Page 46 of Baja
The wind stings my face, and shadows cling to everything as houses fade into thick woods before downtown Salem comes into view. The narrow streets are lined with rough brick buildings, the dim glow of old streetlamps spilling light onto the cobblestones, stretching shadows across the road. Even at this hour, downtown pulses with life. Neon signs buzz over storefronts, and people stroll along the sidewalks. We roll past a bakery, the rich scent of fresh-baked goods filling the air. Downtown Salem is a sharp contrast to the isolation of the clubhouse, but it’s also home.
As we approach the tattoo shop, I slow my speed and ease the bike to a stop in front of the narrow staircase leading to my apartment above. I kill the engine. Alice’s warmth clings to me for a beat longer before she pulls away and removes the helmet. I glance back to see her shaking out her hair, her cheeks flushed from the ride, and she yawns. I wait for her to climb off the bike before swinging my leg over the seat and taking her by the hand. “Let’s get you inside.”
The moment I open the door, Ozzy lets out a long meow, weaving through my legs, his tail curling around my calf. I bend down and scoop him up. Ozzy presses his head against my jaw, purring. “Hey, buddy.” Alice eyes me softly as she watches me cradle the big furball like a baby.
“He loves you.” She scrubs under his chin.
“Don’t let him fool you. This chunk would sell me for a can of tuna.” I scratch him behind his ear, and Ozzy stretches lazily in my arms. Deciding he’s had enough, Ozzy leaps from my arms, trotting toward the couch, jumping up and plopping down on his favorite back cushion with a permanent divot in the center molded by his body.
Alice yawns again.
“Need anything before I get you in bed?”
She blinks, her eyes heavy with sleep. “Just you.”
I take her by the hand, leading her to the room where we quickly shed our clothes and then crawl into bed beneath the cover. I pull her close, with her back against my chest and my arm draped over her waist. The room is quiet, but I sense her mind isn’t. Alice draws lazy circles on my forearms before speaking.
“How’s your uncle?”
I exhale, my breath pushing against the back of her neck. “Tough as nails, as always.”
“How long has it been since you last saw him?” she asks.
“About three years.”
“Is that normal?” she asks.
“Yeah, babe. He’s a nomad through and through. Been living on the road most of his life. He never stays in one place too long to put roots. At least, that’s what I thought.”
“You never had any idea he had a daughter?” Alice continues caressing my skin.
“No.”
Alice shifts slightly. “And he’s not with a club?”
“He’s a lone wolf, babe. Always has been. He’d show up out of the blue while I was growing up with his wild stories and new tattoos. And I loved every minute of it. No matter how long or short his visits were, he always left something behind… a lesson on life and good memories. He was solid, even if he didn’t stick around.”
“Is he why you joined an MC?” Her voice is soft.
“Yeah. I admired his lifestyle and the freedom that goes with it. But being a loner like him, that wasn’t for me. He exposed me to other clubs when I was in my teens. I was drawn to the brotherhood and loyalty that runs deeper than blood.” I sigh. “When I crossed paths with the Ravens, I liked what they stood for. It spoke to me.”
Alice is quiet momentarily, then asks, “What about your family? What do your parents think about it all?”
I smile at the question, warmth creeping into my chest, thinking about my folks. “They’re good people and supportive of my path in life. It may not seem like it, but my childhood was typical. Dad is a blue-collar man, and Mom is a nurse. I played football in high school and hit the beach every chance I got to surf.”
“It was just you and your brother?”
“For several years. The year before my brother died, my sister was born.”
Alice rolls onto her back and looks at me. “You have a sister?” She smiles.
“Yeah, babe.” I chuckle. “She’s thirteen, going on twenty.” I shake my head. “I fuckin’ adore that kid. She’s sharp and funny. I can’t wait for you to meet her and all of them.”
Alice looks away. “What will they think about us? About the age difference?”
I kiss her temple. “They won’t think twice about it. They’re not judgmental people, babe. They’ll see what I see. A beautiful, amazing woman.”
Alice turns back on her side, scooting her ass against me, her hand tightening over mine. “Okay,” she whispers, content with my resolve.
