Page 82 of Ethan's Sky

“Mason said she was quiet, went to bed early last night. She’s been up for hours. Went for a run at four o’clock in the fucking morning. Now she’s sitting on the back porch swing with a blanket, a book, and a cup of coffee with the pumpkin shit she likes.”

It’s funny how these men are sometimes. If I talk back or throw sass, I’m being disrespectful and need to learn my place. If I get emotional, I must be on my period, so they take turns bringing me chocolate, caffeine, and medicine, while running as far the other way as possible. But when I’m quiet. In my own thoughts, not sharing anything with anyone…they panic.

Mason thought I was upset about the men who propositioned me at O’Malley’s last night.

Mason tried repeatedly to assure me.“You don’t have to worry about those fuckers anymore. I took care of it. You’re safe now, Sky. I promise.”

It was sweet, but like the rest of the leather wearing Neanderthal Brigade, he doesn’t realize men like those at the bar no longer phase me. I pay no attention to meaningless flirting, and I don’t allow any man to make me feel unsafe or out of control.

Except one.

“Yeah. All right. I’ll be there as soon as Austin shows up.” Blake hangs up his phone, walking out onto the porch leaning up against the rail in front of me. Closing my book, I drop my feet to the ground, leaning my elbows on my knees. Blake stares at me, not saying anything. A smirk tugs at my lips.

I can do this all day.

A long, exasperated sigh leaves his lips. “Are you going running again today? If you are you should give Austin a heads up. He’ll feel better jogging in his gym clothes.”

“Was that the problem? You struggled to keep up because of your clothing?” I smile over my cup of coffee, remembering how Blake was unprepared for a four-a.m. run in the dark when I suddenly couldn’t sleep anymore.

“I would’ve liked to have had my gym clothes, yeah. But I kept up just fine.”

He did, but I won’t say I didn’t have fun laughing at his expense. I can only image what the old ladies sitting on the bench thought as we passed them having their morning coffee as the sun was coming up. A big, sexy, biker, chasing behind me in short spandex shorts and sports bras.Creeper.I laugh to myself.

They’re always in the same spot together, early in the morning. Something about them reminds me of me and Emily. How we were always together.

“Austin text, he’s out front. You want him to come inside, or what are your plans for the day?”

“He can wait out there. I’m going to go get dressed, then head out to get some breakfast. I’ll be going to the clubhouse a little later to see Gabe.” Folding my blanket, I stand up, gathering the rest of my things to go inside.

“Gabe know you want to see him? He’s calling church in a couple of hours.”

“I can wait for church to end. Wouldn’t want to interrupt theHe-Man-Woman-Haters- Club,grown up edition.”

“At least you’re talking again,” he chuckles.

“Sometimes, believe it or not, a woman just wants to be quiet. Left alone with her thoughts. It doesn’t always mean we’re plotting a murder.”

“What were you thinking so hard about, then?”

I tilt my head and smile when the irony hits me. “Actually…murder.” His face falls serious, and I leave him to ponder his thoughts smiling to myself.

About an hour later I’m walking into Magpie’s. I take a seat at the counter.

Misty, the new hire approaches offering me coffee and rattling off today’s specials. I order a large breakfast of French toast, bacon, eggs, and a side of hash browns. If I’m going into battle, I might as well do it on a full belly.

“Hey, Patsy. How are you doing this morning?” She stops beside me, grabbing my face, pinching my cheek.

“I’m, here aren’t I? Can’t complain. Misty taking care of you, hon?”

“Yep. She went back to check on my order.” No. sooner do the words leave my mouth does Misty appear with my plate heaping with food. Patsy smiles, shaking her head. “What? You surprised I didn’t order fries and a shake?”

“No. I thought you might’ve ordered something on the lighter side. You always seemed to eat like a bird.”

“I could order something healthier if it will make you feel better,” I laugh.

“Honey, there’s not a damn thing on this menu you could call healthy. Might have less sugar, less carbs, or less fat, but you and I both know this place doesn’t make money because of our lite and healthy menu.” She winks.

“Maybe next time, I’ll check it out, but today I’m indulging. Anna hasn’t given me my new meal plan for training yet, so I figure I should get the good stuff while I can,” I whisper making a spectacle of looking around as if someone might be listening.

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