Chapter 6
A WEEK LATER…
It had been a few days since I seen Solana in her shop dancing and carefree.
Something about that only made me want her more.
The Thorns and Chrome kept my busy out of my mind, but I made sure someone went into her shop to order a few things.
Baby’s fingers were blessed. The box of sweets she had given me were good as hell and showed me why she went into it.
It made me want to know more about her. I wanted to hear her story, and that had never been a thing for me. After tonight’s meeting with the Thorn’s, she was going to be at the top of my list. I needed her to know I was interested, and I wanted more.
A knock at my office door pulled me out of my thoughts.
“Come in.” I called out.
Juelz poked his head in. “Aye, everybody made it here. So we can get started.”
I nodded, so he pulled back from the opening and took the steps back into the club.
Today, was our monthly meet up with the Black Thorns.
I liked to make sure I handled all club duties and make sure the shit we did for the community was in order.
Our annual backpack giveaway was coming around quickly.
The success we saw last year, on account of Jordan Smith alone, was one that helped us feed tons of families.
I tried to give him back some of his money, but he wasn’t having it.
I made sure what we took went into the right hands.
I locked my computer and stood, straightening my shirt before adjusting my diamond Cuban link chain.
I grabbed my Thorns biker jacket and stepped out, locking my office behind me.
I took the stairs two at a time, finding everyone in the main area laughing and talking—until I walked in.
The room became silent as I made my way towards my designated spot in front of them. I had a chair I pulled out whenever we conducted these kinds of meetings. Hierarchy was a thing when it came to shit around here. Before I took a seat, I glanced at everyone.
“Thorns out, Stand firm.” I announced as everyone fell in line.
I then took my seat and got straight to business.
“Aight, so The Thorn backpack giveaway in the Parks for the kids is coming up. This year, Vic, Koast, Freddy, Julez, Rafe, and Al—”
“Nah, I have plans—” Rafe started, before I turned in his direction with a deadly glare, cutting his speech short.
This muthafucka’ gone continue to test his luck with me.
Everything within me wanted to walk over and bust him upside his head with the butt of my gun.
But, I was practicing restraint these days.
Not everything needed to be solved with violence.
These old heads used to get enough of that back in the day with the old leader.
“Did I ask if you had plans?”
Rafe glanced around the room and then back up at me.
“I just wanted to let you know before you locked me in. My wife and I are supposed to be doing something.”
I watched as he rubbed his hands together and looked everywhere but at me. I chuckled and nodded my head. Strike number two.
“What date did y’all plan to do something?” I asked, quickly.
His eyes widened as he pulled out his phone. “Uh, um. The fifteenth of this month.”
“Aight, like I said. You gone be part of the setup crew. This is why you need to know the dates of what the hell is going on around here. The event is on the Tenth. Now onto other business, I need someone to volunteer to visit the Iron Fist Club this weekend. You know the deal, show yo’ face and respect, then bring yo’ ass back. ”
Miguel lifted his hand in the back, and I nodded. “‘Preciate that.”
“Now, shifts for Chrome are up for grabs. If you need more hours, you can step to me in private and I got you. Boss, you need a few days off?” I asked.
“Nah. I appreciate the distraction.”
I nodded, then continued down the list of things that needed to be handled.
I checked my watch and noticed that Solana’s shop would only be open for a few more hours.
Usually, I sent one of the guys over to grab me a few things.
But since I needed everyone to be here for the meeting, I would have to go myself.
Which I preferred, but as of recent it seemed like shit kept happening and needing my attention.
Julez was by my side in an instant the moment he had seen me heading for the exit.
“You know you gone have to check ole’ boy, right?” he asked.
I knew he was referring to Rafe. I knew that shit needed to be handled, and soon. If I was anything, I was observant. I rarely acted on my hunches until I had proof something was off. I couldn’t act on pride or ego. Shit like that caused mistakes to happen.
There was no room for mistakes.
“I hear you. You know how I get down. Watch him.”
Julez nodded and followed the last few members from the bar.
I watched as everyone left, then started for the back staircase to head to my office. But slowed my pace when I recognized that signature, pink and white pastry box with the words Sugar Kissed on it.
I walked over to the box and lifted the lid. It was empty, meaning one of them left trash behind. But, in this moment, all I could think was maybe this was a sign to pay her a visit.
I needed her to know I was interested without coming on too strong. Solana gave me the vibe she needed patience and clear intentions. The more I thought about it, how clear had I been? If I’d been sending other folks in her shop for me.
That was going to end today.
I walked out of the bar, then locked it behind myself.
I looked both ways before crossing the street and walked past a few shops until I made it to Sugar Kissed.
A few customers were still there, but I could tell it had slowed down.
From the distance, I took in her smile as she talked to the older couple.
Damn.
I groaned aloud and stepped inside, allowing the bell overhead to announce my presence. She glanced up, that same smile attached, until her eyes landed on me. Her eyes widened, and she smirked in my direction. Then returned her attention back to the couple in front of her.
Instead of getting in line, I took a seat at the table near the back. Another ten minutes went by as she was thanking the last customer as they left. I glanced in her direction to see her smiling at me. Solana stepped around the corner to take the seat across from me.
