Page 27 of Wrong Number, Right Grumpy Biker

"I didn't know everything. You did."

He didn't speak.

"I'm not going to be someone's mistake," I said. "Or their secret. Or the thing they had to keep from me for three days because it was easier than telling the truth."

"You're not any of those things."

"Then why didn't you tell me?"

He opened his mouth. Closed it.

I stood.

"Take a couple days," I said. "Figure out whether you can be honest with me when it costs you something. Then decide if you want to try again."

I walked out of the tent.

Behind me, the band played something upbeat. People danced. Celebrated.

I made it to the parking lot before my hands started shaking.

CHAPTER 8

GRIM

I watched Hannah walk out of the reception. I didn’t follow her. Told myself I was honoring her request.

She wanted proof. Wanted me to show up honest instead of careful. And maybe giving her space was the first step.

Except it didn't feel like respect. It felt like a retreat.

I stayed at the reception until Carson and Lyra left in a shower of sparklers and cheers. Then I got on my bike and rode home alone.

Hank met me at the door and knew something was wrong. He pressed his nose against my leg and followed me from room to room like he thought I might disappear if he looked away.

The next morning, I made coffee for one.

The second mug sat on the counter where I'd left it Saturday morning. I couldn't bring myself to put it away.

Twelve hours had gone already. Sunday slipping past. She'd asked me to take a couple days, and I was already wasting them. Waiting felt like the wrong shape of respect.

Mama Mae let herself in before I could decide what to do next.

She had a key and didn't knock.

Hank trotted over to greet her, and she scratched behind his ears without breaking stride, heading straight for the kitchen where I stood uselessly next to the coffeepot.

"Everett called me," she said.

I nodded slowly. "Figured."

"He's worried."

"About me or Hannah?"

"Both." She pulled out a chair and sat, gesturing for me to do the same. I stayed standing. "Sit down, Grim."

I sat.