Page 13 of Rattler's Revelation
Randy chuckles. “I didn’t think you were looking for a quickie. Did something happen? Why would you want to leave the clubhouse?”
When I don’t immediately reply, he sighs. “I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
I end the call with a sense of relief. Now, I just need to find my way outside. I can hear voices and smell yummy scents a few steps down the hallway. I follow them until I enter the common room. The kids and the women are standing at the buffet table from the previous night. Only this morning, serving dishes have replaced the party foods. An older man and woman are helping the kids pile pancakes and scrambled eggs onto their plates while the other adults work around them. I’m grateful no one notices me as I duck out the front door. Not wanting to take a chance of someone coming outside and discovering me, I walk to the guardhouse. Gears is working inside.
“Good morning,” I call out when I get close.
He frowns at me as he glances behind me. “Where’s Rattler?”
“He’s at Church. Officer Sterling is picking me up.”
“Why?”
“They need to take my fingerprints so they can eliminate them from those they gathered at my apartment. I figured, why not get that out of the way as soon as possible? That way, they can find the men who wanted to kidnap me.”
“I should ask Rattler…” he starts, pulling out his phone.
“I don’t want you to interrupt their meeting. I can’t imagine Puma would be happy about that.” He hesitates long enough for Randy to pull up to the gate.
“See, there he is now. I’m sure we’ll be back before Rattler notices.” I move with purpose to the door that leads outside. Gears reluctantly presses the button to let me out. I smile and wave before climbing into Randy’s car.
“Thank you for picking me up,” I say.
“Is Rattler going to be mad that you left?”
“I don’t care if he is or not. He’ll probably be happy that I’m gone,” I grumble.
“I don’t think that’s true,” Randy says. “Have you eaten?” His question is somewhat rhetorical because my stomach hasn’tstopped growling since I got into his car. “I know a diner that has excellent food. Let’s go there, and you can tell me what happened.”
“If you take me to a hotel, I can get something there.”
“This place is better,” Randy says, ignoring my protests.
I fume the entire drive to the restaurant. I consider sulking in the car until I get my way, but the truth is, I’m starving. The proximity of food has my stomach protesting loudly.
I follow Randy inside and slide into the booth across from him as the waitress hands us our menus. She looks to be in her thirties with curly brown hair, soft blue eyes, and a smattering of freckles over her nose. Her expression is fond when she turns her attention to Randy.
“Hey, Randy, I wasn’t expecting to see you today. Today isn’t your usual day and eating partner,” she smiles at me. “She’s lovelier than that partner of yours.”
Randy chuckles. “This is Bianca. She’s a friend. Bianca, this is Mary.”
“Do you want coffee and some juice?”
“I’d love coffee and orange juice,” I smile at her before turning my attention to the menu. I’m starving. When Mary drops off our beverages, I place my order for French Toast. Randy goes for pancakes, scrambled eggs, and a side of bacon.
“Okay, spill,” Randy says as I doctor my coffee.
I open my mouth to tell him everything about what happened the previous night after he left, but instead of spewing, I falter. Why am I considering telling him about my jealousy over Rattler and Jasmine? Am I going to share with this man, who shows signs of being attracted to me, that Rattler and I kissed? Should I share the gossip Jasmine spread about all the members using the Kutte Bunnies? Including the ones in relationships? Now, I’m second-guessing myself on why I called him.
“Bianca?” Randy prods. “What’s wrong?”
I shake my head. “Nothing. I need to use the restroom.” Sliding out of the booth, I quickly follow the signs to the restrooms and lock myself inside. Calling Randy was a mistake. So, what do I do now?
CHAPTER NINE: RATTLER
Dealing with Jasmine makes me almost late for my first Church. When I step inside, only a few seats remain open. I select the seat next to Spark.
“Your first time? I remember that feeling,” Spark says, offering me a fist bump.
