Page 8 of Keg's Revelation

“I’m not a guy, I’m a girl,” Reagan said from the backseat, and I sighed. At seven, Reagan took everything literally and had no qualms about voicing anything that popped into her mind.

Reed chuckled. “My mistake, sweetheart,” he said, and received a smile from Reagan before he stood back up. “Bet she’s a handful?”

“And beyond,” I said on a sigh.

“If she’s anything like Ally, I can imagine your life is anything but dull.”

Before I could stop myself, I asked, “Is Ally your daughter?”

The tiny lines at the corners of Reed’s eyes became more prominent as a full-blown smile crested his face. “No, she’s my five-year-old niece. And calling her a handful doesn’t even come close to describing her.”

“Oh my gosh, Sami has a child?” I asked with a tad bit too much exuberance while the knotted feeling in my stomach I’d gotten when he first mentioned Ally, dissolved. That reaction would need to be evaluated, and it was something to do when I was alone. Not while standing in front of the man who caused the reaction.

“Yeah, Ally and another on the way.”

“That’s so great. Time sure does go by fast.”

“Not always.”

When Reed nor I said anything else, several seconds of uncomfortable silence ensued and would have continued if not thankfully, for the impatience of my children.

“Momma, I’m really hungry,” Reagan yelled from the back.

“Guess that’s my cue,” I said as I looked at Reed, then shifted and got into my car. When I reached for the handle, Reed stepped back and stood in place while I pulled my door shut, started the car and rolled my window down.

Once I backed out from the spot, I gave Reed a small wave. He lifted his chin, then said, “See ya around, Rav.”

I nodded, then turned my head to look at the kids. “Who’s ready for some burgers?” I asked as I slipped the car in drive.

“‘Bout time. I thought I was going to turn thirteen before I got to eat lunch!” Ry said, and I laughed as I gave the car gas.

As we reached the gate, I heard, “Stop them!” Then the biker, who stood off to the side of the gate, moved until he stood in front of my car. I hit the brakes, and after the car stopped and I saw how close I was to the biker, I closed my eyes and blew out a breath. When I opened my eyes, I glanced in the rearview mirror and saw Reed jogging toward the gate.

“Holy sh—cow!” Ry shouted.

“Language, Ryker,” I said more out of habit than I actually cared about correcting him on his near slip right at that moment. Probably because I wanted to say worse.

“Why is the man in front of our car?” Reagan asked, and I looked over my shoulder to make sure she was okay since slamming down on the brakes jerked us. She was leaning over as far as her belt would allow so she could see between the seats and out the windshield at the biker who I’m sure would’ve been flattened if I’d been one second slower slamming my foot down on the brake petal.

I leaned my head out the window as Reed approached my car window. “I hope there’s a good reason for this,” I said as I waved my hand toward the biker that stood to block me from exiting.

“Probably a better fucking reason than you have.” With the tone of Reed’s voice, I snapped my eyes to his and the coldness reflected at me sent a shiver down my spine.

Almost immediately, the question of what could have happened to have him pissed off came to mind.

“I don’t understand, Reed.”

“See if this jars anything. Before you pulled away, I heard Ry’s comment about turning thirteen,” he sneered.

The two minutes from when I backed out of the parking space and reached the gate would be remembered as the calm before the storm. And the simple statement from Ry didn’t unravel my betrayal. It shredded it.

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