Page 117 of Conquering Oz

She furrowed her brows. “How do you know it’s a boy?”

His lips twitched. “’Cause men like Oz always get a fucking legacy.”

Elodie rested her hand on her stomach. There wasn’t a bump.Yet. It was still too early to determine the sex or even hear the heartbeat. But there was no denying she was pregnant with Oz’s child. Another member for the family. In the end, it all came down to family.

Rogue grabbed the bag and turned halfway. “Sal won’t fucking reach out to you.”

“What?”

“Said he wouldn’t push you to let him make amends. So, ball’s in your fucking court,Queen. We’re all waiting on you, including Oz.” Rogue started to the door. When he grabbed the handle, she blurted.

“Are there certain visiting hours at his place?”

He glanced over his shoulder, and his face softened. “It’s like fucking seven in the morning to nine at night. Some shit like that. If he’s not in his room, check the garden.”

The garden? Before she could ask what he meant, Rogue walked out the door.

*

The next day Elodie made a trip to the senior home. She had gone to the front desk and was informed he was not in his room. She considered waiting, but had no idea how long he’d be. She opted to leave a note. She was at the counter writing it when the woman behind the desk snapped her fingers. Elodie immediately glanced up, but she was looking past her. Elodie angled her head, recognizing the older man.

“Tom, you know where Sal is?”

He looked up to the ceiling and hummed. It was an odd and suspicious response. As if he was stalling. “Not sure. Why?”

The woman pointed to Elodie. “She’s here to visit, but he’s not in his room.”

Tom’s gaze jerked to Elodie, and he grinned. “Well, isn’t this a surprise! How are you, sweetheart?”

Elodie smiled. “I’m good. How are you, Tom?”

“Great.” He smiled and pointed to the woman behind the desk. “You know what? I think I saw him outside. Come with me, sweetheart, and I’ll escort you.”

Elodie muffled her laugh when he got a sneer from the lady. He ignored her, and Elodie followed behind, thanking Tom when he opened the door for her. He had to be about the same age as Sal, maybe a year or two younger. They were obviously good friends.

“Did you know where he was the whole time?”

Tom smirked. “I plead the fifth.”

Elodie chuckled and followed Tom through the courtyard. It was beautifully manicured with lots of trees and a colorful array of flowers.

“Here we are,” Tom grabbed her hand and led her off the path and through a patch of bushes. It opened up to a grassy hideaway. In the center were two folding chairs, a table between them with a glass of amber liquor and a large ashtray. The smell of cigar smoke sifted through her nostrils.

“How on earth do you manage to get so many beautiful women to visit you?” Tom teased.

Sal turned his head, the cigar inches from his lips. The corners of his eyes crinkled and he shifted his gaze past Tom, looking directly at her.

She waved. “Hi Sal.”

There was so much emotion in his eyes as if he was seeing a ghost. It lasted a few seconds before his mouth spread in a wide smile. He rushed to tap out his cigar and stood.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better surprise.”

There was an awkward stretch of silence.

“Your bread recommendation was great. We must’ve eaten the whole loaf in one sitting.” Tom glanced at Sal. “Isn’t that right?”

“Yeah,” Sal said, never taking his eyes off Elodie.

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