“Brother, I never gave it a thought that you’d have any problems with Sophie being British. You were dealing with the same uncertainties as me?”
“Didn’t want to share really. We’ve been going through the motions. But, yeah, I always had it in the back of my mind that something might go wrong. She is married to a criminal, after all.”
I narrow my eyes. “Did Drummer know?”
Wraith nods. “He was the only one. Didn’t seem worth talking about. Thought it would be easy. Been worried sick since we heard Mariana’s story.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Not your fault, Brother. At least it’s all worked out. For both of us.”
“Let’s do shots!” Sam shouts from beside me, her loud voice making me flinch.
“Mariana,” I call out, and wave to the bar. “Better get some food in you first.”
She nods, takes a step toward the buffet, puts her hand to her mouth and is suddenly pushing past to get to the bathroom.
“She okay?”
“I don’t know. Think today’s been too much,” I reply thoughtfully. “She’s been ill a few times now. If this keeps up, I’ll call in Doc.” Mariana’s lived through hell these last few years, all her life really. Though her mother being deported must have made it worse. I put her illness down to a release of tension, but worry it could be too overwhelming, and she might need help. I start walking toward the bathroom.
Sam’s hand stops me. “Mouse, I’ve got this. I’ll go see what I can do.”
Thinking Mariana might prefer a woman with her, I thank Sam then watch as she walks across the room. Sam stops and pulls Sophie away from Horse, and has a quick word with her. Sophie nods vigorously, then after excusing herself, hurriedly exits the clubhouse.Women.I don’t bother worrying what’s going on.
Now having lost his companion, Horse comes over to me. “Glad it all worked out for you.”
“Mouse! Horse has agreed! A skull and go faster stripes.”
I ruffle the hair of the boy who’s appeared next to me. “Has he indeed?”
“Yeah, he told me it’s going to look like the dog’s bollocks.”
I raise my eyes at the Englishman, who grins, then shrugs and explains, “Sophie’s words, not mine. I just told him it would be an absolute doddle and look smashing when I’m done.” He winks at Drew.
Drew looks at me seriously. “He means it will be easy and will look great.”
“I’d assumed that,” I say drily. “You here long, Horse?”
“Flying visit. Got loads of work booked in before Sturgis.”
“That Dyna Glide yours?” I’ve seen a strange bike outside.
“Yeah, well, buying works out cheaper than renting in the long run, especially after I do it up and give it a good paint job. Probably sell it for a profit in the end.”
I start to ask him a few questions. Growing bored, Drew wanders away while Horse and I go to the bar, I grab a soda and Horse a beer. I keep flicking my eyes toward the bathroom wondering why Mariana hasn’t reappeared.Hope she’s okay.
Ah. Here she comes.Fuck. She looks whiter than ever.I push my way over, take one look at her and pull out my phone. “I’m going to ring Doc.”
“No, Mouse. I’m fine.” Her eyes flick to Sam who shrugs. “The girls just gave me a scare, that’s all. It’s just stress.” She goes to the bar and starts filling her plate. “What?” she asks me as I just stand watching her, my phone in my hand.
“What do you mean the girls scared you?”What have they been saying?She’s mine, I’ll protect her from anything, even the other old ladies if necessary.
Mariana tugs on my arm pulling me closer, when I lean down she whispers into my ear. “Sophie got me to do a pregnancy test.”
My heart speeds up. Immediately imagining her belly rounded like Sam’s with my baby in there. I don’t see how it’s possible, but, “You’re pregnant?”
Her head shakes side to side rapidly. “No, thank God. But for a moment there…” She must see the way my face falls. “Tse. It’s not the right time. I’ve got to get my head around everything that’s happened. Still got a long way to go, things to prove, before I’m a permanent resident. Adding a baby to that right now is too much. But one day, I’d love to have your children.”
