Page 8 of Property of Riptide
“I’ll give you the short version because most of it’s private,” I negotiate.
“Then expect the favor returned,” he stubbornly retorts. “I’ll give what I receive. Take it or leave it.”
“I’ll take it because it’s better than not knowing anything. Plus, I watch documentaries, I know that there are some things you can’t tell me since I’m not part of your gang.”
“Club,” he and BamBam say simultaneously.
Isla reaches out and places her hand on top of mine, whispering, “It’s offensive to refer to them as a gang. You may want to remember that.”
“I will. Thank you,” I respond.
“Now that’s out of the way, continue,” Rio demands, waving his hand through the air reminding me of a gameshow host.
“You’re being rude,” Isla murmurs out the side of her mouth. “She’s not our enemy.”
“We don’t know that,” BamBam states. I don’t like his attitude toward me whatsoever. He’s acting likeIhad something to do with Gage’s death. If it wasn’t childish, I’d stick my tongue out at him.
“What he said,” Rio adds, flicking his thumb over his shoulder and aiming it at his friend.
“I’m not,” I quickly interject. “I need to be able to look my son in the eyes and tell him about his dad when he gets old enough to ask about him.”
Isla gasps, cupping her hands over her mouth. “I knew it,” she cries, real tears falling down her cheeks. “He’s Gage’s boy.”
“He is,” I confirm.
“Fuck,” Rio hisses. But it’s the muscular man stationed behind him like a guard who catches my attention. His entire body stiffens as he glares at me. I swear I hear the word ‘traitor’ escape his lips but considering he said it so low that it was basically inarticulate, I decide to ignore his slight against Gage.
The Gage I knew would never betray anyone that way. It wasn’t in him to do that—not even after he withdrew from me and walked away.
In the end, I could see something was weighing him down, he was relentless and restless, but he’d never step over that proverbial line. I have to believe that with my whole heart and soul or all the good memories I have with him would be tossed down the drain like table scraps.
Isla shoots him a dirty look before turning back toward me and asking, “Did Gage know he had a son?”
“I messaged him and told him. It was marked as read but he never came back or called,” I return. “He wasn’t acting right during the end of our relationship. He was cagey, always on the phone and pulling a disappearing act. He’d be gone for days at a time, and when he’d come back, he kept his eyes over his shoulder. I knew something was bothering him, but he wouldn’t open up and tell me what it was. He had a personality change, but we were expecting a baby so I didn’t push. I wanted him to stick around. If not for me, then for Gagey.”
“Gagey?” Rio snorts, giving me a disbelieving look. “I can’t in good conscience call him that. It’ll de-man him.”
“That’s not important, Rio,” Isla says, rolling her eyes.
“It is!” Rio protests. “He has balls doesn’t he?”
“He absolutely does,” I say, aghast. “What does that have to do with what we’re talking about?”
“It doesn’t. We’re getting off topic,” Isla berates.
“Well, I’m gonna call him, little G,” Rio says, smacking his lips. “Gage would have my head if I called his son ‘Gagey’. This will be my last stand on his behalf.” The way he says ‘Gagey’ has my eyes widening in offense. It sounds so derogatory that I want to reach out and thwack him myself.
“That was tacky,” I refute. “I’ve called him that since the first time I held him in my arms.”
“Another check mark on his con list,” BamBam snorts. “The list just keeps growing.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask.
“Club business,” Rio cites. “Now, I’ve had enough of this shit. Tell us why you’re here, Van.”
“I already told you. I’m here for answers, Rio,” I remind him.
“That’s it, just answers?” he asks.
