happened to me. I poured myself into being the best mom I could and going to school. I enrolled in a night class majoring in business.
I hear my boy now. His giggles melt my heart. Walking from the office, my heart stops and then it drops to the floor bleeding out as I take in the sight of Striker holding Colt in his arms flirting with Kelli. She is from one of my classes. I didn't get her this job so she could flirt. I got her this job to help her; she is a single mom too. Maybe I was wrong in trying to be nice to her.
No, I am being jealous, where I don't have the right to be. When I see him holding Colt, all of those old feelings start bubbling under my skin. As fast as they surface, I pop them and shove them deep in the back of my mind. I put on my best face for Colt and take him from Striker.
"I was just telling your old man here how much his boy looks like him." Oh God, does she think Striker, Colt, and I are a family… This can't be happening if a stranger can see it; does that mean everyone else does too? Does my father know, is that why he is forcing me to work here?
"He's not my old man, and he is not his father," I snap at her. I know I shouldn't lash out at her, but the alternative is jumping down Striker's throat and I don't want to fight with him in front of Colt.
Striker walks away wounded by my harshness. "I'm sorry Kelli; I didn't mean to be rude. If you'll go change I'll get you your check." She smiles weakly, probably wondering what in the hell is going on with Striker and me. I am in no mood to share my secrets with her.
After work, I take Colt over to my sister’s place for dinner. She has some crazy idea that we need to throw my father a birthday party. His birthday isn’t even for another five months, but that’s Rumor for ya always planning ten steps ahead.
“What do you think of this for his cake?” She lays a photo down on the dining table. It’s horrible, my dad would not want a fancy cake like this shit, looks more like it belongs at a bridal shower than a mean ass old biker’s party.
“Rumor,” I take a deep breath, I hate hurting her feelings. “This is Grim you are talking about, he needs an adult cake. Something that looks like a giant pair of tits or a vagina. A big booty. That’s the sort of thing he’d like. How about I handle the cake.” Her smile fades, I know she hates the rejection of her fancy shit, but my dad would hate that crap, it’s not him.
“No, you are right,” she tries to fake a smile.
Rumor found out last month that it would be nearly impossible for her and Rebel to conceive. Something about all the abuse from Squirrel messed her up pretty bad. That’s why I am going along with this idea for the party, she needs something to take her mind off the news the doctor gave her. Well other than her wedding coming up. Who would have ever thought I’d be happy to see Rebel marrying my sister. Guess lots of things change.
I glance over at Rebel bouncing Colt on his knee while he drinks his beer and watches some dumb cartoon, because it keeps Colt quiet. He is a great Uncle, I hate that he might not ever have a son of his own. Why did I have to fuck the wrong brother? No, I don’t really mean that. I wish I had a love like Rebel and Rumor share. They are like a couple that has been together fifty years.
Striker comes in without knocking. “What’s for dinner, I’m fucking starved.”
Damn it, I didn’t think he’d be here tonight. I am surprised he didn’t take Kelli home and fuck her after I left. My sister gives me a look begging me to be nice. Fuck that. She doesn’t know how I feel.
I walk over to Rebel and grab Colt. I don’t bother with goodbyes.
2
Striker
Tonight is Rebel’s bachelor party. I am really happy for my brother. He and Rumor are going to finally make shit official. The two of them have been living in my parent’s place since we got back from Chicago.
Rumor kept putting the wedding off because of Baby, said she