Page 12 of Crow
“His name isUriah, Crow. And yes, she’s always flirting with him and wearing tops that show her big boobs.”
“And he’s not doing any flirting back?” Crow knew he should shut the hell up, but he couldn’t stand the douchebag, and he hated that Valerie kept bringing him back into her and the kids’ lives.
“He’s a man. I’ve caught you flirting and gawking at plenty of boobs.”
“I’m sure you have, but I’m not involved with any one woman. When I was, I never strayed.”
“I’m not up for this tonight, okay? Just leave it the fuck alone.”
Crow blew out a breath. “Do you want me to come over and take care of Noah and Maddie for a bit? You can veg in your room.”
Valerie didn’t answer. He wasn’t sure she’d heard him, so he was ready to repeat the offer when she said, “Thanks, but I’ll be okay.”
“You sound like you need a break. I’ll be over after I drop off Jim.”
“Are you still fooling around withthatloser? What’s the fascination you have with him?”
A stab of irritation niggled at him, but he forced it away. “He’s a good guy who needs a helping hand.You, of all people, should get that.”
“I can’t believe you just said that,” she gritted.
He pressed his lips together and leaned his head back until it touched the wall. He couldn’t believe he’d said it either. If his parents had heard him, they’d rip him a new one, and he wouldn’t blame them.
“Sorry—I didn’t mean shit by it.”
“I know your parents took me in as a foster kid, but I thought I was part of the family.”
“You are—always have been. I didn’t mean any disrespect; I just meant you know how hard life can be.”
“Well … I still think Jim’s a drunken loser.”
At that point, she was bugging him big time. He got that she was having a bad day and that the kids were a handful, but he’d volunteered to help, and she’d declined. Then it hit him.That fuckin’ asshole is with her.
“Uriah’s over there.”
It wasn’t a question, it was a statement.
“So?”
“That’s why you don’t want me to come over and help.”
“I don’t need you to start up shit with him and drive him away. I don’t want to be alone tonight. Anyway, I thought you were coming over so we could go shopping.”
“I already explained that there’s a fuckin’ blizzard outside and the whole town is gonna shut down. What don’t you get about that?”
“So now you’re calling me stupid?” she whined.
Enough!“You’re too touchy. I’m gonna go. If you need help, call me.” Crow shoved the cell into his jeans’ pocket and stared up at the ceiling. There was an old water stain on one of the ceiling tiles, and he made a mental note to go to the hardware store and buy a new one once the storm passed through the area.
Valerie and Crow had a trying relationship, and if it wasn’t for Noah and Maddie, he was pretty sure he’d keep his distance from her. He could hear his mother’s voice saying,“Patience in a person is strength.”He’d heard that his whole life and didn’t disagree with it, but he was the one who had to put up with Valerie and the messes she created in her life. Her parents could talk on the phone from Mesa, Arizona, then go on their merry way, whereas Crow was left to deal with his foster sister’s moods, her wrong choice in men, chronic money problems, and disparaging remarks about the Night Rebels MC and Jim.Fuck, she’s a pain in the ass.He pushed off from the wall and walked back into the main room, which was now empty.
Muerto stood in front of the shelves of hard liquor, counting the bottles. He looked over his shoulder at Crow.
“We’re gonna close up. I sent Brandy and Zach home.”
Crow nodded, then started straightening up the room.
Thirty minutes later, he was shaking off the snowflakes from his hair and jacket as he waited for the car to warm up. Jim settled further into the passenger seat and rested his head back, his eyes closing.
