Page 85 of Greedy Grizzly
But tonight, everything would be out in the open.
After the song, we were going to make our announcement and I had to admit, I was getting nervous with Landon’s shaking leg vibrating against mine.
“Zombie looks like he’s struggling.” Landon nudged his head toward the bar. “I should go check on him.”
“I’m sure he’s fine.” I glanced over at the young biker. He was on the spectrum, high functioning, but socially awkward. And if he went without eating, which he often did, he’d have a meltdown.
“But I don’t want him making a scene.”
I sensed Landon was trying to escape our impending announcement. Relief washed over me when I saw Zombie unwrapping a footlong submarine sandwich. “Oh, look. He has his favorite sub. Crisis averted.”
Landon growled low.
“Look. If you don’t want to do it tonight, we don’t have to,” I whispered in his ear. “Nobody is forcing us to make a big deal about it.”
“But it is a big deal.” His arm went around my back and he pulled me against him. “We’re engaged.”
“Yes, and we’re with Toby.” I squeezed our man’s thigh to get his attention off his cell phone. Ciro Remotti blowed it up at all hours of the day and night. I hoped Toby knew what he was getting into working for the Mafia man.
“What’s up?” Toby asked.
“Just Landon being Landon,” I replied.
“Is he trying to get out of going on the stage?” Toby knew Landon pretty well for not being with him very much.
“Yup.”
“I’m going to do it. When is the song over?” Landon asked, sounding like a grumpy bear. “Let’s get it over with.”
My poor guy. I couldn’t imagine how hard this was for him after hiding his preference most of his life. I was confident it would all be fine and hoped we’d all see a different Grizzly once the weight of the world was off his shoulders.
Of course, there was still the issue of his brother, who was his only living relative. I’d love for Landon to reconnect with his older brother, but I didn’t think Landon wanted anything to do with him. The thought made me sad for him. But now wasn’t the time to mention it.
Clapping and whistling erupted as the song ended.
“Thank you. Thank you!” Track shouted. “Now if you’ll excuse us, I’m taking my woman to bed, because it’s hot up here.”
“Wait!” Landon launched to his feet, stunning me silent. “I have something to say.”
“Well, okay, brother. Hurry it up so the fire in me doesn’t burn out.” Track tugged his wife into his arms and kissed her neck.
“Come on.” Landon told Toby, then took my hand.
He was really going to do it. I was so proud of him, I just might cry.
“Must be something serious if you’re bring back up.” Track handed the mic to Landon.
“Yeah.” Landon exhaled a deep breath.
The room had quieted and every pair of eyes were on us. It almost seemed like they knew what was coming. Creepy…
“I won’t make this long,” Landon said. “Track needs to fuck his wife.”
Laughter insued, and I couldn’t help giggling. Landon wasn’t a funny guy, but sometimes he’d say things that were hilarious. It was totally unintention, just Landon speaking whatever was on his mind in a deadpan way.
“Get on with it then.” Track encouraged him.
“This first part is good,” Landon told the crowd. “I asked Libby to marry me, and she said yes.”
