Page 20 of Finding Solace
Kitten:No. She's not the onlyone.
Me:See you this weekendgorgeous.
Walkingin the door of Kings Construction, I'm greeted by our new receptionist Leah. Nikolai hired her a couple of weeks ago. Leah is Alba's friend from school. From what I understand she was having family issues and was needing a place to stay to get away from said family. With Leyna gone we needed a new receptionist. She lives with Alba's other friend Sam. I don't know Sam all that well, but he seems like a decent guy, and he's been a good friend to Alba. He even helped the club figure out who was stalking Alba. Sam is one of the applicants I'm interviewing today. I heard he lost his football scholarship and quit school. Alba said he was working construction before moving with Leah to Polson and was hoping to get hired on at KingsConstruction.
"How ya doin' sweetheart?" I say to Leah who is sitting behind the reception desk. The poor girl looks just as scared and jumpy as she did the first time I saw her in the clubhouse the night she drove Albahome.
Pushing her glasses up her nose, she squeaks out, "Good morning, Mr.Carter."
"You can call me Reid, okay?" After she gives me a shy nod, I rap my knuckles on the counter, "I'll be in the office. When Sam gets here, send him onback."
Thirty minutes later after grabbing some coffee from the break room and going over today's applicants, I hear a knock on my office door. Looking up from my desk, I see Sam standing at my door waiting my permission to enter. Tipping my chin and standing I hold my hand out to the kid, "How's it going, man? Come in and have aseat."
Taking my offered hand, Sam answers, "Doing pretty good. I appreciate you taking the time to see me today, Mr.Carter."
This here is why I like the kid, not only did he earn some of my respect when he had the balls to show up at the clubhouse months ago to help Gabriel's woman, he's also respectful. Respect goes a long way with me. "Not a problem, glad you could make it. Your former boss emailed his recommendation, he had nothin' but good things to say about ya. He said he was sorry to see you go." I inform him as we both take our seats. "Yeah, I liked it there, and I hated leaving my boss short-handed and in a bind, but I did what I had to do for my friend. Her safety is moreimportant."
Once those words left Sam's mouth, I knew I didn't need to hear any more. With his glowing recommendation and the fact that he's loyal as fuck to those he cares about, I know this kid is just what we need. "I've heard all I need to kid. I'm giving you the job." Picking up my pen, I scribble an address down on a piece of paper. "Be at this address tomorrow mornin' 7:00 amsharp."
I follow Sam out of the office and back up to the front. When I round the corner, I see Nikolai standing behind Leah, who's sitting at her desk. He's leaning over the back of her seat with his arms on each side of her and his palms on the desk, caging her in. The poor girl is stiff as a board, and her entire face has turned red as Nikolai mutters something into her ear. A few seconds later they both realize they have an audience. I look at Sam and see a shit eating grin on his face, and if possible, Leah's blush turns an even deeper shade of red. Without saying a word to his friend, Sam tips his head to me thenleaves.
"How'd the interview go?" Nikolai asks, completely ignoring what justhappened.
"I hired him, have a good feeling about the kid." Deciding to pull a Quinn and be nosey, I ask, "Want to tell me what that was all about?" I motion in Leah's direction as Nikolai follows me back down the hall and into my office. Shrugging his shoulders, "Nothing to tell, yet." Knowing what he means I let that be the end of the conversation. "Alright man, I'm going to head out and check on the new job site before calling it a day. Will I be seeing ya at the party thisweekend?"
"I wouldn't miss it, man. I'll be there," Nikolaiconfirms.
* * *
It'searly evening when I make it back home. Usually I would stop by the clubhouse and have a drink with my brothers, but I'm bone tired. Even though my PT has been cut back to once every two weeks and I'm off the crutches, I'm still not back at one-hundred percent. Not that I'm complaining, because my injuries could have been worse, hell I've had worse. I know how lucky I am. Deciding to forgo a shower right now, I head straight to my bedroom, strip off my clothes and sit on the edge of my bed. Reaching down, I take the prosthesis from my leg, then my compression sleeve and rub the swollen red flesh. Once some of the ache has diminished, I lie back in my bed. Seconds after my head hits my pillow; I'mout.
* * *
It's Saturday morning,and I'm in my bathroom staring at my reflection. The dream I woke up from just moments ago has me seeing shit in a whole new light. For the first time in a long time, I feel at peace. The dream started out the same as it always does, only this time there was no truck, and there was nodeath.
"I'm gonna miss you, Reid. I'll even miss the rest of the family. The club-they're my brotherstoo."
"Fuck, California isn't that far away. I'll be comin' to visit every chance Iget."
My brother looks at me somberly, "I'm not going to California,Reid."
"What the hell you talkin' about,Noah?"
He shakes his head. "It wasn't meant to be. God has a different plan for me. But know that I'm happy, Reid. You don't have to worry about me. You don't have to be sad or angry anymore. Everything is just as it should be. It's time for you to take your life back,Reid."
I'm so confused all I can do is stare at my brother. After a moment he speaks again. "Will you do something for me, bigbrother?"
"I'd do anything for you, Noah. You knowthat."
"I know Reid. And I know you'll make meproud."
I furrow my brow in confusion. "What do you mean? Noah, you're not makingsense."
"Not right now I'm not, but soon everything will make sense. And I'm counting on you not to let me down, Reid. I need my big brother to do me one more solid, okay. Promiseme."
"I've got your back little brother. I always do." I agree, giving him myword.
He gives me a big smile, "I knew I could count onyou."
