Chapter 3
Oz rolled to a stop in front of a small green cottage. It had been a few days since the fiasco happened that played out and took the life of the woman the club knew at one time. Ruby had taken it hard and had refused to return to the clubhouse. At least for a while. This meant Nova had also been scarce, staying near her.
He strolled toward the side door underneath the carport. The door swung open as he reached the steps. "I was wondering how long it would take for you to show up."
Oz grinned up at Nova. "You miss me?"
"Hell, I would have locked the door and hid if I knew you were coming."
"Good thing I didn't come to see you."
Nova moved back as Oz stepped inside.
"How's she doing?" Oz whispered.
“Better. She was beating herself up pretty bad that she didn't reach out and find her sooner. But she knows in her heart that wasn't possible.”
“Good.” Oz glanced toward the case opening leading into the living room. There she was. Missing her usual bright smile, but also not sad.
"Hey Oz.” Ruby padded past them toward the oven. "I made lasagna. You'll stay and eat won't you?"
"Now how can I turn that down?"
Ruby flashed him a smile. "It's been a little quiet around here. I believe Nova is getting bored, but I can't get him to leave the house.”
"I'll definitely stay for dinner then we'll take a ride,” Oz told her.
"That sounds perfect.” Ruby stepped close as she carried the casserole dish to the table. "He thinks he needs to sit here and babysit me."
Oz grinned. "That's why you're going with us."
Ruby's steps faltered. However slight but Oz noticed and glanced toward his brother. With an approving nod from Nova, he pushed on. "Now you know I can't stomach his company that long without you. You didn't think I dropped by to see his ugly mug, did you?”
Her face lit up. "You do know how to flatter a girl. But I know you two can't stay away from one another.” She laughed.
"Oh, but you're the pretty bow on the package,” Oz told Ruby.
Ruby shook her head. "Y'all are not right. Grab some plates and come sit down.”
Oz moved to the cabinets and pulled down the dishes as Nova filled glasses. In no time, they were all gathered around the table enjoying dinner.
"Oz," Ruby cocked her head toward him. "Where did you take the girl that you brought in with Chelle?"
Oz cut a look toward Nova before answering. "I didn't take her anywhere.”
Ruby’s eyes widened. "Didn't you bring her there?"
"Yeah, but that's all I did," Oz assured her.
"Apparently, she snuck out. Nobody saw her leave,” Nova said.
"Can you find her? I'd like to talk to her," Ruby requested.
"You know who she is,” Oz told her.
"Yeah, Nealy told me.”
"We've talked about this," Nova reminded her. "She may be right back with Drifter. And if she is, she's off limits."
"I don't think she is. Nealy told me she wanted out once. If that's the case, and she got a chance to break free, I can’t see her going back.”
Nova covered her hand with his. "Baby, you've got to let this go.”
Oz sipped his tea, watching the exchange with Ruby and Nova. Nova was right, she needed to let it go. But Nova could never tell her no. And to be honest, neither could he. She would have her way before dinner was over. Yeah, there it was. The final blow to Nova's will in a flash of her beautiful and hopeful eyes.
"Can you please try?"
"Have you considered she doesn't want to be found? Or at least, not found by us?" Oz asked.
"I happen to know that has never stopped either of you of trying."
Nova pushed out a breath and dropped his fork. "Okay. But if she's back where she was or we don't locate her, you drop this.”
Ruby smiled. "Deal."
"I'll get on it first thing tomorrow,” Oz promised. "Tonight, we get a little wind therapy."