Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 77999 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77999 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
This time, we didn’t ride in formation. Instead, we dispersed in different directions, hoping to avoid any possible run-ins with the cops. I wasn’t worried. After years of issues with the Sparrows and their bar, they would be more than happy to see the place go. Hell, they’d probably thank us for burning the place to the ground.
When we got back to the clubhouse, everyone gathered in the bar and enjoyed a celebratory beer. I was just finishing mine off when Dad came over and sat down next to me. “It was good to have you back tonight.”
“It was good to be back.”
“You’ve come a long way.” He shook his head. “I was afraid...”
“Me too, but all is good. I’m back at it, and I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.”
“That’s what I wanted to hear.”
“How’s Big Louie making it? I haven’t been able to check on him yet.”
“Better, but just as stubborn as the day he got shot.”
“He still won’t consider letting us put him up somewhere?”
“No, but I’m gonna keep working on it. No way I’m gonna let him go back to living on the streets. I’ll put him up somewhere.” He took a pull from his beer before asking, “What about Antonia? How did things go with her father?”
“About as well as could be expected.”
“She understand why he had to go?”
“Yeah, she got it. I actually think she was a little relieved about it.”
“Can’t exactly blame her. She’s been through a lot, and she’s gonna need some time to process all that.”
“Definitely.”
A knowing smile crossed his face as he asked, “So, she’s moved in for the long haul?”
“She has.”
“So, you’ve got yourself an ol’ lady.” He gave me a pat on the back. “I’m happy for you, son. You’ve got yourself a good one. She’s a smart, beautiful girl, and it’s clear she cares a great deal about you. She’d have to. Otherwise, she wouldn’t put up with your shit.”
“God, ain’t that the truth.” I finished off my beer and stood. “And on that note, I believe it is time for me to head home to my beautiful girl.”
“Smart boy.”
I gave him a side hug as I said, “Thanks for everything, Pop.”
“That’s what I’m here for.” I was about to turn and leave when he asked, “You two coming to the BBQ tomorrow?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
“Great, I’ll see you both then.”
“Oh, wait. I meant to ask earlier... What’s the plan with Mom? Any idea when she’ll get here?”
“Supposed to be here by morning.”
“Ah, so she’ll be here for the party?”
“Afraid so.”
“Any idea how long she’ll be here?”
“Got no idea.” He shook his head and sighed. “Gonna need you to pray for me.”
Dad and Mom had spent a lot of time together while I was in the hospital, and while they were still wary of one another, they managed to be cordial. I knew it wasn’t easy for either of them. They shared a lot of hard feelings over how things had played out between them and with me. But time has a way of healing the worst wounds.
But Mom could still be a handful, so I chuckled, “I’ll pray for us both.”
“Good idea.”
I said my goodbyes to Ghost and the rest of the brothers before heading outside to my bike. It was late, and I was eager to get home and crawl into bed with Toni, but I had a stop I needed to make first.
It had been a while since I’d been there. I just hadn’t had it in me to go and see him, but there were things that needed to be said. So, I drove down the dark, curvy road and through the brick gates, and even though it was dark, I knew the way by heart.
I parked, and with a heavy heart, I walked up to the marble headstone. “Hey, Beck. It’s been a while.”
I knelt with a sigh. “You’ve been on my mind a lot today. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about what you did, and I gotta tell ya, I didn’t get it for a long time. I thought you’d thrown your life away for no good reason, but then I met Toni, and I finally get it. I would’ve done the same fucking thing if it was Toni, so I’m sorry. I’m sorry for being angry at you for so long. I’m sorry about it all.”
I sat there for a minute, then told him, “She’s really something, man. You’d really like her.”
I told him all about her, and by the time I was done, I was even more eager to get home to see her beautiful face. It had quickly become the best part of my day, so I got back on my bike and drove straight to the house.
When I walked in, I was surprised to find that Toni was still awake and in the kitchen looking through the cabinets. As soon as she saw me coming towards her, she gave me a warm smile. “Hey, you’re home!”