snatched me away, asshole,” Yonkers grumbled. “I came home to take care of my mother and ended up staying when my woman showed up on my mom’s front porch, pregnant.” Reacher had heard that story from Gloria a few times now, and he wondered if he’d ever get so lucky as to have a woman chase him across the country. He wasn’t a romantic, but he had to admit—that was pretty damn romantic.

“I’m just calling it how I see it,” Ryder joked.

Yonkers rolled his eyes and sat down next to Reacher. “How long you in town for, Ryder?” Yonkers asked.

“Just a few days,” he said, “I’m doing a favor for Hurricane, but I’m not allowed to talk about it, so don’t ask.”

Reacher wanted to ask, but if his club’s Prez was keeping a secret, that was his business, and sticking his nose in where it wasn’t welcome would only end up getting him into trouble.

“Well, whatever it is, Hurricane is lucky to have your help,” Yonkers said.

“Thanks, man,” Ryder said, “and I was sorry to hear about your mother. I haven’t had the chance to talk to you since you left Huntsville. How is she doing?” The Huntsville guys all sent his mother flowers, and Reacher thought that was such a kind gesture. He really loved seeing Gloria light up when the flowers were delivered.

“Yeah, Mom got the flowers that you guys sent. They really brightened her day,” Yonkers said.

“I’ll let Savage, and the guys know. But you still haven’t answered my question. How is she holding up?” Yeah, that was always a question that Yonkers tried to avoid.

“She’s doing well,” Yonkers said. “She has her good and bad days. She’s on her last round of chemo, and then, she’ll have her scans done again. We’re just hoping that she’s cancer-free again this time. She already beat cancer once,” Yonkers said.

“And she’ll beat it again,” Reacher insisted.

“Well, keep us informed down south,” Ryder said. “I’m heading out in the morning, but I’ll be back in a few weeks. You want me to bring you anything from Huntsville?” he asked Yonkers.

“Nope,” Yonkers said, “I’m planning on going home soon to see the family.”

“Great, well, stop by Savage Hell when you’re down there. Savage will have your ass if you don’t,” Ryder said.

Yonkers nodded, “Will do. See you guys later,” Ryder said, tossing down some cash for his beers. They watched as Ryderleft, and Reacher looked around the bar. Things were winding down for the night, and he knew that he needed to get home and catch some shut eye if he was going to get to Gloria’s in time to take her to her appointment in the morning. She asked him to fill in for Brandi since she needed the day off. He didn’t mind, really. Hanging out with Gloria gave him purpose and he loved catching up with her.

“I guess I’m going to head out too,” Reacher said. He started to stand from his barstool and Yonkers grabbed his arm.

“Hold up,” Yonkers said, “I need to talk to you for a minute.” Reacher knew that Yonkers wasn’t much of a talker, so if he wanted to talk to Reacher, then something had to be up.

“Sure,” Reacher said, sitting back down on the barstool. “What’s up?” Reacher asked.

“Mom told me that you met her new home care nurse,” Yonkers started.

“Yep,” Reacher said, “Gloria insisted that I go to my job interview, and she called her new nurse to come sit with her, so she was covered.” He worried that Yonkers might not be too happy that he left Gloria, but she insisted.

“Yeah, she told me that part too. Why didn’t you tell me that you had an important job interview?” Yonkers asked.

“I thought about it, but then, I remembered that you and Wren have been my friends since I moved into town. Plus, I love your mom. Hell, she’s more of a mother to me than my own ever was. You and Wren deserved a night out and hanging out with Gloria wasn’t a hardship,” Reacher insisted.

“I appreciate all of that, but next time, just be honest with me. I can find someone else to help with Mom. Hell, with her new nurse, you’ll have a lot more free time,” Yonkers said. Reacher wanted to tell Yonkers that he didn’t need free time, that he needed a purpose, and helping to take care of Gloria gave that to him.

“I don’t mind helping out with your mother, Yonkers,” he said.

“And I appreciate that, but I hired a nurse for her so that you don’t have to cart Mom all over town,” Yonkers said. He knew that fighting with his friend was useless. Yonkers seemed to have made up his mind, and if Reacher was lucky enough to get the job at the docks, he would need some extra free time.

“Well, I’ll be around if Gloria needs me or gets sick of her new nurse.” Reacher worried that Brandi wouldn’t do a good job taking care of Gloria, as ridiculous as that sounded. He had just become very protective of Yonkers’ mother, and letting her go now didn’t feel right.

“Thanks, man,” Yonkers said. “Um, how was the new nurse?” he asked. Reacher felt as though he might be walking into a trap because that was a loaded question. He wasn’t sure if Yonkers wanted to know if she was hot, capable, a bitch—the list could go on and on.

“I’m not sure what you’re asking,” Reacher admitted.

Yonkers smiled at him, “She’s hot, right,” he asked.

“You didn’t meet with her before hiring her to take care of Gloria?” Reacher knew that questioning his friend over who he hired to take care of his mother wasn’t his best idea, but he couldn’t stop the words before they left his mouth.

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