Page 74 of Property of Yak

Maybe they are right.

Just the thought makes me queasy. And here I thought Aragon was our only problem.

Yak

After changing topics, the atmosphere changed. Liz became less hostile, which put me more at ease.

I get it. She just wants what’s best for her best friend, but at the same time, she needs to learn that Julie isn’t going to share everything with her anymore. At least not when it comes to me. She can’t.

I hate that my girl is going to have to keep secrets, but it’s just the way it is.

But if Liz gets with a member of our club instead of the one she’s currently tied to, things would be different.

“Well, as riveting as tonight has been, I think it’s time I head out,” Liz sighs as she stands.

“Are you going home?” Jules asks.

Liz shakes her head. “No, Steve texted me and told me to come over, so I’m going to head there.”

I feel Jules’s breath catch and watch her face. I can tell she wants to say something, but she keeps her mouth shut.

“Get there safe,” Jules tells her.

“I will. Make sure you lock up.” Liz makes a move toward the door but pauses. “Oh, and you might want to put someone’s truck somewhere else so no one sees it if they drive by.”

“I parked in the neighbor’s drive,” I tell her.

Liz nods. “Smart. Later.”

As soon as she slips out the door, Julie leans into me and sighs.

“You okay, baby?” I ask as I rub her arms.

“I’m fine. I just hate fighting with her,” she mutters.

“I get that. I’m sorry.”

“It wasn’t your fault,” she says, shaking her head.

“Maybe not directly, but things with me aren’t helping the situation.”

“Things are changing. It will take some getting used to, but it is what it is. Things aren’t always going to stay the same. Anyway, enough about me. How was your day?” she asks, changing the subject.

“Good. Made some calls. Got to talk to my buddy down in Colorado for a minute.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, he was checking in. Wanted to make sure I’m good.”

She looks down and starts playing with the sleeve of my shirt. “I bet they miss you.”

“I’d like to think so, but they need to get used to it. I’m here for good,” I say without thinking.

I don’t even know if I realized that it was how I felt. Somehow my view has changed. I’m starting to think of this place as home, and I know it has nothing to do with the club.

It has to do with the girl in front of me.

I must say the right thing, though, because Julie leans farther into me.