“I never thought I would see you in here again. I figured you realized those treats I gave you were far from worth all the money you put in the tip jar,” she said.
I chuckled with a shake of my head.
“Nah, never that. I loved it. I’ve been sending in a few different folks to grab me a couple things. Let me find out I was running through your mind.”
She rolled her eyes and glanced away briefly before returning her attention back to me.
“Please. I wouldn’t go that far. Natural curiosity is a thing.
Especially when you’ve just opened your business to the public.
But I appreciate you continuing to support.
Were you coming to grab a few things or just coming in to show your face?
I have a few things you could get for you and your girlfriend. ”
She gave me a tight lip smile that didn’t reach her eyes. She didn’t like the idea of me having someone else. I almost wanted to laugh, but I leaned back further into my seat and craned my head to the side while stroking my chin.
“Girlfriend? How you figure that?” I asked, ignoring her questions about the treats.
She adjusted herself in her seat, then glanced towards the door. I’m sure she was hoping anyone walked in so she could excuse herself.
“Uh, my bad. That wasn’t my business. Would you like one of my apple cinnamon rolls?” She asked, trying to change the subject.
I shook my head and stood to follow behind her, not leaving much room for her to hide. She quickly stepped behind the counter, then slipped on a pair of gloves.
“Let me get what you have left in this case.” I pointed at the few cupcakes and pound cake slices she had left.
She leaned up from looking into the case and glanced back in my direction with wide eyes.
“Are you sure? You truly don’t have to.”
I chuckled.
“Why do you doubt yourself so much?” I asked, taking a page out of her book and ignoring her question.
She broke our stare down and began placing the different treats into a box.
“Who said I doubted myself? Just because I like to double check doesn’t mean I doubt my capabilities.”
Her tone had a little more bite to it than usual. I lifted my hands, giving her a silent alright, backing off before I pushed too far. I just wanted to get to know her.
“I’m not trying to piss you off. I just want to get to know you.”
She placed the last slice of pound cake into the container. Solana released a sigh, then glanced back up at me.
“I don’t mean to be snappy, but these days I have more than enough problems. I can tell you’re attracted to me, but I’m in no place for games or problems. So, can we just keep it platonic?”
Her eyes almost seemed to plead with me to let it go. But all she was doing was making me want to break down every wall she built around herself. But I would go at her pace — for now.
I nodded. “I’m not going to front and act like I want to be your friend. But if that’s all you have to offer right now, shit, I’ll take it. At least for now. Maybe one of these days you will entertain your neighbor and tell me your story. I’m sure you have a lot of shit to talk about.”
She smiled as she added each product into her system so I could pay.
“If you say so, Duke of Rose Haven,” she said in an exaggerated royal tone, then giggled.
I lifted a brow, then tightened my lips to hold back my smile.
“Oh, stop! I know I’m not the first person to say that to you,” she said with a giggle.
I couldn’t help but smile as I shook my head. “Nah, they haven’t. These folks aren’t that clever, love.”
Her giggle pulled something familiar from me—something good, something soft I hadn’t thought about in years. It was the kind of sound you lingered on, even when you knew better. And I did. I brought my hand to my chin, a smirk tugging at my lips as I glanced her way, then around.
I checked my watch again—it was time for her to close, and I was the only one left. I reached into my pocket for my wallet.
“Who helps you clean up at the end of the night?” I asked.
“It’s usually just me. I don’t need much help and I like to listen to my music. I find the cleaning to be relaxing.”
She glanced up.
“But it’s still dangerous. I’m not saying we’re in the hood, but this isn’t the safest place for you to be by yourself.”
Solana shrugged and then peered back at me.
“I haven’t had a problem yet. I can’t afford to hire anyone on full-time right now.
I’m just getting started. You know Jessa helps with the Blooming and Aubree has her own business that she has to run.
I can’t expect them to come running every time I need assistance.
So for now, this will have to do. I will have to be more careful. ”
I lifted a brow in her direction. I didn’t know why it mattered—but it did. Enough that I needed to be here for her. My mind ran through ways I could ease her problems.
“I’ll come at the end of the day and help you clean—”
Solana shook her head feverously. “No, absolutely not. It’s not your responsibility and don’t you have your own business to be concerned with?” she asked, interrupting me.
“I’m making it my business. Even if I can’t make it, someone will be here looking out for you. Not to mention, my business isn’t really booming when the light is out, love. You good, I wouldn’t suggest something I couldn’t do.”
I reached to pay for the pastries, but by the time she tried to cancel it, the payment had already gone through. She let out a quiet breath.
“At least let me pay—”
“Nah, but I’ll take a sweet or two.” I told her.
She gave me the vibe she wasn’t the type to accept a handout, and I respected that. But I wasn’t taking money from her—she could keep dreaming on that part. It was already bad enough I was letting her pay me in food. Still, I planned on slipping money into her tip jar when she wasn’t looking.
“Are you sure? You really don’t have to do this.”
I smiled, happy that she was seeing things my way.
“Positive. Now, where is that broom you were using as a stripper pole the other night?” I asked with a teasing smirk.
Solana’s mouth dropped open dramatically. “I was not!”
I laughed as she tossed the dry towel from the back counter at me. I caught it mid-air and followed behind her to the supply closet. I was going to enjoy every second of this.