Page 16 of Crash and Burn
“Why do you think what I said in Church was a lie?”
“Because I thought you didn’t give two shits about that chick.” He points out.
I shrug. “I may be an asshole, but I want her to feel comfortable in the clubhouse. It’s her home for the foreseeable future.”
“Rascal, did I hear you, right?” Tink sets our beers down. “Have you grown a heart?”
“It ain’t that deep Tink. I’m still me.” I wink at her.
She rolls her eyes. “And we all know that will never change.”
“Now, why would I change when I’m already so damn lovable?”
Tink throws her head back, laughing. “You’re something alright.”
“Thank you. I take that as a compliment.”
“Maybe if you didn’t act like you were a gift from the gods, then Marley would give you a chance.” Tink’s tone is so matter-of-fact.
“Who says I want a chance?” I cock an eyebrow at her.
Her eyebrows shoot up to her hairline. “Oh, Rascal. You can’t hide the way you look at her. I’ve seen the stolen glances.”
“I fuckin’ knew it,” Saint shouts.
“Neither one of you knows shit.” I take a drink of my beer.
“Keep tellin’ yourself that, brother,” Saint says.
My eyes go to Tink. “Even if I did want a chance, it’s too late.”
“Why,” she asks.
“She’s interested in someone else.”
“That’s news to me.” Tink walks away again. Maybe she hasn’t told Tink about Ruger yet. Maybe she isn’t really interested in him. Either way, I gotta get away for a few days. Going on this run is the right thing.
“I’ll be right back,” Saint states. While he’s away, Tink comes back with the fried pickles.
“You know, it’s okay if you’re interested in her as more than a quick lay,” Tink tells me. I ignore her and eat the pickles. In my peripheral, she’s typing away on her phone. I can’t help but wonder if she’s texting Marley.
“Tink, do me a favor?”
She lifts her head, catching my eyes. “What’s up?”
“I’m going on a run for the club. Can you give Marley my number in case she needs anything while I’m gone?”
“It would mean more to her if you gave it to her yourself,” she suggests. Saint comes back before I can respond. I’m consumed with my thoughts, ignoring anything Saint says until we leave.
