The last few days have been a clusterfuck of emotions. Not only from missing Bronco and Sidonie but also from the sense that I’m saying goodbye to my friends and family here. Max doesn’t think I should move to Elko. River is harder to read, but I sense he’s on the same page as his wife.
“I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for Desi and me,” I tell them while the three of us sit at the kitchen table one afternoon.
“You’re family,” he says, wearing that pretend relaxed look on his face.
Max doesn’t know she’s supposed to be acting calm and mutters, “It feels as if you’re moving too fast.”
“Don’t make me use your past to make a point.”
“That was different.”
“How?”
“I moved into the house where my best friend lived. I had you and Desi here. This is my town. If River gave me trouble, I could sic Shelby on him.”
River smirks at this comment, of course. “She isn’t wrong. You have no allies in Elko.”
“I made a friend.”
“Topanga,” River says, having heard of her. “You just met this woman.”
“Yeah, and I’m sure I’ll meet other people. If I’m unhappy, I’ll leave.”
“It might not be that easy.”
“Bronco won’t hold me against my will.”
“No, but he could guilt you into staying. Desi likes the pool and the other dog and her new friend. Plus, you have his kid. He holds more cards that you do.”
“Not really. I have you,” I say to River.
“But is it safe there?” Max asks, looking overly rattled. Pregnancy hormones keep her on perpetual edge.
“It’s a nice little town. River knows.”
“Elko seems fine. A lot of product runs through it, and the club owns a good chunk of the town. They have enemies, and there’s a cult compound just outside of town.”
Realizing he’s sticking to business crap that’ll upset Max, I add, “The community where Bronco lives is gated with security. The neighbors are all club people, and they watch out for each other. It’s safe.”
“But his daughter got shot.”
“By the Skullz and River took care of them.”
Max looks at her man for guidance. She’s a ball of her usual nervousness along with baby-making hormones. She can’t see straight.
“How about you come and visit in a week or two? Once we’re settled in, you can drive up for dinner. Then you can get to know Bronco and his girls and see the house.”
“Mom should move there with you.”
“She’s happy here,” I say, scowling hard at my little sister. “Mom’s spent her whole adult life moving from man to man and place to place to do right by us and to feel comfortable. Now she’s here in this beautiful house, helping you rather than waiting tables. She can hang out with her friends and have a social life while also taking care of her family. If she moves to Elko, she’ll lose all that and start over.”
I sufficiently guilt Max into backing off. She’s scared of the world right now after a baby and another on the way. The Victorian is full of new life, and her man’s job is dangerous. Having everyone locked in this house helps get her through the day.
Once River distracts Max by whispering something in her ear, I sneak off. Yet I’m sure we’ll have a similar conversation again as Friday approaches. I just need to make it through a few more days. Then I can return to Bronco and begin our new life together.
Then, after school on Wednesday, Desi comes running into the kitchen where I stand with Max. We’re holding each other’s daughters and talking about homemade baby food.
“Mom, Sidonie is coming!” Desi cries, jumping up and down. “She texted me that she’s coming to Shasta so her daddy can take us to dinner!”
“Coming when?” I ask, checking what I’m wearing.
“Right now. He picked her up at school and is driving to Shasta.” Desi bounces around the kitchen, smiling at Max. “Sidonie is my best friend. You can meet her. I’m so excited. Where should we go for dinner?”
Max’s blue eyes find me and widen. She doesn’t know what to say.
“The Barnyard,” Shelby announces, appearing from the basement with Kirby. “Or Max’s Tacos. Or Smells Good BBQ. That’s the total of your choices.”
“I’m not at the restaurant,” Max says, so nervous about this new situation that she’s blurting out the obvious.
“Mom,” Desi says, smiling up at me, “Sidonie’s going to see my room and meet Zathura.”
“We should get ready, then. I’m wearing bad clothes for dinner.”