Page 65 of The Originals

Grain walked out of the room, heading for his bike and fighting against a yawn. This would be a bitch of a ride. Everything Mick warned him about was true.

Grain rolled his neck with only one thought on his mind. He’d risk it.

’Cause she’s worth it.

Chapter Seventeen

Regina could’ve stayed an extra day at the cabin. Just being away put a lot of things into perspective. In a move she didn’t even see coming, she’d reflected on life with Grain versus life without him. Sure, men forgot anniversaries every day and every year. Grain wasn’t the first man, and he certainly wouldn’t be the last. He’d fucked up, as Lola said. In the grand scheme of things, it was something she could move on from.

But not without making him suffer a bit. Regina had no intention of calling Grain. When he reached out, she might answer.Might not.

She’d gotten a late start on the road coming home. With only an hour to spare before her shift at the bar, she raced around the apartment. She’d unpack when she got home from work. Or maybe tomorrow. She grabbed her keys from the hook and turned to the door. Then she froze. What the hell was that?

It may not have been a big deal, but Regina had made a point of taking out the garbage before she took off for the cabin. She’d been preoccupied when she got home and hadn’t noticed until now. She leaned over slightly, glancing down into the garbage.

There were two empty beer bottles. Grain’s brand. He’d been at the apartment? The last she’d heard, the run was a few days long. He should still be out of town.Did he come home?

Regina straightened, knitted her brows, and glanced around the apartment. Nothing else seemed out of place. Their bed was made, which was something Grain never did, so she knew he hadn’t slept there. Regina had no idea what was going on nordid she have the time to figure it out. She walked out the door, locking it behind her.

*

“Wasn’t sure if you were gonna show up.”

Regina was thirty minutes into her shift and pouring a beer. She hadn’t seen Ernie when she’d arrived but noticed his office door closed.

She placed the beer on the counter in front of the customer and turned to Ernie. “When have I ever been a no show?”

Ernie shrugged with a heavy sigh. “First time for everything.”

Maybe, but not for her. She may have a bad attitude and anger issues, but Regina had an impeccable work ethic. She grabbed the ten-dollar bill on the counter and walked over to the register. She tapped on the keys and felt Ernie sidle up next to her.

“Grain was looking for you. Called three times.”

Regina battened down a smile. Did he really think she’d sit at home waiting on him to get back from his run? Probably.

“Good. I hope he had three miserable days.”

Ernie snorted. “He was worried, Gee. Tried calling the apartment, the clubhouse, and here, and couldn’t find you. Even demanded that I go check in on you.”

Her hand stilled on the cash, and for a brief second, she felt a twinge of guilt.

It was fleeting.

“Well, he could have been with me, Ernie, but he wasn’t. He made a choice.” She placed the change on the counter and grabbed the bar towel. She vigorously started wiping down the counter, feeling her anger rise as she spoke the truth. “The same choice he always makes. Ghosttown.”

This was another of her disappointments that she hadn’t shared, not even with Lola. Regina knew the life in the club andnever stood in the way of Grain’s brotherhood. But just once, it would’ve been nice to be considered before the MC.

“Look, Gee,”

Regina had enough of this conversation. A therapy session with Ernie was not on her bingo card today.

She threw down the rag and spun around, glaring at him. “Ernie, not only are you my boss, but I consider you a friend. And as my friend, I’m asking you to shut the fuck up. Can you do that?”

It was harsh and possibly uncalled for, but it served its purpose. Ernie clamped his lips, held up his hands, and turned, walking down to the other end of the bar.

This is gonna be a long shift, I know it.

****