Page 49 of Truth Forever
“So He should.” Gemma quipped from her place by the window. “He pulled a gun on her.”
Gent shot daggers at her.
“I’m sorry he was hurting,” I whispered. I didn’t know why I was apologising. I shouldn’t feel guilty. “I….”
“You’re home Cali, that’s all that matters. Come on let’s go.”
I blinked at him in surprise. “I was kind of hoping you would add to my tattoo.”
He eyed me wearily. “I will tattoo anything you want babe, free of charge but we need to go to Cooks.”
What was everyone’s deal with trying to get me to Cooks? “Why?”
“Because everyone will be heading there today to celebrate Chelsea being home.” He answered simply.
“I’m not sure I am ready to see everyone.”
“Well, they all want to see you.” He winked. “And Truth will literally murder me if he finds out I had you here and didn’t tell him.” He pressed his hand to his heart. “You wouldn’t want that on your conscience, would you?”
I laughed. “No, I wouldn't.” I straightened my spine. I couldn’t put it off any longer. Even though I was so scared I felt like I couldn’t breathe, it was time to face my fears. Specifically Truth. “Ok, let’s go and day drink our weight in vodka.”
Gemma bounded to her feet with a whoop. “Now, you’re talking.”
***
Cooks hadn’t changed.
Even on a workday, it was reasonably busy. And most of the people that were leaning against the bar or sat around the small tables were bikers and the women who hung around them.
Both club girls and old ladies. I spotted Avery straight away. She was sat next to Ruin, but as soon as she spotted me, she elbowed him roughly. Getting to her feet, her pretty face broke into a wide smile.
But it wasn’t her that got to me first. It was YB. He came up behind me, his arms around my waist and swung me around with such force my feet left the floor. “Cali….”
I squealed. The room tilting as he spun me around again. “Put me down.” I tried to swat at him, but couldn’t twist around far enough to do it.
“Put her down.” Gent punched at his shoulder, and Young Blood dropped me almost guiltily.
“Sorry, Cali.” He shrugged sheepishly, stepping back so Avery could take his place.
And that was it. I was hugged from every angle. Sometimes so hard that it felt like they were going to snap my spine.
“Cali?”
I turned my head towards Fender. The laughter dying on my lips. What was he going to say? For several long seconds, we just stared at each other. A hush fell over the room. Everyone was obviously waiting for him to speak. To pass judgement.
“Welcome home.”
That was it, he didn’t say anything else, and I didn’t get a chance to reply. A commotion at the entrance drew everyone’s attention in that direction.
Wicked barrelled through, his face split in a wide grin but his grin faltered when he saw me stood there.
And it didn’t take long to realise why he suddenly looked so uncomfortable. My eyes shifted behind him as Truth stepped into the room.
Over his shoulder was a woman. A very young, very attractive brunette. Who was squealing and kicking her legs playfully.
Something broke inside of me.
“Cali?” Truth froze. He didn’t seem to know what to do with himself, and that made two of us. I didn’t know what to do or say either. This wasn’t how I imagined our meeting to go.
