Page 32 of Baja
The truth is, I don’t think anyone truly has the answers. One thing is for certain, everything happens for a reason. It’s up to us to follow the signs and fight like hell to make it to the other side. That’s the easy part. The hard part is learning to live life without regret. And it’s high time I start doing just that—live with no regrets, forgive myself, and fuck what others think. I might be older than Nash, but he’s taught me a lot in such a short amount of time. When I am with him, I don’t see our age difference, nor is it something I think about.
Like the other guys, Nash knows how to live freely and have a good time, which I admit is an aspect I have been missing. That’s not all there is to him, though. Each minute I spend with Nash, he reveals how intelligent, kind, and giving he is. The way he gives so much of himself in honor of his little brother is remarkable. It allowed me to see not only Nash but the entire club in a different light. It’s a shame that not everyone can see the Ravens for who and what they are. That makes people like me and those closest to the club so special. Not only do we know the truth, but we have the honor of experiencing it.
“Mom!” Sukie shouts from across the shop, making me jump. I see her head peeking around the candle display near the entrance. “I called you like three times. Didn’t you hear me?”
I shake my head and sigh. “Sorry, sweetheart. What did you say?”
“I asked if we have any more jasmine-scented candles?”
“Yep.” I hop down from my perch and walk toward the back of the store, where I unloaded the candles this morning.
“I got it, Mom.” Sukie jogs toward me. “You should be sitting.”
“I’ve been sitting all day. My butt is numb.”
To say Sukie has turned into a helicopter daughter would be an understatement. The child has been hovering over me all week. I haven’t worked in the greenhouse for days because my ribs have been tender. I couldn’t stand the thought of doing nothing at home daily, so Sukie suggested helping at the shop. She doesn’t let me do anything except sit my tail on a stool behind the cash register and ring people up.
“You’re still healing.” Sukie brushes my hand away and lifts the box herself.
“I think I can handle it, Sukie.” I don’t bother hiding my annoyance. My daughter, of course, is not fazed and goes about stocking the display.
“It’s been a week. I feel fine.” Sure, my face is still an unsightly shade of green and yellow, but I’m no longer in pain. My only complaint is the looks I get from customers. A few have been nosy enough to probe, and I simply lie. For the most part, people mind their business. There are moments when Sukie looks at me, and her eyes reflect sadness. Then, Nash treats me like broken glass. That part I don’t mind. It’s nice having a young, sexy man treat me like I’m the most precious thing in the world.
At the end of every day, he pulls up on his bike in front of the shop and takes me out to dinner, or we return to his place, and he cooks for me. And every night ends the same—me in his bed.
There is just one tiny problem—Nash hasn’t touched me all week, not sexually, anyway. Sure, we kiss, and he holds me at night, but that’s it. The sexual tension is through the roof. Thereis no way he doesn’t feel it. I’m not sure how much longer I can go before exploding. Something has to give, and soon.
I’m sitting in a coffee shop having lunch with Sukie when Juniper and Sage walk in. They immediately spot us and make their way to our table.
“Sorry we’re late.” Sage sits beside me while Juniper grabs a chair from the table beside us and parks it next to Sukie.
“No worries.” Sukie waves her off. “We only just got here, and I ordered your usual.”
Just then, the sweet, young girl who works here walks over with our order and sets coffee and sandwiches before us. “Is there anything else I can get you all?”
“I think we’re set,” Sukie says. The four of us offer the girl a smile before she scurries back to the front to deal with a waiting customer.
“So,” Juniper cuts in as she takes a bite of her food. “It’s burlesque night down at the club tonight. Sage and I are calling for an impromptu girls’ night. What do you say?” Sage and Juniper look between me and Sukie expectantly.
“I’m in!” Sukie agrees.
Now, three sets of eyes are on me. “Are you talking about the strip club?”
Juniper nods. “Yep. A few months back, the club incorporated burlesque night one night a week. It’s been a big hit. You’d be surprised how many men and women come down there.”
Sage adds, “Not only that but the club is also booked solid for the next six months with bachelorette parties.”
Beside me, Sukie nods in agreement. “It’s true. The girls dragged me down there last month, and the show was unbelievable. We’ve sort of made it a weekly ritual.”
“What do you say, Alice?” Sage grins. “Are you in?”
I laugh. “What the hell. I could use a night out. I’m in.”
“Perfect!” Juniper bounces in her seat. “Why don’t you and Sukie come to my apartment to get ready, and we’ll all ride out together.”
“Sounds good. I’ll have to run by my house first and find something to wear,” I tell her. “What do I even wear to a burlesque show?”
“No need.” Juniper shakes her head. “I have the perfect dress for you, and Sage will help do your makeup. She’s an expert with concealers.”
