The Originals (Ghosttown Riders #10)

Chapter Seventeen

Regina could’ve stayed an extra day at the cabin. Just being away put a lot of things into perspective. In a move she didn’t even see coming, she’d reflected on life with Grain versus life without him. Sure, men forgot anniversaries every day and every year. Grain wasn’t the first man, and he certainly wouldn’t be the last. He’d fucked up, as Lola said. In the grand scheme of things, it was something she could move on from.

But not without making him suffer a bit. Regina had no intention of calling Grain. When he reached out, she might answer. Might not.

She’d gotten a late start on the road coming home. With only an hour to spare before her shift at the bar, she raced around the apartment. She’d unpack when she got home from work. Or maybe tomorrow. She grabbed her keys from the hook and turned to the door. Then she froze. What the hell was that?

It may not have been a big deal, but Regina had made a point of taking out the garbage before she took off for the cabin. She’d been preoccupied when she got home and hadn’t noticed until now. She leaned over slightly, glancing down into the garbage.

There were two empty beer bottles. Grain’s brand. He’d been at the apartment? The last she’d heard, the run was a few days long. He should still be out of town. Did he come home?

Regina straightened, knitted her brows, and glanced around the apartment. Nothing else seemed out of place. Their bed was made, which was something Grain never did, so she knew he hadn’t slept there. Regina had no idea what was going on nor did she have the time to figure it out. She walked out the door, locking it behind her.

*

“Wasn’t sure if you were gonna show up.”

Regina was thirty minutes into her shift and pouring a beer. She hadn’t seen Ernie when she’d arrived but noticed his office door closed.

She placed the beer on the counter in front of the customer and turned to Ernie. “When have I ever been a no show?”

Ernie shrugged with a heavy sigh. “First time for everything.”

Maybe, but not for her. She may have a bad attitude and anger issues, but Regina had an impeccable work ethic. She grabbed the ten-dollar bill on the counter and walked over to the register. She tapped on the keys and felt Ernie sidle up next to her.

“Grain was looking for you. Called three times.”

Regina battened down a smile. Did he really think she’d sit at home waiting on him to get back from his run? Probably.

“Good. I hope he had three miserable days.”

Ernie snorted. “He was worried, Gee. Tried calling the apartment, the clubhouse, and here, and couldn’t find you. Even demanded that I go check in on you.”

Her hand stilled on the cash, and for a brief second, she felt a twinge of guilt.

It was fleeting.

“Well, he could have been with me, Ernie, but he wasn’t. He made a choice.” She placed the change on the counter and grabbed the bar towel. She vigorously started wiping down the counter, feeling her anger rise as she spoke the truth. “The same choice he always makes. Ghosttown.”

This was another of her disappointments that she hadn’t shared, not even with Lola. Regina knew the life in the club and never stood in the way of Grain’s brotherhood. But just once, it would’ve been nice to be considered before the MC.

“Look, Gee,”

Regina had enough of this conversation. A therapy session with Ernie was not on her bingo card today.

She threw down the rag and spun around, glaring at him. “Ernie, not only are you my boss, but I consider you a friend. And as my friend, I’m asking you to shut the fuck up. Can you do that?”

It was harsh and possibly uncalled for, but it served its purpose. Ernie clamped his lips, held up his hands, and turned, walking down to the other end of the bar.

This is gonna be a long shift, I know it.

****

I’m gonna fucking kill her.

Grain’s treacherous ride home from the motel two days ago had taken an extra few hours due to additional stops. He should’ve taken Mick’s advice and gotten at least a few hours’ rest. He wound up pulling over for coffee and a cigarette when he felt himself dozing on the road. By the time he pulled into Lawry, he was ready to sleep for days, but not before he paddled her ass.

Regina wasn’t at the apartment. The only saving grace was most of her stuff was there with the exception of her small suitcase, some clothes, and her toiletries. Obviously, she’d taken off for a few days. He just didn’t know where or when she’d be back. Grain was beyond livid. After taking a shower and relaxing with a few beers at the apartment, he’d stopped at Starr’s on his way out of the city. Ernie said she hadn’t shown up yet.

A million scenarios crossed his mind, and a few even scared the hell out of him. How could he protect her when he had no idea where she was? That thought plagued his mind relentlessly. Once he got back to Ghosttown, he’d considered the possibility she’d be there. Grain had a few choice words for her, but he’d wait until he knew she was safe. When he arrived, he scanned the lot, finding no sign of Regina’s car.

Fuck!

Now, he was at the clubhouse bar, his anger at a slow boil for the last two days. He hadn’t heard a word from her. He also had to contend with his president. Leaving the brothers a man short was never acceptable, but surprisingly Jack didn’t give him too much shit for it. Grain knew he probably had Mick to thank for having his back.

He was nursing his second beer when the conversation swiftly turned to his relationship. They’d had plenty of fights, some public for the club to enjoy, during their year together. But none that left them separated. Time had a warped way of adding to anger rather than providing a cooling off period. Grain knew he’d have to do more than usual to smooth things over with her this time.

“Maybe you should buy her something?”

“Like what? Flowers, Tull?” Grain sneered. “Yeah, the last time I took your fucking advice and got her flowers, she tried to beat the shit outta me with them thinking I fucked up.”

Tully’s lips twitched, and he held up his hand. “Alright, just trying to help. Maureen loves them, that’s why I suggested it.”

Mack scoffed. “Yeah ’cause Maureen’s a normal broad. Gee’s off the fucking rails. Certifiable, that one.”

Grain had no defense over Mack’s comments. His woman was a lunatic. It didn’t make him love her any less.

