29. Skye
“Ican’t believe we’re not busy.”
Tony and I have spent the last hour wiping down the counter and restocking. It’s slow which isn’t all that unusual for a Tuesday afternoon. It’s only three o’clock, though, so the tide could turn at any time.
“Don’t jinx us,” I hiss. “As much as I love the tips, last weekend was insane, and a calm night is appreciated every once in a while.
Tony leans his elbows on the bar top. “Touché.”
Mimicking his stance, I twist my head toward him and stick out my tongue. I wasn’t joking when I said a break would be nice; however, a slow night also means time drags on. My ass vibrates, reminding me that I forgot I put my phone in my back pocket instead of setting it next to my register like I normally do.
I pull it out of my pocket and smile when I glance at the screen.
Rogue: Busy?
Me: Nope
Rogue: Coming over tonight?
Me: I made a casserole before work. Why don’t you come to my place
Rogue: Meet u at your place
Me: I’ll be the naked chick in the apron
Rogue: U can’t say shit like that to me when you’re working
Me: Why???
Rogue: Because now I have a hard on while sitting here talking to Abyss
Me: Poor baby
Rogue: You’re racking up the punishments
Me: Promises, promises
I slip my phone back into place as I think about the delicious retribution Rogue will deliver later. We’ve been exploring more, and it seems I really do enjoy spankings. I bought a flogger online, but I haven’t shown it to him yet. Maybe tonight is the night. My skin heats at the possibility.
Tony waves his hand in front of my face. “Earth to Skye.”
“Sorry, what did you say?”
“Based on that look on your face, I’d rather know what you were just thinking about.” He taps his chin. “I’m guessing a certain biker… naked?”
My cheeks burn. “I’m gonna take a quick break.” Tony’s laugh follows me, as I make my escape.
After I finish using the restroom, I splash some cold water on my face to cool down. Just thinking about Rogue sends all my senses into overdrive. I’ve never felt this alive or at peace. Clint used to tell me that I was beautiful and smart, but he was my best friend, and it was always hard to believe coming from him. But Rogue makes me feel that and more. There’s no disbelief when it comes to anything he tells me.
I love him.
I stumble back from the sink, processing my silent admission. Even as I tell my brain it’s too soon, my heart refuses to back down. Clarity washes over me as I head back to the bar. As I pass the office, Waylon’s voice vibrates off the walls. The door is slightly ajar but not open. Raising my hand to knock to see if he needs anything, another shout stops me.
“I can’t get any more. It’s not safe right now. Shit needs to die down first. You fucking twat, I’ll have the whole fucking club?—”
“Skye, I need your help,” Tony calls from the front.
I hurry to the bar and see that in the brief time I was gone, more customers came in. Making a mental note to bring up the conversation I just overheard with Rogue as soon as I see him, I dive in filling orders.
What the hell is going on?
A couple of hours later, my cell rings. I ignore it. I’m at work, after all, but the caller is pretty persistent, and the ringing never stops. I know it’s not Rogue because he only texts when I’m working so I finally grab my phone. My breath hitches when I see Guardian Springs Nursing Home flashing on my screen.
I punch the answer button and bring the phone to my ear. “Hello?”
“I’m trying to reach Skye Summers.”
“This is her.”
“This is Monty. I’m a nurse at Guardian Springs. Patricia Summers is a resident here, and you’re listed as her emergency contact.”
My heart seizes in my chest. “What happened, what’s wrong?”
Tony must hear my panic because he stares at me intently.
“Ms. Summers is very ill. The doctor on-call is with her right now, but she’s asking for you.”
“What do you mean she’s very ill? Is she going to be okay?” I ask.
“She has pneumonia. Did they not call you when she was diagnosed?”
“No, I had no idea.”
“It’s been spreading through the center. Several residents have had it in the last month. We’re treating Patricia with antibiotics and trying to make her comfortable.”
“Okay, tell her I’m on my way.”
“I’ll let her know, and we’ll see you soon.”
After ending the call, I push past Tony. “I’m sorry, Tony, but I have to go.”
“What’s wrong?”
“That was the nursing home my grandma is in. She’s really sick and asking for me. I have to go.”
“You okay to drive?”
“Yeah, I’ll be fine. Can you handle things here by yourself? Waylon’s still in the back if you need him. I’m really sorry.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. If Waylon can’t help, I’ll call Rogue and have him get someone in here.”
“Shit… Rogue. I have to call him to tell him where I’m going.”
“Go, call Rogue, and be careful.”
“Thanks, Tony,” I call as I race down the hall to the breakroom to grab my things.
Less than two minutes later, I’m pulling out of Purgatory’s parking lot and calling Rogue.
“Miss me already?” he says when he answers.
I choke back a sob. “Rogue.”
“What’s wrong? Skye, are you okay?”
I take a deep breath. “I’m fine, I’m sorry.”
“You don’t sound fine. Are you in your car? I hear an engine. Why aren’t you at work?”
The concern in his voice causes my heart to swell.
“I’m on my way to Mountain Springs.”
“Mountain Springs?” he repeats.
“My grandma is at the Guardian Springs Nursing Home.”
“She okay?”
“She has pneumonia and is asking for me.”
“I’ll meet you there.”
“No… no, thank you, but I’ll be okay. The nurse said they’re treating her with antibiotics. Grandma is asking for me. I’m sorry I left work, but I need to see her. She’s the only family I have left, Rogue.”
“I understand, family first. Be careful. Text me when you get there.”
“I will.”
I pray that she’s okay as I speed out of town. Grandma is the last connection I have to my parents, and I’m not ready to lose her yet.
Hang on Grandma, I’m coming.