Page 17 of Stonewall

“She is better this morning, not in as much pain,” I said; I had talked with Doc before seeing Brooke.

Tildie gave me a smile in answer before following me to see Brooke. Before we went in, I looked at Tildie. “She is mad at me for keeping things from her. She thinks our club is like the Fire Dragons. I need your help to convince her we are different,” I said.

Her blue eyes widened with understanding, and she scribbled in her notebook.I will talk to her. Once she is around the club, she will see, don’t worry.”

“Thanks, Tildie.” I opened the door and ushered her inside, watching as Brooke held her arms out to her sister and Tildie went to her. Brooke and Tildie obviously cared about each other a great deal. “I’m going to pick up Gael and bring him here,” I told Brooke as she pulled back to look at Tildie. I didn’t wait for an answer but left, giving them time alone.

I would give Brooke time to let things sink in, but not much.

CHAPTER TWELVE

I’M HURT LENNYdidn’t tell me the truth. I’ve had enough deceit in my life. I wanted to believe he came to check on me and then liked me enough to want more, but why would he want me? Most day’s I felt and looked like a used rag, tired and worn. And I came with baggage. He is sexy and damn good-looking. He could have his pick of women. Being a biker, I know he did.

Why me?

I think he feels responsibility and pity for my situation; if I hated anything, it was a pity.

The door opened, and Tildie and Lenny walked into the room. I held my arms out for Tildie, noticing the difference in her immediately.

She was happy.

Truly happy. It was there in her eyes and smile. And she looked so pretty in the yellow sundress that she wore. I had never seen Tildie in anything other than the bulky clothes Mouth made her wear, at least not since she was a child.

I heard Lenny say he would get Gael and the door shut. I looked at Tildie, asking, “How are you? Lenny said you were beaten.” Tildie pulled her notebook onto her lap and started writing. I tried to learn sign language to communicate with her but couldn’t seem to grasp it, and I always felt like a failure. And because my lip was busted, I had to talk even slower so she would understand.

It took her a few minutes, but then she handed me the notebook. I read what she had written about Rat beating her and breaking her leg, arm, and ribs. He also gave her a concussion; it took her almost two months to recover with the help of this club, especially from her boyfriend Travis, who she loves so much and was shot by Mouth and is recovering in the next room over.

“Is Travis good to you, Tildie?” I asked, looking into her eyes. “Don’t lie.”

Tildie nodded vehemently, touching her hand to her heart before writing: I never dreamed I would have someone like Travis; I never knew men could be good like the men here. I can’t wait for you to meet him. He even learned to sign so that he could talk to me.

I read her words and was so happy for Tildie that she finally found someone who cherished her. At least she says he does, but I still need to meet him and see for myself. She handed me the notebook again:Are you okay? Flex won’t hurt you anymore; Stonewall and the men here will make sure of it. He likes you; he said so.

“He feels responsible for Gael and me since he brought us here.”

Tildie shook her head, writing:No, it’s more. I know; I’ve watched him since I’ve been here, and he’s different when it comes to you. I haven’t seen him with any women the whole time I’ve been here, either.

I shrugged my shoulder. “I don’t have any illusions; you know me, Tildie. I have a hard time trusting people; I just don’t know him well enough.” Even though my heart gave a little leap when Tildie said she hadn’t seen him with anyone. It doesn’t mean he wasn’t, but I liked hearing it. “I missed you, Tildie,” I told her, taking her hand. She touched her chest, indicating she missed me as well.

The door opened again, and Gael came running and stopped when he saw Tildie. “Aunt Tildie,” he shouted, running to her. Lenny came in with a beautiful blonde woman by his side. I touched my hair, knowing how awful I must look right now.

Who was she? The woman walked over to me. “I’m Sophia; I wanted to meet you since Gael will stay with me for a few days. I want you to know I will take excellent care of him, and Rowena loves having him to play with,” she said, her smile warm.

Oh, that’s why she’s here. I felt lighter at knowing that. “I really appreciate it; I know Gael can have a ton of energy, and Germie, I hope he is behaving. I should be out of this bed in a day or so.”

“Doc said a week, Brooke,” Lenny spoke from where he leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his chest.

“I told you I’m used to dealing with the pain; I’ll be fine,” I glowered.

“The key phrase isused to dealing with, that doesn’t apply anymore. Don’t make me tie you to the bed,” he smirked, his eyes saying he would do exactly that. And if I’m not mistaken, like doing it. The thought of being tied to the bed by Lenny turned me on. I looked away before he saw it.

“However long, it’s fine; Gael can stay as long as need be. Rowen and I don’t mind having him or Germie,” Sophia interjected before I could reply. “I have to go, but if you need anything, please let me know. I brought you some clothes and slippers to get you by, but if there is something I missed, don’t hesitate to ask.” Sophia laid the bag she had in her hands down on the chair.

“I will. Thanks, Sophia, and it was nice meeting you,” I said. Sophia gave one last goodbye before leaving. She seemed really nice. “Come here, Gael and give mommy a hug,” I gestured to Gael, who was sitting on Tildie’s lap.

“I missed you. Are you having fun?” I asked Gael after our hug, Gael sitting beside me on the bed.

“Yeah, Roe has a really big house and yard; Germie likes it a lot. Sophia says we are going for ice cream after dinner; I’ll bring you some back,” Gael gushed, his arm moving as he spoke.