Page 5 of Ky
“The fuck? I’ve been a little off, maybe, but I haven’t been grumpy.” I tried to defend myself but I could see it wasn’t working. “Let’s talk about what’s going on with you then, shall we?” I said looking at B-ry.
His face hardened, and though I was only joking around I could tell I’d hit a nerve. I may have noticed him sneaking off at all hours of the night more recently the last few weeks or so. I kept that shit to myself and I hadn’t really meant to out him right then.
“I’m ready for some damn tacos,” I said in an attempt to turn the conversation around.
“Hell, yeah. I’m gonna get five,” Lake said, his eyes growing into the size of saucers with excitement.
“You always order that many and give up at like three,” Mouse said, laughing.
“I’m going to do it this time. I didn’t eat all day. I came prepared.”
“I’ll order three and eat your leftovers,” I joked and he punched me in the arm.
Sitting there with them lifted my mood significantly. That was one thing about my brothers, they were always there for the little things as much as the big. Having a shit day? They’d fill you up with beer and pizza, or take your ass away from the compound for a breather and change of scenery. Can’t figure out how to fix something? They’d step in and give you another set of eyes or hands. And not to mention all the other stuff they’d been there for and the things we’d been through together.
I was a part of that and I was damn proud to wear the Steel Paragons patch on my chest.
It was moments like this that made me realize how good I had it now. Despite the little shit that I had to deal with—like my stupid hand right now—I had an amazing life. I honestly couldn’t think of one thing that I could complain about.
“Oh, hey, man!” Lake called out waving his arm in the air.
I turned to see what the hell he was waving at. Chris stopped halfway between the front door and the bar.
“Hey,” Chris said giving the table a half-wave and a small smile.
“Whatcha doing?” Mouse asked and I noticed how Chris stayed rooted in place.
“Oh, I was just going to get some food to go.”
“No, man. Better to eat them fresh. Come on, we’ve got room for you,” Lake said and I could see him moving the basket of chips away from the empty space at the end.
I tried my hardest not to look at the guy but I couldn’t deny that I felt his eyes on me. And maybe because I felt a little bit guilty, my gaze slowly moved to find his. It didn’t escape me that he took a hard swallow that made his Adam’s apple bob slowly, or the tinge of hurt that swirled in his eyes.
“Thanks,” he said. His eyes fluttered a few times before he turned his attention to Lake. “But I’m just ready to get home. It’s been one of those days, you know?”
“You and Ky both,” Mouse said and chuckled.
His eyes cut back over to me, this time they were full of concern.
“I cut my hand while working on the Chevelle today,” I answered before he could ask. I wasn’t even sure he was going to, but I felt like a dick just sitting there when it was clear he was a tiny bit worried. “It’s not that bad.”
“Right,” Chris said as he nodded. “Well, I’m beat, so I’m gonna get my stuff and go. I’ll see you guys later.”
With that, he turned and carried on his way to the bar to pick up his food. I brought my attention back to the table to see B-ry giving me a dead glare that almost seemed a bit angry. Then again, the guy could be intensely quiet and knowing sometimes. Not that I had a clue what he thought he might know or anything.
“Alright, fine,” Lake said a bit later. Luckily, the conversation turned back to the light and joking tone that it’d had earlier. “You guys were right. Here you go, Ky.” He slid his last two tacos my way and I wasted no time scarfing them down.
“So, what now?” Mouse asked as we all tossed down money to cover the bill and enough leave a decent sized tip.
“Bed,” I said as I got to my feet. “I’m fucking beat.”
It wasn’t late but for some reason, all I wanted to do was to see my bed, preferably from a parallel position.
“Lame,” Mouse said playfully. “Let’s hit the Irish bar.” He looked at Lake and B-ry knowing I was out.
“Nah, think I want a quiet night,” B-ry answered.
“I’m in,” Lake said though I could tell he wasn’t one hundred percent up for it.
“You guys have fun.” I clapped Lake on the back then headed out.
The air was thick as I rode back to the compound. The humidity was beyond ridiculous here in the summer. It was something that was going to take a while to get used to, if I ever would. But that wasn’t to say that I didn’t love it here. The city was just big enough to get lost in but not get turned around when you were trying to get somewhere. I knew I’d made the right choice by making the move to help start up this chapter. I hadn’t had any doubts so far, and I couldn’t imagine that I ever would.
