Tarot

 

 

 

 

She smiled.

Yeah, I knew that we barely knew each other, but I already felt so much for Peyton. Maybe it was just lust, I don’t know, but my heart was telling me otherwise.

I leaned over and kissed her again. “Get some sleep.”

Peyton smiled and nodded.

I walked out of the house, started my motorcycle, which I’m sure the neighbors appreciated, and went home to pack. Although I was dead-tired, curiously enough, I couldn’t remember feeling so alive.

 

 

***

 

 

 

The flight to San Francisco went smoothly and when I arrived at the airport, I rented a car and then called Hannah.

“Now isn’t the best time,” she said, when I told her I was on my way.

“What?” I asked, surprised, checking the time. It was almost noon. The woman had practically begged me to pick her up the day before. “Is she in school?”

“Uh, yeah,” Hannah said. “She should be home in a few hours.”

“What time?”

“Four.”

“Okay, I’ll be there at three. I’d like to talk to you before she gets home.”

Hannah sighed. “Fine. Just don’t get here any earlier. I’m working and my clients like privacy.”

“What do you do?” I asked.

It took her several seconds to answer. “I’m a personal masseuse.”

An image of her doing more than just massaging a guy’s back popped into my head. I reminded myself not to judge the woman. Whatever Hannah did for work wasn’t my business.

“Fine, I’ll be there at three. What’s your address again?”

She gave it to me and then we hung up. Knowing that I had several hours to kill, I decided to call my sister Melania, who lived in Sausalito. Like me, my other two sisters had moved out of California, but Melania loved the area and I knew that she would never leave.

“Hey, Mel.”

“Dom? What’s wrong?”

I chuckled. It was just like her to be worried. She took after our mother, who’d been a worry-wort for most of her life. “Nothing. I’m in San Francisco and was wondering if you’d want to meet up for lunch?”

She groaned. “Dammit, I can’t. I’m in Annapolis for a hair convention. What are you doing in San Francisco?”

Melania owned an upscale hair salon and was always going to fashion shows and beauty conventions, so it was no surprise.

“Are you sitting down?”

“Yeah, why?” she asked in a guarded tone.

I told her about Ruby and she gasped. “You’re kidding? Do you think she’s yours?”

“Honestly? I think she might be.”

Melania clucked her tongue. “That poor thing. So, her mother just died and now her aunt is trying to unload her already. What kind of a woman does that? Ruby must be distraught enough as it is.”

I thought that the way that Hannah was handling things was very insensitive, too. But, I had a feeling she wasn’t the best role model for Ruby, nor the most loving person to being with.

“Yeah, I don’t know much about Hannah. Jenna never talked about her, and I never met her, but my gut is telling me that Ruby is better off without the woman.”

“That poor kid. Call me after you meet her. If she’s my niece, I’ll make sure the little pumpkin knows how a real aunt should treat her.”

Melania was already an aunt to two boys and a girl. My other two sisters both had kids of their own. One thing they all had in common was their love for children and family.

“Will do.”

“By the way, how’s life treating you out in Minnesota?”

“Pretty good, actually.”

We talked about the club for a while and then she asked if I’d met anyone.

“Actually, yeah,” I said, smiling into the phone. “Just a couple days ago.”

“Seriously? I want details.”

“Don’t you have to get back to the convention?” I teased, knowing how much she wanted me to settle down.

“It’s lunchtime. I have a few more minutes. Who is this chick?”

I told her about Peyton and explained how we’d met.

“So, it’s only been a couple of days?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, I hope it works out. She sounds like a nice woman.”

“She is. Almost too nice.”

Melania sighed. “You’ve always been attracted to the ‘girl next door’, Dom, which is why you’re still single. You do know why they never stick around, don’t you?”

I knew exactly why. It was because of my club affiliation. It scared them.

“What does Peyton think about the club?”

“She met most of the guys yesterday. They were cool to her and she seemed comfortable around them.”

“That’s because you two are just starting to date. Once the honeymoon is over, things will change. She’ll want you to quit the club.”

“I don’t think so,” I replied.

Nor would I.

Ever.

Any woman who wanted me to give up something so important wasn’t the one for me.

“Look, I understand why you love being part of that culture, but your life doesn’t have to revolve around a biker club.”

“My life is the biker club,” I replied, knowing that she, like some of the women I’d dated in the past, would never get it.  

She sighed. “Your life should be about that little girl, if she’s yours, that is.”

“There’s room for both. If she’s mine, the club will accept her too, and she’ll have more family than she knows what to do with.”

Melania was quiet for several seconds. “Just, please promise that you’ll keep her from getting hurt.”

