Page 22 of Joyride
“Okay, so question. Do you know how long you’re planning on staying in New Orleans?”
I knew he was going to ask me that. “Honestly, I have no idea.”
“That’s okay. We can discuss that later if we need to.” He rubs his finger against his jawline as if he’s contemplating something.
“Does that mean I’m hired?”
He nods his head. “When can you start?”
“Today if you need me.”
Luke chuckles. “Let’s go over a few more things today. I have a client coming in twenty minutes. You can come tomorrow at eleven for some training and start then. Sound good?”
“That’s perfect.” We talk right up until his client arrives and Austin has to come in the office to let Luke know. This is the start of getting my life back and I couldn’t be happier.
15
Sketch
The meetingwith Bull and the guys from New Orleans went even better than anticipated. After talking with all of us, Bull pulled Gator aside for a one-on-one talk. It’s probably to iron out the fine details. I grab my phone as I walk out of Church. One new message from Wren. A smile stretches across my face.
“What are you cheesin’ about,” Rascal asks.
“None ya fuckin’ business,” I say with a grin. Ras shakes his head, walking away. I open my messages.
From Little Bird:I got the job!
To Little Bird:Congrats! When do you start?
She doesn’t text back right away, so I slide my phone in my pocket. I take a seat at the bar and Tink walks right up to me.
“How’s it goin’, Tink?”
“It’s going.” She sighs. “How about you? Have you heard from Wren?”
“Nah.” As soon as the word leaves my mouth, my phone vibrates in my pocket. I grab it and turn the screen on.
From Little Bird: Tomorrow :(
“You want something to drink?” Tink’s question pulls my attention away from my phone.
“It can wait, Tink. Sketch, my office,” Bull calls out. I follow Bull to his office, sticking my phone back in my pocket.
“What’s up, Prez?” I drop my body onto the couch.
“Good call on Gator and the guys. Gator is calling to have the other four drive out here and we’ll patch them in on Thursday,” he explains.
“Sounds great,” I reply.
“I’m gonna need you and one other guy to go back to New Orleans for a month to help get them set up. I trust you to do it because I know you’re familiar with New Orleans,” he says.
“Of course. Whatever you need, Prez.” I leave his office and head to my room. I want to text Wren without anyone fucking with me or trying to have a conversation with me. I walk in and close the door behind myself. Sitting on my bed, I turn the TV on for background noise. One of the Iron Man movies happens to be playing, reminding me of watching it with Wren not even a week ago. It was fucking adorable how into it she got. I grab my phone to respond to her.
To Little Bird:Why the sad face?
From Little Bird:I tried to get him to let me start today.
I laugh. I had a feeling she would like the shop. I’m glad she and Luke talked. I know she’ll be safe with them.
