Page 123 of Shattering Nash

Sal glanced over and winked. A minute went by in complete silence. Sal straightened in his chair and pulled the phone from his ear and offered it to Charley.

She wasn’t sure what to do but instinctively, she took it and held it up to her ear.

“Hello?”

There was a small stretch of silence, but she could hear breathing on the other line. She was about to give another greeting when he spoke.

“Hey, Charley.”

She gasped, clutched her chest, and her eyes immediately began to well. It had been so long since she’d heard his voice.

“H-hi.” Her voice cracked as the tears streamed down her face. “H-how—” She cleared her throat. “How are you, Cody?”

“I’m alright.” He cleared his throat. “Program is really good. Everyone here is great, real supportive. Withdrawals suck, but I’m working through it.”

“I’m sorry.”

He scoffed. “That’s my line to you.”

Charley shook her head. She didn’t need apologies. Maybe someday but for now she just needed him to focus on his recovery.

“I feel good about it this time.” Cody said.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” He sighed. “But we’re breaking rules here. I gotta go, but uh” —He paused— “Thanks, Charley. For everything.”

The line went dead, and she handed the phone back to Sal. It took her a while to find the words and gather herself. Just when she thought she’d contained her emotions, tears rushed down her cheeks. She covered her face with her hands. Seconds later, Sal wrapped his arms around her. It was the comfort she needed. Charley wasn’t sure how long she cried in his arms, but she was the first to pull away.

Sal walked around the counter, grabbing some napkins and handing them to her before taking his seat again.

She wiped her eyes and cheeks. “He sounds good.”

Sal nodded. “That’s because he is good. And he’s only gonna get better.” He glanced down at his phone. “My ride is here. I can make him wait if you need me, honey.”

“I’m fine.” Charley walked him to the door. And he turned, snapping his fingers.

“Don’t forget. Dinner at Dahlia and Trey’s this week on Sunday. She wanted me to remind you.”

Remind me?Charley knew nothing about it. It must’ve showed on her expression because Sal chuckled, shaking his head.

“Guess Nash forgot to mention it. Every Sunday, the family gets together for dinner. Good food and a good time. You’ll like it. See you then.”

“Okay.” She smiled and watched him walk out the door and to the car waiting. She recognized Ridge and gave a small wave.

His face softened, and he lowered his chin as he closed the door, walking around to the driver’s side of the SUV.

****

Two fucking days.

It had been a struggle to be patient. But now his time had come. He hadn’t expected Oz to join him, or Rogue and Trey, for that matter. When he arrived at Killcreek’s safe house, they were all waiting. He walked up to the house, surprised to see Rogueand Ace in the same vicinity and not arguing. Maybe times were changing.

“About fucking time, Nash! You think I want to spend my night in this shithole town with these fucking assholes?” Rogue shouted.

Or maybe not.

Everyone ignored Rogue’s outburst, and they entered the house with Ace taking the lead. Each room was heavily guarded by a member of the club who fell in line as they walked to the back of the house and down the stairs to the basement.

---