Grain eyed the two club whores behind the bar. Debbie and Colleen.

“Hey!” he snapped, and both women immediately turned. “What do broads like?”

Both women looked at each other, wild eyed and confused. This wasn’t that hard. They were women. They should know what they like.

“It’s not a hard fucking question,” Grain said, but neither of them could answer. He looked over at Colleen. Dunn hadn’t claimed her as his old lady, but he spent the majority of his time with her. And Grain hadn’t heard or seen her with any other member in a while.

Grain lifted his chin. “What’s the last thing Dunn gave you?”

Her lips parted, and her jaw dropped slightly.

“A shiner.” The muttered comment and snickering came from across the bar. Grain jerked his gaze to Dove and Mack. He couldn’t be sure which one said it, but they seemed amused by the comment. Grain was not. Nor were Tully, Mick, and especially Jack.

There weren’t many women Grain respected, and the club whores were probably the lowest on the ladder. But he’d never think of striking a woman. Ever.

The room was drowned in silence, and he looked over at Colleen. Her hair fell past her shoulders as she stared down at the floor. Grain couldn’t recall seeing any marks on her. But he also hadn’t been looking. Debbie bit her lip, peeking over at Colleen. It was rare for the clubhouse to be this quiet. Or tense.

“Jack” —the prospect walked to the edge of the bar— “the keg is low. Should I run out and get another before the store closes?”

Even the distraction didn’t seem to cut the tension. Mack cleared his throat and pointed to the register. Members drank free, but any friends of the club were always charged to drink and party. “Take three twenties. And bring back the fucking change. No tip, prospect.”

The prospect walked over to the register and took the cash out. When he turned to leave, Jack tapped the bar. “Gunner.”

The prospect looked back, and Jack pointed across the bar. “Dove’s gonna get the keg.”

Grain didn’t think the room could get any quieter, but it did. He looked over at Jack, who was smoking a cigarette with his sharp gaze pinned on Dove.

“That’s the prospect’s job,” Dove countered.

“Tonight it’s your fucking job.” Jack’s biting tone left no room for argument. Jack glanced over at Gunner and lifted his chin, gesturing to Dove.

It was never good to piss off any of the brothers. The only thing worse was disobeying a direct order from the president. Gunner was a smart prospect and didn’t hesitate. He walked across the bar and tossed the cash on the counter in front of Dove.

“Jack.” Dove spread out his arms, as if pleading.

Jack grabbed his glass, took a swig, and licked his lips. “If I were you, I’d hurry up and get there before they close. If you don’t, your ass is gonna wait there until they open tomorrow. We clear?”

Dove stood, unnerved, but didn’t say a word. He took the cash and walked out. Grain grabbed his drink and caught Colleen peeking up through her lashes, her gaze on Jack.

“Come here, Coll,” Jack said.

She rushed forward, her cheeks stained pink. Remnants from her embarrassment, Grain assumed. The only motherfucker who should be embarrassed is Dunn.

“Can I get you something, Jack?”

“Yeah, help Grain out so Gee doesn’t ditch his sorry ass.” The corner of Jack’s mouth curled, and Colleen smiled.

What the fuck is going on here? It wasn’t for Grain to question. He rarely paid attention to anything that didn’t involve him, but he saw something between these two. Jack had always been a standup guy when it came to the club whores. Better than most brothers, including Grain. But he’d never outwardly punished a brother for the treatment of one of the women. Until tonight.

Colleen looked over at Grain. “Have you thought about maybe making her something?”

Grain furrowed his brows. What the fuck did she say?

Colleen gave a small shrug and shifted on her feet. “Back when I was younger, we didn’t have a lot of money, so instead of buying gifts, we made stuff for each other.”

“What the fuck am I gonna make her?”

Colleen drew in a breath. “Well, what does she like?”

Grain snorted. “Fighting, fucking, and drinking.”

Colleen flattened her lips and forced a smile. Yeah, I know sweetheart, I’m fucked.

“Grain?”

He glanced over his shoulder. One of the brothers was standing near the phone, holding up the receiver.

About fucking time.

“Is it Gee?” Grain was considering not taking the call, or at the very least keeping her on hold for a while. Maybe that would teach her a lesson to take off without telling him where she was going.

The brother shook his head.

“Fuck,” Grain snapped, slamming his glass on the table. He stood with so much force, the stool flew a few feet, crashing to the floor. He didn’t even bother picking it up. He stormed through the room, knocking into a random guy. “Get the fuck outta my way.”

He grabbed the phone and shouted. “What?”

“She’s here.” Grain recognized Ernie’s voice.

“Put her on the fucking phone.”

“Grain, she’s still pissed, and she’s probably gonna chew me out if she finds out I called you. Not throwing my own ass under the bus for you. She’s closing tonight.”

Grain looked up at the clock on the wall. It would be a close call, and he’d have to miss all the traffic, but it was possible to make the ride and get there before she went home. Grain didn’t trust her not to lock him out another night. He hung up without another word and walked over to the bar.

“I’m out.”

“Gee’s back?” Jack asked.

Grain gave a sharp nod and turned, but Colleen grabbing two bottles from the shelf caught his attention. He wasn’t exactly sure what sparked the idea other than Colleen’s advice and seeing the liquor, but it hit him. He would definitely make something for Regina. She’d love it.

Grain snapped his fingers, gaining Colleen’s attention, and he pointed at her. “Smart fucking broad, Coll. Thanks.”

She raised her brows, seemingly confused. Grain didn’t have the desire or time to explain it. He walked out of the clubhouse and straight to his bike. Hopefully, luck was on his side, and he’d be pulling into the lot at Starr’s when she was walking out from her shift.