“That’s good news.Did either of you manage to get any sleep?”Maddie asks, looking between the two of us with a smile on her face.
“I got some.I’m not sure how long I was asleep though.How’s Bryce doing?”I return, needing to know what’s going on with my son since I don’t know when I’ll see him.
“Bryce is worried about his sister but understands what’s going on.Kreed and Playboy have been keeping him occupied and busy so he doesn’t have time to really worry about his sister,” Sam answers me and I wonder how much he really understands about the situation.
“They’re gonna bring him over in a little while to see Rory and you.He wants to see Caleb too.Tiffany is still going to the house to hang out with him in case Kreed and Playboy get called away for some reason.Especially with Rory in the hospital and no one knowing what’s wrong with her.Kreed is going out of his mind with worry for his little princess,” Sam says, and I already know Kreed would be worried about her.I’m sure he’s messaged or called Caleb more than once to check on her since I called.“I got you both a few changes of clothes.Cali, I know you have to be freezing to death.”
“I am.Thank you.I’ll change before I do anything else.I’ll be right back,” I say, getting up and scooting past Caleb so I can go to the bathroom in the room Rory’s in.I grab a pair of sweatpants and one of Caleb’s hoodies that were packed for me.I’ll be warm and comfortable while in the hospital.
After changing, I go back in to sit across from Caleb instead of right next to him.I heard his words that night and know he doesn’t want to be with me.By sitting next to him and falling asleep on his body, I’m doing nothing but confusing myself and allowing myself to think about all the possibilities between us.That’s the last thing I need to have on my mind when my daughter is sick.Yes, it would be nice to have my partner at my side during this time.Maybe it’s time for me to think about dating.I’m sure there are nice guys out there who wouldn’t mind dating a single mom.It just might take some time to find one.Especially when no one will ever compare to Caleb in my mind.Plus, he’d have to be good enough to get through Caleb, Kreed, and all the other men in my life.
Chapter Twenty
Reckless
RORY FINALLY GOT dischargedfrom the hospital yesterday.Whatever medicine Doc changed her to definitely worked.After the second day, she no longer had a fever and was waking up more and more.Cali finally started to relax and everyone came up to see Rory in the hospital.Now, it’s as if she were never sick.It truly amazes me how fast kids bounce back from sickness.Bryce is loving his mom and sister being home again because he didn’t like not seeing them constantly and he couldn’t stay at the hospital with us.No, I never left her side and was there every day for Rory.Kreed oversaw the opening of the haunted house on its opening night.Thankfully he was able to head there while my dad and Tank stayed with Bryce.Everyone stepped up while Rory was in the hospital for Cali and her family.She’s used to it but it still always makes her extremely emotional when she sees it happening for her.
Today, I’ll be working at the haunted house for the first time and I’m excited to be there.I haven’t been in one since Darren made the last one and I’ve honestly missed it.It will be different to work in one as the man I am now and since this is in memory of Darren.I want everything to be perfect even though I know that’s almost impossible.Something will always go wrong and that’s a guarantee.Hopefully tonight will be a good one.I know Kreed has said everyone is loving the haunted house and so many have gone through it more than once.They always seem to walk out terrified and still can’t get enough of it.That’s a good sign if you ask me.
“Reckless, we’re all goin’ to the diner for lunch before we get ready for the haunted house tonight.You comin’ with us?”Manic asks, walking up to me as I leave my office.
“Yeah, I’ll go.Let me shower and change real quick,” I tell him walking to the stairs and heading up to my room.
I don’t waste time getting in the shower and washing up from my workout this morning.Tank worked out with me and he was a damn beast.I forgot what it’s like to workout with him.My uncle has one mode when it comes to his workouts and that’s full on.He is always challenging himself and trying to do more than he did in his last session.No one likes working out with him because they can’t keep up.This morning, I wanted to push myself and asked him to workout with me.
After washing and rinsing off quickly, I wrap a towel around my waist and head to my room.Grabbing a clean set of clothes, I dress and grab my cut after putting everything back in my pockets.I make my way downstairs to find everyone waiting for me.Luca is working behind the bar and I walk over to him.We did nothing as he asked for his birthday and that’s not like us.The club always celebrates everyone.Today, he’ll go to the diner with us so we can do something for him.
“Luca, let’s go.We’re all headin’ to lunch at the diner.You’re comin’ with us,” I tell him as the rest of the guys start clapping in agreement.
“Thank you, Reckless, but I can’t go.I’ve got work to do here before headin’ up to be with Miss Cali and the kids,” he declines while keeping his back to me and I can see the small bit of scarring he has to live with because of his stepfather.
“I’ll take over here, Luca.You’ve been workin’ harder than the rest of us and sittin’ with Cali and her kids when you’re not workin’.Let us help ya out,” Evan says as I nod at him because he didn’t have to speak up like that.I could have ordered him to finish Luca’s work, but he chose to be there for Luca without hesitation.
“Good man, Evan.Luca, let’s head out,” I state, waiting for the young Prospect to come around the bar and join us.
“Thank you, Evan,” Luca whispers as he passes by and walks toward the door.
