Page 71 of Sin Wagon
My heart skips a beat at the mention of my mother. The woman has caused so much damage, and hearing her name pisses me off, but also I want to throw up.
“So it’s over?” Wells asks.
“I’m free and clear with a half-assed apology from the officers, but I don’t care as long as it’s done.”
Wells’ face lights up. “Finally. It’s about damn time.”
“What about Claudia?” I ask, the words tumbling out before I can stop them. My voice sounds more anxious than I intended, but I need to know the full extent of what’s happening.
“She’s being charged with filing a false police report. She took a deal and got one year probation and a ten-thousand-dollar fine.”
“Serves her right. I wonder how her country club friends will take her having to do community service.” I can’t help but smirk at the image of Claudia, all polished and haughty, picking up trash by the roadside.
Jonas continues, his tone measured. “Oh, and since Drew knew about it and didn’t come forward, and paid off a guy in security at the hotel to get rid of the footage, he made a deal for one year probation, a five-thousand-dollar fine, and lost his gaming license.”
My eyes widen. “No shit. So what does that mean for Royal Flush Enterprise?”
Jonas takes a deep breath. “Well, rumor has it he’s handing the company over. He can still get a paycheck, but can’t have the license in his name.”
“Who would he give it to? He never had a COO, and Claudia can’t do it,” Wells questions.
“From what Dad heard, he’s going to reach out to hand it over to Delilah if she agrees to let him still collect a paycheck that will maintain his lifestyle.”
“Me?” I echo, disbelief pumping through my body.
“That’s what Dad heard,” Jonas confirms. “If they reach out, make sure you let Wells in on everything. He’s smart and won’t let you get taken advantage of or get into a mess.”
I nod slowly, the weight of the situation settling heavily on my shoulders. “I will.”
“Thank you, Delilah,” Jonas murmurs. “You really saved my ass.”
“It was not a problem.”
“Oh, Mom wants me to remind you about Thanksgiving at their place at one PM but dinner at five. She wants Derek to come too.”
“We’ll be there,” I reply, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.
“Okay. Have fun, you two. Thanks again, Delilah. Do you want to get a coffee later this week, just the two of us?”
“Yeah, I’d like that,” I say, grateful for the chance to connect with Jonas on more of an intimate level.
Chapter 32
WELLS
Thanksgiving is here, and Delilah and I are getting ready to head to my parents’ house for dinner. I’m trying to figure out the perfect time to tell her about the house. The offer I put in was accepted. The fear of her changing her mind now that it’s finally happening is creeping in, but I can’t keep the secret for much longer. Time is running out. It would be great to have everything organized and unpacked before the baby comes.
I know everything won’t be perfect, but we can have the necessities done and worry about making it our perfect forever home afterward.
Forever.
That’s what I want with Delilah. She’s young, but the way she holds herself, you’d never know. She’s strong, independent, intelligent, and sexy as hell.
“Babe! I’m ready. Are you sure we don’t need to bring anything?” she asks as she steps out of the bathroom. The sight of her takes my breath away.
She looks stunning in her black yoga pants and a t-shirt that says “I Ate the Whole Turkey.” Her blonde hair cascades down, framing her face perfectly, and her septum ring sparkles in the light. She does a slow spin, cradling her belly, and I can’t help but smile.
“You look amazing.”
