But I’ve had enough of sitting at home waiting for time to pass. Calls and visits from the station have mostly dried up, with new cases keeping the guys busy. Having Meredith and her animals here has been great, but they left this morning and the house feels empty. So since Hunter hasn’t had much exercise these past weeks and I need some fresh air, I’m taking him for a ride.
“Shouldn’t be out too long.”
Hunter is eager to go and all it takes is a soft click of the tongue and light pressure with my knees. There’s no need for me to lead him, he knows the trails well. We come out here quite a bit, it’s both relaxing and reenergizing, and a great way to get your head straight. Which is something I could use right about now.
I hadn’t heard anything from my family since the Boston Herald published the exposé piece about a week ago. Not even when most of the major networks picked up the story. My father’s name was only mentioned for context, but Alex was crucified.
I wish I could say it didn’t affect me, but I’d be lying. The press is ruthless and have spent this past week ripping not only Alex’s personal life, but his political career apart. It doesn’t matter how many times I tell myself this is my brother’s own doing; the fact remains I played a big part in bringing this about. It doesn’t matter that I’m not deriving any pleasure from it.
Then this morning, not long after Meredith left, Alex called. At first he ranted and raved, which I listened to—I figured I owed him at least that much—but then he broke down. He’d been receiving pressure to back down from the race, and his financial backers were dropping like flies. Last night he was forced to withdraw his name from the ballot and then this morning his wife, Claire, dropped divorce papers next to his cup of coffee.
My brother is a broken man, and yeah, it affects me. There was a time when as young kids we were inseparable. It wasn’t until we hit our teens the divide started growing, something we have our father to thank for. Power and politics changed Alex into what he has become and part of me hopes that once the dust settles and the wounds heal, he can find his way back to the brother I once knew. Maybe even be the father his son deserves.
When we reach the river and turn on the trail home, I nudge Hunter into an easy cantor before finally giving him the reins, letting him stretch his legs in a full throttle gallop. The speed, the smell of the river, and the fresh air hitting my face gets rid of any remaining tension in my body. By the time I can see the barn in the distance, my head is clear.
Clear enough to give Meredith my undivided attention tonight.
I’m a little nervous when I pull up to Meredith’s A-frame.
Picking the right restaurant turned out to be a bit of a challenge, let alone getting a reservation on such short notice. Served me right for leaving it to the last minute.
I don’t eat out a lot, I mostly pick up or order in and, as long as the weather allows, I grill. I ended up calling Blackfoot, who passed me off to Autumn, for some dining suggestions and she mentioned a new place the Arrow’s Edge MC just opened up. I was assured they had quite a few vegetarian options.
Walking up to the house, I hear Beau start barking and before I have a chance to knock, or use my key, the door swings open.
She’s so fucking beautiful.
Her silver hair falls in loose, tamed curls around her face, making her look softer. Narrow black pants replace her usual jeans and her top is a gauzy, white tunic. Instead of her signature purple Doc Martens, she’s wearing sandals made of colorful ethnic fabric, painted toenails peeking out.
No need for heavy makeup or formfitting dresses to make her look feminine. She’s all woman the way she is.
This morning her hair had been her usual nest and I distinctly remember her toes being bare. She made an effort…for me. It shouldn’t matter, but it does, which is why I finally tamed my beard, put on aftershave, and wore my best pair of dark jeans.
I lean in for a brief kiss.
“You’re stunning.”
She smiles, clearly pleased.
“You clean up nicely yourself.” She reaches out and strokes my jaw. “You trimmed your beard. I like it.”
“Good. Feels better.” I run a hand down my chin. “Are you ready to go?”
“Yeah, just let me grab my purse.”
A friendly brunette shows us to a booth by the window and introduces herself as Sophia.
“A waitress will be with you shortly, but here are some menus for you to look at, and can I get you started on some drinks?”
Meredith orders an IPA and I opt for a darker beer. Both are local, which it appears is all they serve here.
“Nice place. I’ve never been here before,” she says when Sophia heads to the bar.
The restaurant is not packed, but holds a decent crowd. When we came in, I noticed one of the Arrow’s Edge guys sitting at the far end of the bar. I’ve seen him around but I can’t remember his name. He lifted his beer in greeting when we passed by.
Now I see him get up and slip behind the bar, and while the brunette appears to be talking on the phone, he draws a couple of beers.
“I was told it just opened recently. Latest business venture of our local MC.”
She looks around, taking in the tan leather seats and stone tabletops. The bar looks to have been made from reclaimed wood, aged to that silver gray patina, the stools covered with the same leather as the booths.
“It looks great,” she comments. “Smells even better.”
I can’t argue that, my stomach’s been rumbling since we walked in.
“IPA and dark ale,” Sophia says, setting the glasses in front of her before tucking the tray under her arm. “Unfortunately, my other waitress isn’t going to make it so it looks like I’ll be serving you tonight. But,” she quickly adds, a forced smile on her face, “all my kitchen staff is present and accounted for so I can promise you the food will be delicious.”
“Something certainly smells good,” I comment.
“That’s the brisket, our signature dish.”
“It does,” Meredith agrees. “And I was just saying what a great place this is. How long have you been open?”
“Two weeks, and as you can tell, we’re still finding our groove. Staffing can be a bit of a challenge.”
“You’re the manager?”
The woman’s smile for Meredith holds some pride.
“I am. I’m also new to town and a little out of my depth.” She leans down over the table and adds in a whisper, “but don’t tell anyone I said that.”
“They won’t hear it from me.”
The two women are different in a lot of ways, but in observing their exchange it’s clear they somehow gel. I’ve never really seen Meredith interact outside of her work, except perhaps a few times with Carlos these past weeks. As reserved as I thought her to be, she’s open and engaging in her conversation with Sophia.
A people person, who knew?
I’m sure there’s much more to discover, but I’m not in a rush. I have all the time in the world. I could probably spend the rest of my life dissecting Meredith and never tire of it.
“Jay?”
Meredith’s voice drags me from my thoughts.
“Sorry, what?”