Chapter 6 #3
“Talking to Sydney isn’t the easiest. She’s pretty closed off. Camryn has been trying to help, but it’s been slow going.”
“At least you two aren’t screaming at each other anymore. I’m sure Syd has noticed and appreciates it, even if she doesn’t say anything. Kid’s been through hell, and seeing you jump all over the only person she trusts in this world probably didn’t help your case.”
“I’m her father. She can trust me,” I say.
Ozzy chuckles. “A kid like that? Trust has to be earned. She isn’t going to give it to you just because you’re blood. It doesn’t sound like that meant much before. You’re going to have to prove it now.”
I huff out a breath of air before I ask, “How do I do that?”
“Show up for her. Every day. Try to get to know her and let her get to know you. Show her you aren’t going to run off, that you have her best interests at heart.
And for all that is holy, keep the peace with her aunt.
She’ll never let you in if you and Camryn go at it like cats and dogs the way you did when she showed up here. ”
Camryn and I haven’t had one argument since that first day. But that was a first impression that I’ll never get to do over. I’m not saying things haven’t been tense, but it seems like that has more to do with Sydney still not trusting me rather than Camryn not making an effort.
“Kids need to know that they’re the priority—especially Sydney. Show her that, and she’ll warm up to you.”
“How do you know that’ll work?” I ask.
Ozzy shrugs. “Got any other ideas?”
I shake my head. “Nope.”
“Then you don’t have a choice. Make it work.”
Make it work. Somehow, I doubt it’ll be that easy.
When I get out of church, Camryn is sitting on the couch with a book in her hand.
“Hey,” she says when she sees me, setting her book aside. “We need to talk about what’s next.”
“Okay,” I say hesitantly and sit on the couch. “What’s up?”
“This isn’t going to work,” she states, and I lift a brow. “Syd’s living situation. You can’t raise a teenage girl in a clubhouse full of bikers. She needs an actual house. And she needs to be registered in school since she’s staying in Shine.”
Fuck, I haven’t given that shit any thought.
“Do you have a house?” Camryn asks.
“No, I live here.”
Camryn nods. “That’s what I thought. Do you plan to look for a house?”
“Obviously,” I reply, my hackles rising.
Then Ozzy’s voice echoes in my head, telling me not to make waves with Camryn for Syd’s sake.
“I was actually going to start looking today.” I wasn’t, but she doesn’t need to know that.
“And I was going to talk with Mia about what I need to do to get her enrolled, since Mia works at the school.” Okay, so I wasn’t going to do that either, but again, Camryn doesn’t need to know that.
“That’s great,” she says with barely contained shock lacing her words. Yeah, you and me both. “I’ll start looking for a place, too, since it doesn’t make sense for me to stay here without Syd. Do you happen to know of any apartments for rent or something small for me?”
I lean back and think on it for a minute.
Available real estate in Shine isn’t exactly something I’ve ever had to consider.
My life has always been here. I don’t think she wants to hear about the motel down the highway that offers long-term stays, and I’m not sure Ozzy has any properties that are available for rent.
Linc and Jude stay in the houses they plan to flip.
Cash and Cece might have a room they would let her rent, but I have a feeling Camryn is the type who doesn’t want to feel like an imposition.
Then I have an idea that seems like it could potentially blow up in my face, or work out for everyone. It’s really a fifty-fifty shot.
“What about you moving in with me and Syd? I have work, and sometimes I have to go on runs. I’d rather have someone home with Syd.
” And I don’t know the first thing about living with a teenage girl, but I don’t think throwing Syd in a new house without her aunt would be the smartest way for us to start a relationship.
“That way you don’t have to worry about finding your own place, and Syd can have her own room and stuff without having to traipse back and forth between places. ”
Camryn’s eyes widen. “Uh…”
Holy shit, I think I shocked her speechless.
“Come on. It makes perfect sense. I want to build a relationship with her, Camryn.” I look down at my hands and clasp my fingers together before looking back at Camryn.
“And I know that having you there will make that easier for me and for her. I can’t…
I need your help. I’ve never done this before—”
“You don’t have more kids that you didn’t know about until they were teenagers stashed away somewhere?” she asks, looking around the clubhouse.
“No, smart-ass, I don’t.” I roll my eyes as tinkling laughter falls from Camryn’s lips. “I could use your help. I’m not saying forever, but at least until Syd is comfortable.”
Camryn smiles and looks at me for a beat before answering. “I’d be happy to help, Barrett. And it saves me on rent, so it’s a win-win.”
I blow out a breath. I sure as shit hope we’re doing the right thing.