“No.”
“Any word about Bobby?”
“He’s out of the coma, talking but functions are slow, they’re worried about brain damage. Can’t know ‘til the brain swelling goes down.”
“Shit,” I whispered.
“He’ll be okay.”
“What if he’s not?”
“Then he’ll be okay. Me and Lee will take care of him.”
I felt a weird whoosh of warmth spread through me. This was said matter-of-fact but I knew he meant it and for some reason I had the urge to hug him and then kiss him all over.
Before I could share that thought (luckily), Luke said, “Vance says you and the Rock Chicks are goin’ to a gig tonight.”
“Stella and The Blue Moon Gypsies,” I confirmed.
“I want you protected, not Zano’s thug, one of Lee’s boys.”
“Luke,” I used his name as a protest.
“Shit happens too frequently when the Rock Chicks do the town. Indy got shot at while performing with a drag queen. Jet’s sister caused pandemonium on her opening night at a strip club. Roxie was held hostage at a society party. Jules took down three bitches when one of ‘em insulted Stevie. I want you covered.”
I sighed because he wasn’t wrong. I’d heard all these stories.
“All right.”
“You get separated from your man, you stick close to Jules. Not many people can mess with Jules.”
This time I felt a not so weird pain slice through my belly. There was no denying the respect in his voice.
“All right,” I said but my voice (damn it all to hell) betrayed me. It sounded small and hurt.
“Babe?” he heard and read my voice.
“Later,” I said.
“Babe,” his voice went low and I knew he wanted me to share.
“We’re at King Soopers, gotta go,” I shut it down, not about to share.
“Jesus, Ava,” he said, his voice strangely part curt, part amused like he found dealing with me frustrating but he found that frustration enjoyable. “It’s a good thing your sweet body and the f**kin’ things you don’t even know you’re doin’ give you away or you’d be a serious pain in the ass.”
I had no idea what he meant (okay, I knew what part of it meant) but I still said, “I’m so sure!”
“Later,” he said, now fully amused then he disconnected.
Santo was driving, Lucky in the passenger seat, Sissy and me in the back. I looked at Sissy when I flipped the phone closed and she was grinning at me, eyes shiny happy.
“You are so not f**k buddies,” she said.
Santo and Lucky glanced at each other.
Argh!
We’d trolled through King Soopers and I bought some food to supplement the anti-healthy living mojo provisions that I bought with Ren. Sandra’s supplies were running low.