“She’s already been hurt, and there’s no way in hell I’d ever add to it.”

“Your intentions are good, but we both know the Gold Vipers have enemies. Those enemies would also be Ruby’s.”

I sighed. “She’ll be fine.”

“Let’s hope so.”

 

***

 

 It was a couple minutes to three when I finally entered the trailer park where Hannah lived. When I found her place, I noticed it was the most rundown home in the lot and definitely in need of repairs.

As I parked the rental car, the front door opened and a large, middle-aged guy stepped out of the trailer. He wore a white wife-beater and a greasy apron. Ignoring me, he hurried away from the place on foot and disappeared into one of the other trailers.

Sighing, I walked up the steps and knocked on the door. A few seconds later, Hannah opened it.

“You must be Dom,” she said, shoving a cigarette into her mouth.

I stared at the disheveled-looking woman with the red hair and dilated pupils. From the way she was twitching, I knew Hannah had some really bad habits.  

“Yeah,” I said, wondering how two women from the same stock could have turned out so differently. Both Jenna and Hannah had gone to college and it was obvious, from the way she was living, that life wasn’t kind to the woman standing in front of me.

“Come on in,” she said, moving out of the way.

I walked past her and into the trailer, which smelled of cigarettes and something dank. There were dishes piled up next to the sink and the carpeting had burn marks; it looked like it had never even been vacuumed.

“Sorry for the mess,” she said, shutting the door. Hannah smirked. “My maid is off today.”

“No problem,” I said, looking around at all the empty beer bottles and over-filled ashtrays.

“That was a joke. I obviously don’t have a maid,” she said, walking past me and into the kitchen. “You want a beer?”

“No, thank you,” I replied.

She opened up the refrigerator and waved toward the sofa. “Sit down and make yourself at home.”

I was about to when I noticed that there were stains on it. A couple of them were damp and questionable. Remembering the guy who’d just left, and Hannah’s massage business, I told her that I preferred to stand.

“Suit yourself,” she said, popping open a beer. She took a swig. “So, I suppose you want to see a picture of Ruby?”

“That’d be nice.”

Hannah set the can of beer down and walked into one of the bedrooms. When she returned, there was a photo in her hand. She handed it to me.

I stared at the picture of Jenna and the dark-haired child standing next to her. There was no question in my mind—she was my daughter. Ruby had my mother’s light blue eyes, dimples, and magnetic smile.

“Cute, huh?” Hannah said.

My chest tightened and I suddenly found it difficult to talk. All I could think about was that I had a daughter. Someone who was a part of me. Someone I’d helped to create. “Yeah. She’s beautiful.”

“Ruby should be home soon. She takes the bus to school.”

“Can I keep this?” I asked, looking at Hannah.

Hannah shrugged. “Yeah, I guess.”

“So, how long did Jenna know that Ruby was mine?”

“I don’t know. She didn’t really say.”

I nodded. There was no point in getting angry about something that couldn’t be changed. And Jenna was dead. It was a waste of energy, being angry with a woman who obviously had her reasons. 

Hannah put out her cigarette. “When did you want to take Ruby with you?”

“In a week, maybe?” I figured that’s when I’d be moved into the new house.

She frowned. “Well, like I said, I’m broke. If you want me to keep her, I’m going to need some money.”

I pulled out my wallet. “What are we talking?”

“Five hundred?”

I looked at her. “Why do you need that much?”

“I’ve been supporting that kid since Jenna died and haven’t gotten a dime from anyone. As you can see, I’m not exactly living in the lap of luxury here,” she said in a defensive tone.

“What happened to your parents?” I asked, wondering why Ruby’s grandparents hadn’t chipped in. They had money and I knew Jenna had always been close to them. I could only assume that they cared a lot about Ruby, too.

“They died in a boating accident three years ago,” she replied.

“Oh. Sorry to hear that,” I replied, opening up my wallet.  “I can give you three hundred.”

“I guess that will have to do,” she said, looking disappointed.

The front door opened and a man stumbled into the trailer. His wore dirty overalls and smelled like a brewery.

“Who’s this?” he slurred, staring at me.

“That’s Ruby’s dad,” said Hannah, lighting another cigarette. “His name is Dom.” She looked back at me. “Dom, this is my fiancé, Jimmy.”

I nodded.

“Where’ve you been?” Hannah asked.

“Workin’,” Jimmy said. “Where else?”

She grunted. “Bullshit. You’re drunk. Did you even go in today?” Hannah looked at me. “He works over at Klein’s Waste Management as a driver.”

“Don’t give me any lip, woman,” he replied, swaying. “I worked my ass off today.”

