Page 4 of Puck (The Lost Boys MC)
That was why I’d been going to school all of these years to get a double degree in Business and Finance.
Because once I graduated, I was set to run that program.
“So, does that mean I’ll get to see you while you’re here?” I asked.
Dad paused. “No questions?”
I blinked. “Why would I have any questions?”
“No beratement on how your brothers are involved, but you aren’t?”
I giggled. “I can argue if you’d like.”
“No, no, no. It’s a refreshing pace from our usual conversations.”
My voice fell flat. “Oh. Thanks.”
He barked with laughter. “You’ve got that fire in your belly, just like your mother.”
A soft smile crossed my lips. “You know how badly I want to be involved since my brothers are also involved, but I’m at peace with heading up your program once I graduate. So, I feel no more need to fight.”
“I never thought I’d see the day, a leanbh.”
I snickered. “Don’t get too used to it because you know I’ll be riding your ass once I get home.”
“Anyway, to answer your question about seeing you.”
I burst out laughing, which made him laugh, and it took us a while—and a glare from my aunt—before we both settled down.
Dad cleared his throat. “If I end up in California, which I honestly might, I’ll make it a point to come see you.”
I sighed. “Can I at least know where you’re going? The stops you’re making?”
“No.”
“Can I know where you’ll be sleeping?”
“No.”
I stood to my feet. “Is there anything you can trust me with that you trust my brothers with?”
He groaned. “I don’t want you getting hurt. You know this.”
I threw my free hand into the air. “How can I get hurt by simply knowing where you’ll be sleeping? I don’t even get to know my own father’s okay while he’s here?”
“What gives you the impression I won’t be okay while I’m there?”
I clenched my jaw to keep from fighting with him. “I know you don’t want me caught in the crossfire, but all I’m asking is—”
“That’s enough.”
I closed my eyes. “Yes, sir.”
“Good. Now, I have to go. I have a meeting to attend. I love you, and if I find myself in California, expect me to show up.”
“Looking forward to it.”
“And Brigid?”
I licked my lips. “Yes, Daddy?”
“Is breá liom tú.”
My heart warmed at his words. “I love you, too.”
After hanging up the phone with my father, I gave Aunt Claire’s house one last walk-through before I convinced myself that anything I’d left behind I’d simply have to repurchase. I made sure to give her a hug and a kiss—along with the promise of lunch tomorrow at her place—before I left, then I hopped back into my car and headed to my new place.
And just as I walked in, my cell phone rang.
“This is Brigid.”
Maggie scoffed. “Girl, do you ever look at your phone when anyone calls?”
I sighed with relief as I flopped down onto my couch. “Ugh, you’re a voice for sore ears.”
She giggled. “Bad day?”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Nah. Just… a lot.”
“Welllll… you wanna go grab a drink? Maybe some food? I’m starving, and I could use a stiff one, too.”
I grinned. “I think we could all use a stiff one.”
“All the more reason to come out with me tonight. Come on, it’s Friday. We always do something fun on Fridays.”
I looked down at my sweatpants and tank top. “I don’t know…”
“Come on, don’t be a damn party pooper. Come make some memories.”
And before I could answer her, there was a knock at my door.
“Hold on, someone’s here,” I said.
“Girl, don’t you keep me waiting for long,” she said.
I held my phone to my chest and crept toward the door. Dad had taught me all sorts of ways to protect myself, and one of those ways was to silence my footsteps. I wasn’t expecting anyone, and Maggie rarely ever knocked. Plus, she always announced herself before she came over. I racked my brain as to who was standing on the other side of my door as I stood on my tiptoes and peered through the peephole.
Before I unlocked my door and threw it open.
“Really, Maggie?”
She cackled as she hung up the phone. “I see why you were hesitant now. Did you stay braless all day?”
I looked down at my puckered titties. “Hey, I earned the comfy ensemble today.”
She brushed past me. “‘Come on, party pooper. One drink and a meal is all we’ll do tonight.”
“So, does that mean I can just throw on a hoodie?”
She peered over her shoulder at me with a blank stare. “No. Get into some nice clothes. I’m not going to dinner in this when you look like that.”
I slid my eyes down her outfit. She was in a form fitting floral dress that landed right at her knees. “It’s a pretty cute outfit.”
She held her arms out. “Exactly! And with that red hair of yours with those green eyes and all of those curves in the right places? Come on. That body deserves more than sweatpants and a tank top.”
