Page 26 of A Biker for Noelle
This morning, I finally worked up the nerve to ask Torin what had happened the other night and if everything was all right. He simply kissed me and assured me the situation was being dealt with. After his vague response, I felt the topic was not up for discussion, so I left it alone. But as each day passes, my worries intensify.
The coffee pot beeps, making me jump. I take a deep breath and try to clear the fog from my brain. Torin left twenty minutes ago and said he’d be back to give me a ride to the bar later today. With my mug in hand, I pad over to the living room and snag the blanket from the back of the sofa before making my way to the chair adjacent to the fireplace. Torin said he’s only used the fireplace a few times since he’s lived here. Still, after I made the comment of how I always wanted one and how waking up in the mornings and sitting next to a warm fire while curled up in a cozy blanket with a cup of coffee sounded like a dream, he went out of his way to make sure there is a fire going every morning the past few days.
I don’t know how long I sit and stare at the flames, lost in my own little world, but I allow the warm fire and the crackle of the wood logs to fill me with a sense of calmness and peace. For a brief moment, I let all my worries drift away as the orange and yellow flames put me in a trance.
I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I know, I’m awakened by a rattling noise. My spine stiffens, and I sit up to find Zack in the kitchen. “Morning, buddy.” I slip out from under the blanket and stand. “What are you doing?” I walk into the kitchen just as Zack pulls the milk out of the refrigerator.
“I’m going to make some cereal.”
“I see that.” I smile. “Instead of cereal, how about I make pancakes for us?”
“Okay!” Zack beams up at me through the tousled hair hanging over his forehead.
“Well, you already got the milk. Why don’t you grab the eggs for me too.”
“Can I help?” he asks.
“Of course. I need my expert egg cracker, don’t I?”
While Zack grabs the eggs, I gather the other ingredients from the cabinet, a mixing bowl, and a whisk. As I place the dry ingredients into the bowl, I notice a forlorn look on my brother’s face. “Hey, bud, why the long face?”
His nose scrunches. “My face isn’t long.”
“Oh no, bud.” I laugh. “I don’t mean your face looks long. That’s just a metaphor. It means you look sad.”
“Oh,” he replies but doesn’t immediately answer my question.
Knowing my brother, I give him a second to open up.
“I was just wondering if I’ll return to school after Christmas break.”
Zack struggled in school back in Texas, not because of his grades but because some kids were not very nice. I had to meet with his teachers and principal on several occasions due to bullying because, lord knows, his dad didn’t give a crap. He’s the kind of person who believes bullying makes kids tougher and more resilient. I had mulled over the thought of home-schooling in the past, but unfortunately, his dad shot the idea down, and second, I simply didn’t have the time due to my job. So, knowing how sensitive the topic can be, I tread carefully to see where his head is. “Is that something you want?”
Zack nods, and his face perks up. “Shaun is my age and in the same grade. I met him when Ms. June took me to town the other day. We sat next to each other at bingo.”
“Really!”
“He invited me to his birthday party, too,” Zack exclaims.
“That’s awesome, buddy. I’ll be sure to ask Ms. June who his mom is and get her number. After Christmas, I’ll see about getting you enrolled in school.”
After breakfast, Zack disappears into his room to play while I get cleaned up and ready for work. Torin’s mom will be with Zack again today and has decided she’s on babysitting duty indefinitely. When I return to the living room, June walks through the front door with Brewer trailing behind. I smile. “Hi.”
“Hey, sweetheart,” she returns my greeting.
“Zack is playing in his room,” I tell her.
Looking down at my watch, I note Torin is late picking me up. “Have either of you heard from Torin? He was supposed to pick me up by now.”
“Actually, that’s why I’m here,” Brewer says. “Torin texted and asked if I’d take you to the bar. He said he’d be along shortly.”
“Oh.” My mood deflates. “Let me grab my coat and purse then, and I’ll be ready to go.” I retrieve my coat from the hook by the door and slip it on. “Call me if you or Zack need anything,” I tell June.
She waves a hand at me. “We’ll be fine. I might take him into town later for some fresh air.”
“Okay. Let me give you some money.” I start to dig around in my purse for my wallet.
“Absolutely not.” June stops me by placing her hand on my arm.