“Right,” she mumbled. “To the bottom of a bottle.”

Not hearing her, Jimmy looked at me. “You bring us some money?” he asked, swaying.

Making a decision, I put my wallet away. This couple had major issues. Ruby didn’t need to be around it.

“I’m taking Ruby with me,” I said, ignoring Jimmy.

Hannah gave me a surprised look. “I thought you wanted me to keep her another week?”

“Changed my mind,” I said.

“I don’t have to have the three-hundred dollars,” Hannah said quickly. “Two-hundred would be just fine.”

“It’s not about the money,” I said, looking back over at Jimmy. “I don’t want her in this kind of environment.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Jimmy asked, giving me a dirty look.

“You don’t know? That’s exactly why I need to take her with me,” I said, scowling at him.

“You got a problem?” Jimmy asked, taking a step toward me, liquid courage about to get him an ass-whooping that would sober him up really quick.

“Jimmy,” groaned Hannah. “Knock it off.”

“Stay out of it,” he growled.

Hannah’s boyfriend was shorter than me and had to weigh a buck-and-a-half, soaking wet. I could take him out with my eyes closed, but I wasn’t there to hurt anyone.

“You’d better tell your boyfriend to heel before he does something really stupid,” I said to Hannah, not taking my eyes off of the drunken asshole.

“Jimmy, why don’t you go in back and take a nap?” she said, moving toward him. “I’ll bring you something to eat.”

Still staring at me, he shoved Hannah backward, making her stumble. “Maybe you won’t be taking anyone with you today. Hell, we don’t even know if Ruby is yours. She could be any fucking guy’s kid. Jenna opened up her legs for a lot of dirtbags.” He eyed me up and down. “Obviously.”

“She did not. Don’t listen to him,” said Hannah.

I walked over to Jimmy, my fists itching to wipe that smirk off of his face. “Friend, you’d better do what Hannah suggested or I swear to God, I’ll fuck you up so bad, you’ll end up sober.”

Jimmy took a feeble swing at me, which I avoided, and ended up stumbling to the ground.  I watched in irritation as he got back to his feet and tried attacking me again. This time, I twisted his arm behind his back and brought him down.

“Let me up!” he hollered, looking at me over his shoulder.

“If my little girl wasn’t about to walk into the front door, you’d be on your way to the E.R., dipshit,” I said, digging my knee into his back. “But I don’t want her getting frightened. So, are you going to behave yourself or do I have to knock your ass out cold?”

“Please, let me up,” he begged. “I’m sorry, man. I’ve just had a few too many. I shouldn’t have started anything.”

“That’s right. You shouldn’t have,” I said, getting off of him warily.

Jimmy stood up and had the decency to look embarrassed. “I’m going to go and lie down, Hannah. Bring me something to eat, will ya?”

“First, you need to apologize for shoving her,” I said, crossing my arms over my chest and giving him a stern look.

His eyes hardened.

“He doesn’t have to,” said Hannah, ringing her hands. “I know he didn’t mean to.”

“It doesn’t matter if he meant to or not. He needs to apologize,” I said coldly.

Jimmy apologized.

“Thanks. I’ll go and make you that sandwich now,” she replied, looking relieved.

“Thank you,” he said and then looked at me. I could see the wheels in his head turning and knew that he was contemplating something foolish.

“You’re welcome.” Hannah walked over to the refrigerator and opened it.

I moved next to Jimmy and stared at him in the eyes.

“By the way, if you try waving that gun you’ve got hidden under the bed, you’ll never live to see another bottle of whiskey again.”

Jimmy stared up at me in surprise.

“That’s right. I also know what you were really doing before you came home,” I said in a low voice.

I’d sensed that he’d been cheating on her the moment he walked into the trailer. The look on his face confirmed it.

“How did you know?” he asked, staring at me in disbelief.

“I know a lot of things, which is why you don’t want to fuck with me,” I said coldly.

Visibly shaken, he turned around and walked back to his bedroom.

Sighing, I walked to the living room window and stared outside. “What time does her bus come?” I called out to Hannah.

“In about ten minutes,” she answered, her head buried in the refrigerator.

The next several minutes seemed like an eternity. When the bus finally pulled up across the street and let Ruby out, my heart began to race with both anticipation and fear. I’d already accepted her, but had no idea whether or not she’d accept me.

“Don’t let her cute looks fool you,” said Hannah, standing next to me as we stared out the window. “She’s got quite the temper. The little shit threw a tantrum last week over nothing.”

“She recently lost her mother. What do you expect?” I replied.

Hannah snorted. “You’ll see what I’m talking about.”

Ruby walked toward the trailer, a look of dread on her face as she approached.

