24. Screamer
SCREAMER
Doesn’t hurt to be prepared.
“Want me to come with?”
I slow my steps to respond to Poker. It’s been a week since Roxie invited her friends for a visit, and since they decided to make a road trip out of it, we don’t have an exact time for their arrival, which means I’m running around like a chicken with its head cut off to get ready.
“Nah, I’m good,” I tell him.
“Anything I can do here?”
I glance around to survey the clubhouse. “Maybe double-check that the spare rooms are ready.”
“Already done. Meri made sure before she left for her shift at the bar.”
“Awesome. Thanks.”
“No problem.”
Before he can slow me down further, I make my way outside and climb into my truck. I’d much rather ride my Harley, but kegs don’t fit on a bike. I’m almost to town when my cell rings. I answer it via the connected Bluetooth.
“Hey, sweetheart.”
“How’d you know it was me?” Roxie asks sweetly.
“Because it’s noon, which means you’re on your lunch break.”
“Right.”
“How’s your day going?”
“Good. I just got a text from Greg saying their ETA is five-thirty.”
“Damn, they’re making good time.”
“Sammie’s driving. She’s got a lead foot.”
I chuckle. “Well, I can’t wait to meet them.”
A shuffling noise comes through the line, and I wait while Roxie speaks to someone.
“I gotta go,” she says when she’s done. “I’ve got a walk-in.”
“Okay. Just make sure you eat at some point.”
“I will. Love you.”
She disconnects the call, giving me no chance to respond.
Did she just say what I think she said?
We haven’t said those words to each other yet. I debate on calling her back but decide against it. She’s at work. She probably said it out of reflex.
Yeah. Yeah, that’s it.
And if that isn’t it? I’d be the happiest I’ve ever been. I love her, too. I’ve chosen not to say it to her because I don’t want her to feel pressured. I promised her that I’m a patient man, and that we could take our relationship at her pace, and I won’t break that promise.
The rest of the way into town, I’m on cloud nine.
I park downtown and go into the liquor store to pick up the kegs I ordered.
Once those are loaded into the back of the truck, I walk to one of the shops down the street.
I’m not a flashy man, and I’m unapologetically simple.
That being said, tonight is special to Roxie, so I’m going to put in a little extra effort.
I purchase a new pair of jeans and a long-sleeved Henley.
Satisfied that she’ll appreciate the small gesture, I make my way back to the truck.
I’m sidetracked, though, when I spot the jeweler across the street.
Diamonds sparkle in the display windows, and I find myself crossing the road and entering the store.
“Hello,” a woman greets. “How can I help you today?”
Feeling like a bull in a china shop, I glance around. “Not sure you can, really,” I admit. “Wasn’t planning on coming in here.”
“Well, feel free to look around, and if you find yourself needing assistance, let me know.”
“Thanks.”
I browse the cases of rings for what feels like hours, although it’s probably more like thirty minutes. The woman checks on me a few times but otherwise leaves me alone to contemplate what the fuck I’m doing.
I don’t even know if Roxie meant it when she said, ‘love you’. Shit, we’ve only been together for a few months. The problem with all of that is it doesn’t seem to matter one single iota.
I do love her. The more time I spend with her, the more I can’t fathom life without her. I claimed her before she was ready, so I won’t propose to her yet. Doesn’t hurt to be prepared, though.
Right?
“Can I see that one, please?” I ask, pointing to a ring that has a solitaire diamond nestled among a circle of black diamonds.
“Of course.”
When I return to the clubhouse, it’s with three kegs, a new outfit, and a very expensive engagement ring. Poker helps me carry in the beer, and as soon as it’s unloaded, I make a beeline for my room.
I tuck the black velvet ring box into a drawer and head to the shower.
“Love you, too, sweetheart,” I whisper to the empty room.