Page 102 of Roses and Skulls

Billie Rose

When we get back to reality, I’m on cloud nine. Literally, my head is in the clouds. I’m going through the motions of daily life, but my mind is back on the flats wrapped in big, tattooed arms.

My mom snaps in front of my face. “Billie Rose, are you listening?”

Yawning, I lean back in my chair. “Yeah, casseroles in the fridge, make sure the guys clean up their mess after poker night and last but not least make sure dad stays out of trouble. Got it.”

“I’m being serious here, Billie Rose. It’s been a long time since I left you all alone.”

I roll my eyes. “Mother, we will be fine.”

I’m happy she is actually leaving. She’s been going back and forth all week. I know she wants to be here because she thinks I’ll eventually open up and tell her about my trip with Elijah but I’m greedily keeping it to myself. For now. Eventually, I will share with her but right now I just want to savor it. Every. Delectable. Minute.

After her and my uncle, no not uncle, I need to stop that now that I’m sleeping with his son. Anyhow, after her and William take off, I head to the bar with Elijah. Tonight, I just need one final signature and then tomorrow will be my last day working at The Black Rose. It will also be the last night of breathing for Draven.

As I’m adding up all the profits from the previous weekend, Draven comes into the office and tells me the vendor for our alcohol is on the line. I look at the phone in the office. He laughs. “The phone isn’t working in here. Phone company said they’ll be out on Monday.”

I roll my eyes and push my feet off the floor, sliding my chair out. “There better not be any serious issues,” I grumble, heading out the door.

The guy on the phone tells me the truck with our order is broke down about twenty miles away and he can’t find a tow truck anywhere around us.

“Jesus, okay, let me see if my boyfriend can take a look at it.” I set the phone on the bar and go to the back, finding Elijah under the men’s sink. He tells me he’ll go and to tell them he just needs to drop me at home and then he’ll be right there.

“Elijah, I have things to finish up here, I can’t leave now. I’ll text Dan for a ride.” I turn and walk out not giving him a chance to argue.

I finish up the call and then go back and find Draven sitting in my chair. He’s looking over the numbers on the desk as I pick up my phone and text Dan, asking him for a ride. I’d ask dad but he’s over in Reno, putting the final touches on our plan to bring down the Devils. A few seconds later, Dan’s reply comes through. Perfect, I think to myself.

I relay the news about the distributor to Draven. “Shit, that sucks. I might see if Sadie needs me. If not, I’ll ride along with Elijah.”

Elijah comes in soon after he walks out. “Did you find a ride?” he asks, rubbing his dirty hands over his jeans.

“Yep,” I say, rearranging the papers on my desk.

He snaps his fingers. I glance up at him. He holds his hand out. “Phone.”

I pull my head back. “What the fuck do you mean, phone?” I ask haughtily.

He crosses his arms across his chest. “I want to make sure you have a ride.”

I’m not even in the mood to argue with him. I hand it to him, not even watching as he goes to my messages and double checks that I indeed sent a text to my uncle, and he replied.

He sets it back down in front of me. “Happy?” I ask.

“Very,” he replies.

Elijah leans over and plants a kiss to the top of my head before turning and walking out. “Love you,” he says.

“Love you too. See you tonight,” I say, biting my lip, giving his retreating form one final look of appreciation.

“You know it.”

Draven catches him at the door. “Hey, are you heading out to meet up with distributor?”

Elijah nods.

“Mind if I ride along?”

Elijah visibly relaxes, happy that I won’t be left alone with him. “Sure, man, I might need a hand.”

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