Wrath #2
He gave me a pat on the shoulder, then turned and walked out of the room, leaving me alone to sort through all the various drawers and cabinets.
It felt strange to try and take ownership of a place that had been Stitch’s for over twenty years.
I started taking inventory of what was there, and there were things like candles and slotted spoons that gave me an uncomfortable feeling because I had no idea what he’d used them for.
I considered tossing them until a vile thought crossed my mind, and I started to see their potential.
So, I left them where they were and moved on to the next cabinet. It was a lot to take in, but the longer I was there, the more comfortable I became. I wasn’t quite at home, but I knew, in time, I would be.
I spent several hours sifting through everything, and once I had a better feel for where everything was, I decided to head back to the main house.
Before I did, I walked over and grabbed Mia’s teddy bear from the trash, then returned it to the cabinet where Stitch had kept it.
I closed the cabinet door, then went to check in with the brothers.
As expected, Bones and Big were in the workroom monitoring the Demarco security footage, and Cotton was in his office with Savage, discussing the future of the club.
The rest of the brothers were either getting in some target practice or had gone to the construction site to go over plans with Guardrail.
I still had a few hours to kill, so I joined Clutch and Torch out back, and we spent some time checking over all our weaponry for the third time in the past couple of days.
It was a hassle, but I didn’t want to take any chances.
Once we were confident that everything was in order, we all decided to call it a day, and I headed home.
On the way, I stopped by the store and picked up everything I’d need for dinner.
When I got to the house, I put everything away and started picking up the place.
Thankfully, it wasn’t as bad as I thought.
I just needed to wash a few dishes and throw some clothes in the laundry, so I jumped right in and got to it.
When I was done, I took a quick look around and figured it would do.
The place was far from perfect, but things were slowly coming together.
I’d started with the front porch. I’d gotten a couple of rocking chairs and put out a few plants—most of which hadn’t survived.
But I’d tried.
I’d put a fresh coat of paint on the house, inside and out, and I’d brought in all new furniture.
It didn’t look half-bad. I certainly wasn’t embarrassed by it.
If anything, I was pretty proud of how it had all turned out.
I hadn’t gotten around to the barn, but I’d eventually get to it and when I did, I hoped to bring in some animals.
Maybe a cow and a couple of goats. Only time would tell.
It was almost six, so I gathered the trash and headed out the back door.
Dread washed over me the second I spotted Rosa sitting in a lawn chair smoking a cigarette.
I didn’t have the time nor the desire to talk to her, so I gave her a quick nod hello before quickly dropping the bag into the can.
I headed back inside and started gathering what I would need to cook dinner.
I’d just pulled out the steaks when there was a tap at my back door.
It had to be Rosa.
It was at that moment that I finally realized I had a problem on my hands. I jerked the door open and growled, “It’s not a good time, Rosa.”
“It’s never a good time with you anymore.
” Before I could stop her, she stormed past me and into the kitchen.
She looked around, soaking things in. I’d always gone to her place, fucked her, and hurried home, so it was the first time she’d actually been in the house.
And it would be the last. She propped her hand on her hip with a huff, then sassed, “I told you early on that I don’t play games. ”
“Yeah, and neither do I.”
“Then, what’s your deal?”
“Got no deal, Rosa.” I started seasoning the steaks as I told her, “I never made you any promises.”
“So, you’re saying I meant nothing to you.”
“Wouldn’t say you meant nothing. But I wouldn’t say you meant something either.” I turned to face her and was about to lay it out for her when there was a knock at my front door. “Goddamn it.”
“Who’s that?”
“None of your fucking business.” I motioned my hand towards the door as I growled, “Look I’m done with this cat-and-mouse bullshit. It’s time for you to go.”
“Why?” she pushed. “Who is that?”
“Rosa, now!”
“Fine, but this conversation isn’t over.”
I waited until she was out the back door and halfway across the backyard before I went to see about Mia. She looked a bit suspicious as she smiled and said, “I was beginning to think you weren’t going to answer.”
“Sorry about that... I was getting the steaks ready.”
“Oh, okay.”
She stepped inside, and I was about to close the door behind her when I spotted Rosa standing at the driveway.
She was staring at the house, clearly trying to get a glimpse of Mia, and it enraged me.
I wanted nothing more than to set her straight, but it would have to wait until another day.
I gave her a warning look as I slammed the door and followed Mia into the living room.
Noting my change in demeanor, Mia’s brows furrowed. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, I’ve just got something I’ve gotta take care of.”
“Is it something I could help you with, or should I come back later?”
“No, nothing like that. It can wait.” I motioned her to the kitchen as I asked, “You want a beer or tea or something?”
“Tea would be great.”
“You got it.”
Mia followed me into the kitchen and said, “I really like what you’ve done with the place. It looks amazing.”
“Thanks.” I poured her a glass of tea and offered it to her. “It still needs some work, but it’s gettin’ closer.”
“I didn’t realize you were such a handyman.”
“I learned a lot from working with Guardrail. The rest was trial and error.” I grabbed the plate of steaks, then started for the back door. “I need to fire up the grill.”
“Mind if I come with?”
“Suit yourself.”
Mia smiled as she followed me outside and watched as I doused the coals with lighter fluid. I took a quick glance around and was relieved to see that Rosa was nowhere in sight. I hated that I even had to worry about it, but it would be resolved soon enough.
I fired up the grill, the flames eagerly devouring the charcoal.
The flames flickered, casting a warm glow on the small patio, and it wasn’t long before it reached a scorching heat.
I placed the steaks on the hot grates and immediately heard the satisfying sizzle as it made contact.
I closed the lid, allowing the steak to sear on the first side, then asked Mia, “How do you like your steak?”
“Hmmm, medium-well to well-done.”
“So, you want it burnt?”
“No. I just don’t want it to moo at me.”
“To moo at you?” I mocked. “You gotta be shittin’ me. Next, you’re gonna tell me you eat it with ketchup.”
“Not if you seasoned it right.”
“Oh, I seasoned it right. You don’t have to worry about that.”
“Well, if that’s true, and I do mean if... then I won’t be needing the ketchup.” She glanced down at the grill, then gave me one of her smiles, the ones that get me right in the gut. “Time to show me what you got, white boy.”