“Did you tell her I was coming today?” I asked Hannah.

“No.”

So, she wasn’t excited to be returning home, I gathered. Who could blame her. “No? Why?”

“I didn’t want to freak her out.”

“Does she even know about me?” I asked, irritated.

“Yes. She wasn’t happy about the news, though. You should know. She still thinks of Paul as her father.”

“Who’s Paul? Jenna’s ex?” I asked, not remembering his name.

“Yeah.”

“Does he know about me?”

“Yeah. Which is why he doesn’t want anything to do with Ruby now.”

“So, she’s lost everything that’s important to her,” I replied, feeling even more sorry for Ruby. Although I wanted to be her only father, I wasn’t stupid enough to believe that Paul could be easily replaced.

The front door opened up and Ruby walked in. She was so young and yet, there was a lot of wisdom in those beautiful eyes.

“Who are you?” she asked in a guarded tone.

Surprised at her boldness, I cleared my throat. “My name is Dom,” I said, studying her face. I noticed she had some of her mother’s facial features as well.

Her forehead wrinkled. “Oh. You’re him.”

“Apparently,” I replied with a warm smile. “How was school today?”

Ignoring me, Ruby looked at Hannah. “Can I have something to eat? You forgot to give me a lunch today.”

This really torqued me. “You haven’t eaten all day?” I said, before Hannah had a chance to reply.

“The teacher gave me some crackers when she noticed that I’d forgotten my lunch,” she replied.

Hannah laughed nervously. “Don’t lie in front of guests,” she said. “I gave you a lunch.”

“It wasn’t in my backpack,” replied Ruby, opening it up.

“You must have misplaced it,” said Hannah, sounding irritated. “I put it in there.” She looked at me. “See what I mean about being a little shit?”

I scowled at Hannah. If this was acting up to her, then the woman had no clue as to what real ‘little shits’ acted like.

“I didn’t misplace it,” Ruby said, looking hurt.

Hannah looked at me and then her again. “Someone must have stolen it. Go and get yourself something out of the refrigerator.”

“I have a better idea,” I said. “Why don’t you and I go and have dinner somewhere, Ruby?”

Ruby took a step back. “No, thank you.”

I smiled. I couldn’t blame her for being afraid. “You don’t have to be frightened. I swear, I don’t bite anything that doesn’t bite me first.”

Not amused, Ruby looked at Hannah. “Can I go to my room?”

She looked at me and I shrugged. “I guess so. While you’re in there, pack up your stuff,” said Hannah.

Ruby’s face turned pale. “What?”

I walked over to her and bent down on one knee. “Ruby,” I said, staring into her eyes. “I’m taking you with me to Minnesota.”

She gasped. “But, I don’t want to go to Minnesota,” Ruby said, her eyes filling with tears.

“I know you’ve been through a lot, and are scared right now, but I’m your father and I want you to live with me,” I said softly.

She looked at Hannah. “Please, I don’t want to leave. Can’t I stay here with you?”

“I’m sorry, but you have to go with him,” she said. “Like he said, he’s your father. Besides, I don’t have room for you here.”

Ruby began to cry. I tried pulling her into my arms, but she stiffened up and began to shriek.

“I’m sorry,” I said, letting her go immediately. I felt helpless and didn’t know what to do.

“I want my mommy,” she sobbed, tears running down her face.

“She’s gone,” said Hannah. “Now quit with the dramatics. You’re going with this man and that’s final. I can’t keep you.”

Ruby cried harder.

I gave the woman a dirty look. She was about as sensitive as a rock.

“What in the hell is going on out here?” growled Jimmy, coming out of the back room.

“Ruby is acting up again,” said Hannah, crossing her arms and shaking her head.

“What do you expect?” he said to her. “You’re dumping the kid on a stranger.”

I understood myself. This wasn’t going as planned, but I knew I had to take her with me. I wanted to take her with me. An idea suddenly came to me. I pulled Hannah to the side and told her what I was thinking.

“Yeah, I’m sure that might work. It’s a little extreme and expensive, though, isn’t it?” she asked, frowning.

“If it helps, it’s worth it. I’m leaving, but should be back in a couple of hours. Whatever you do, don’t spoil the surprise,” I said.

“Fine,” she huffed. “What about dinner? I thought you were going to take her with you. I’m going to need some money.”

I pulled out fifty dollars and handed it to her. “Here, order some pizza or something. I’ll give you more cash when I get back for your troubles. As long as she’s fed, packed, and ready to go when I return.”

“She will be,” said Hannah, a determined look on her face. “Just, do what you gotta do.”

“Thanks.”