Page 28 of Exile & Lula
My mind raced with thoughts of Nova and the girls unprotected back in Baton Rouge. I also felt stressed about the Void taking another run at Lula. I didn’t know the answers. I felt torn in two directions.
“Put my sister back on the phone,” I told Zodiac. “I’ll call you tomorrow with an update.”
Zodiac didn’t give me any more grief. Likely, the spaghetti was nearly finished, and his mind was on food. Nova took the phone and sighed dramatically.
“This woman better be hotter than hell,” my sister muttered.
“She is.”
Sighing deeply, Nova admitted, “As much as I want you to be happy, I don’t like how far away you feel.”
Few people could cut me down deep like Nova could with only a few words. She was so willing to suffer for the people she loved. Something had to hurt deep inside for her to complain. Right now, her fears bubbled to the surface.
“I’m having lunch with Lula tomorrow,” I explained, hoping Nova could relax if she knew I had a plan. “I’ll try to see her with fresh eyes and test this thing. If it’s not working, I won’t stick around.”
Nova sighed. “But don’t be pushy. Women don’t like. Oh, and she’s probably all banged up from what happened. Be sweet to her.”
Smiling at how she wanted to help, I promised, “I will.”
“It’s important to show her that you’re not just the grumpy guy you act like on the outside. You have a big heart, Dan. Make sure you don’t hide that. People don’t always notice it.”
My chest hurt at how Nova wanted me to win Lula’s affection. I wished Baton Rouge and Little Memphis weren’t so far apart. Nova could visit with the girls while I figured things out. We’d get a hotel, and I’d be able to keep an eye on everyone who needed my protection.
After Nova encouraged the girls to tell me goodbye and blow kisses into the phone, I hung up and felt like my home was too far away for any of this to work.
Walking away from my feelings for Lula made sense. I was a rational guy. Nothing was truly keeping me here. I could ride home and kick Zodiac out of my house. Things would go back to the way they were before I met Lula.
I was ready to head down to the garage to get my ride. I imagined myself walking to the elevator. I saw myself riding back to Baton Rouge.
My heart clenched at the idea of walking away from Lula. I couldn’t breathe. Feeling overheated and dizzy, I worried I was having a damn heart attack.
Only when I bowed to my heart’s desire to remain near Lula could I catch my breath and regain control of myself. Somehow, after less than twenty-four hours, I’d become a slave to my need for Lula Reed.
LULA
Exile didn’t really want to leave my side. I certainly wished he could remain longer. Yet, we were pawns on a chessboard, moved around by life.
Dillon left her room to watch Exile ride away with her uncle. She sighed wistfully, seeming on edge now. Dillon kept glancing at Clint nearby, likely worried he’d leave next.
Hugging my daughter against my body, I considered whether we should spend the night at my parents’ place again. Dillon was clearly scared, and I would be able to lower my guard if my dad were nearby.
Before we could pack up and walk next door, I spotted my sisters, cousin, and club friends headed in this direction.
“We’ll spend the night with Bebe and Pax again,” I told Dillon, who nodded immediately. “You and your grandpa can pick a funny movie to watch.”
Settling down, Dillon walked to the nearby kitchen overlooking the family room. She watched me shuffle to the couch, where I put up my feet on the coffee table.
Clint and Ivy sat together on a chair. His mind was on club business. Based on her sad expression, Ivy was likely thinking about Cher and Stevie at the hospital.
Even before she was fully through the door, Sabrina demanded, “What’s this guy’s deal?”
Vanessa, Moe, and Xandy entered behind her. A moment later, Elle walked through the front door in her sweats and a tank top. Her blonde hair was tied into braids, and she wore her glasses rather than contacts.
Elle and Vanessa flanked me on the couch. Clint remained in a nearby chair with Ivy cuddled on his lap. They were all looking at me as if I’d lost my mind.
“Exile and I share a connection.”
“He’s playing you,” Sabrina insisted.
