Finally Us (Next Generation #5) - J.M. Walker Page 0,64

from his face. “It’s nothing, baby girl. Just work crap. Don’t worry about it.”

“Uh, I have to worry about it.” Corbin was the type of guy who worried about everyone else but not himself. “Talk to me.” I sat in the chair, my stomach clenching at the worry evident on his face.

“It’s not important.” He gave me a small smile, sitting back in his chair and picking up the menu. “Now, should I get one of these new fancy cakes or try a salad?”

“Corbin, maybe I can help with whatever issue is going on,” I said gently.

“I’ve heard some things.” He placed the menu on the table between us. “I don’t like gossiping. In fact, I hate it. It makes me feel low, but it’s hard not to hear what’s being said when people aren’t discreet about their conversations.”

I sat forward. “Okay, now you got me really interested.”

He chuckled, rubbing a hand over his bald head. “Your friend Piper is famous.”

“What?” My eyes widened. “How? And how do you even know Piper?”

“I don’t know her exactly. I just know who she is. I’ve seen her pick up Cyrus and Sammy from time to time whenever they drink too much.”

“Oh.” I didn’t even realize he knew the twins. I had only met them a few times but being in the Hell’s Harlem MC alongside Jaron and Shade, I knew they would do anything to keep their own safe. Including Piper.

“She’s Jaron’s girl and she’s the only one who has ever been able to capture his heart,” Corbin continued. “That says a lot about her.”

I stared at him. “Really?”

He nodded. “Jaron had a thing with Candace. Not saying they were serious. Especially when she was married to Ronny through all of it but…there was definitely something there.”

My stomach twisted. Piper and Jaron had enough problems. They didn’t need a jealous husband, or a crazy ex added to that list. “Does Ronny know?”

“He does. Whatever Candace and he have, it’s toxic but it works for them, I guess. I don’t know. But I overheard a couple of the girls talking about it. Bottom line is, Piper needs to be careful.”

“Do you think something’s going to happen?” I asked, my heart jumping.

“No but that doesn’t mean anything.”

“I’ll warn her.” I gave him a small smile of reassurance and made a mental note to text Piper later.

“Good.” Corbin clapped his hands together. “Now, enough of the heavy crap. Tell me, how did Vince take you going out with another man?”

I coughed, my cheeks heating. “He was fine with it.”

Corbin laughed. “Right,” he said slowly.

“He was fine with it,” I insisted. “After I convinced him anyway.” I winked.

Corbin chuckled.

We spent the rest of the afternoon talking about nothing and everything at the same time. I had known Corbin for the better part of a year but never actually hung out with him outside of the club. I learned that his family was from a tiny village in Northern Africa and that he had moved to the USA when he was two. He had been moving around the country ever since and finally settled on our little city that was growing with each passing year. He had also been working for Candace and Ronny for quite some time and enjoyed being a bouncer. We never talked again about what he had overheard when it came to Piper.

After our visit, we went our separate ways but made plans to meet up again and for me to bring Vince next time.

When I pulled into my driveway, I reached for my bag and retrieved my phone. Sending Piper a quick text, I let her know what Corbin told me. All she said was a thanks and that was it. It made me wonder if she didn’t already know or had problems already. I wanted to reach out to her and pay her a visit, but I also didn’t want to overstep. I knew that she would come around whenever she was able.

As I left my car, my phone dinged again.

Vince: Did you enjoy your date?

Me: I enjoyed convincing you that it wasn’t a date, more.

Vince: I bet you did, dirty girl.

I grinned.

Me: I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Vince: Sure, Queenie.

I laughed, shaking my head, then went up the sidewalk to my house. It was mid-afternoon but a storm seemed to be rolling in, so it was darker out. Another text came in from Ashton this time, letting me know that both he and Aiden were going to the