“Yes.”
“It used to be every minute, then every hour. Now I can almost get through a day.”
“That’s disheartening.”
Calder gave a low laugh. “I told you I wouldn’t lie to you. That’s why so many go back to them. That’s why you count the number of days you’ve been clean.”
“How did you keep yourself from using again once you were out of prison?”
“I figured I had disappointed Stud enough.”
“Viper is used to me disappointing him.”
“Bro, there’s a big difference between me and you. I chose to do drugs; you didn’t have a choice. Viper isn’t disappointed in you. He would trade places with you in a fucking second to keep you from getting hurt again.
“When I was at my lowest point, Stud tried to get me help. I threatened never to see him again if he interfered in my life. It took me going to prison to see that I was stupid enough to think that I could avoid falling into quicksand. I thought I was too smart, that I was Superman and could move so fast my feet wouldn’t touch the stuff. As my use grew worse, I grew so arrogant I thought I could walk right over it and not get dragged down.” Calder shook his head at his stupidity. “Then, when I was caught, I was too stupid to reach out and let Stud help me. Don’t make that mistake. If I had to do it over, I would do things differently.”
“What if I drag him down with me?”
“You really think you’re going to be dragging Viper down? That man is solid. Not only do you have Viper, but you have all The Last Riders.”
“You’re right. So, what’s going on with you and Crazy Bitch? She still hate you?”
“No, we hooked up the other day.”
“Was it as good as you thought it would be?” Gavin’s envious smile gleamed at him from the light inside.
“Better. We’re spending the weekend together.” He didn’t mention the game the clubs were playing, not wanting him to feel left out.
“I guess I can do without you for the weekend.”
“I’m a phone call away if you need me.”
“I know.” Gavin stood up. “You mind if I go to sleep? It’s been a long day. I’m going to call Peyton and tell her good night.” Despite his words, he made no move to leave. “I don’t know what I would have done without you today.”
“You would’ve fallen asleep on your bed.”
“Do me a favor?”
“Sure.”
“You don’t want to know what it is?”
“Don’t need to. What do you want?”
“Bring Crazy Bitch here. I’d like to meet her.”
“Then I’ll bring her.”
“Night.”
“Good night.”
Calder stayed outside, smoking his cigarette and giving Gavin time to fall asleep. He was about to go inside when he saw a dark figure slip out of the room.
“Checking on him?” Calder asked Viper when he took the chair next to him.
“Peyton said he had a bad morning. Since I was on my way, anyway, I hung around to speak to you. The doctors say he’s doing better. What do you think?”
“He’s eating and growing stronger. That’s about all I can tell you.”
“That’s the same thing the doctor said.”
“Sorry.”
“No, you’re not. I want to bring him home.”
“I know you do, but he’s not ready yet.”
“Ton is getting married to Winter’s aunt. He wants Gavin to come.”
“Either they wait or get married without him there. Gavin being there isn’t going to be good for anyone. He has to face one person from his past before he can move on and face the life he has ahead of him.”
“Taylor.”
Calder nodded. “He wants her to come next week.”
“Damn. If she comes down, it won’t go well. She’s seven months pregnant. It might send him over the edge.”
“No might about it,” Calder said grimly. “But at least he’ll be in a controlled environment, versus you and Shade dealing with it.”
“Don’t underestimate Gavin. Any other man would be dead with the concoction of drugs they were giving him. His nickname in the service was Reaper for a reason. The only other person I’ve seen go off like Reaper is Shade when he gets pissed off. When Shade goes off, he can take out six or seven men. Reaper can decimate whoever he comes into contact with.”
Calder gave a low whistle. “I’ll bring my helmet when I come back on Monday.”
Viper narrowed his eyes on him. “You’re not coming this weekend?”
He could kick himself for dropping his guard. “Peyton wanted a couple of days off, so we switched,” he lied.
“Really. Hmm… you and Crazy Bitch having any luck with Greer’s clue?”
“Which one?”
“The one where you have to eat that fucking mess Greer dreamed up.”
“Oh… that one. Not yet.”
“You’re lying. That’s fine. I don’t blame you.” Viper stood. “I need to get home to Winter and Aisha. See you around.”
Calder stood. “Tell Greer he needs to take precautions.”