Chapter 16: Boundaries and Broken Records

—Kinny—

"Carry on My Wayward Son" played in the speakers of Nona's, again, and my ears were near the point of ringing. It wasn't a bad song, but the pain in my abdomen, and the screaming children at seven in the morning put a damper on my classic rock mood. It seemed like the music was gaining volume when the bell above the front door chimed, alerting a new customer had entered. I lifted my eyes from the table top I was cleaning, and froze. A familiar, stone cold biker stood at the entrance and my heart nearly stopped.

What was Twelve doing here? I hadn't seen him come in once since he'd arrived to Reno. He seemed like too busy a man to stop in here, especially this early. The nerves in my blood chilled my bones, and I set the towel on the table, making my way to him. It'd been three days since he'd been in my apartment, and since I'd seen him last, so I didn't know how to start the conversation. He seemed to have an agenda, though, because he cleared his throat and spoke rigidly. "I thought I'd find you here, when you weren't at your apartment. Where you should be, by the way." His eyes snapped to me pointedly at the last few words, and it took all my strength not to shrink away from his scolding gaze. I blinked a few times before I regained sense, and stood a bit straighter. To convince himself or me I was fine, I wasn't sure, but it made me appear that way.

I couldn't stay home, and as much as Nona had begged me to leave, I had to work. I wouldn't afford rent if I missed too much, and there wasn't enough staff for Nona to cover all my shifts. I wouldn't do that to her. "I have to work Twelve. I don't know if you know this, but bills cost money, and to make money, one has to work." I know my voice sounded icier than I intended, but him being here made no sense, and it was beginning to distract me. His frown managed to deepen and he shot a look over my head. "I'm taking you home. You need to rest, and Nona gave the okay for you to take the day off. I'm sure she can find someone to cover for you." This was the most this man had ever spoken to me, and it only fueled rage inside me. I crossed my arms over my chest and gave my best glare. "I can't go home, I need the money." I spoke slowly as if he didn't understand me the first time.

This time, Twelve didn't answer, he merely grabbed my wrist and drug me out of the diner. I pulled at his grip with all my might, but it was no use, and by the time we got to the parking lot, I had given up entirely, letting my feet drag against the pavement. Nona came out a few moments later with my bag, and an apologetic smile. "Darling, he told me what happened. You need to get some rest. I'll pay you for the week, plus tips missed, and you can come back in when you feel better. Rusty is sending another girl over to help out from the bar. Don't worry, okay?" I wanted to cry at her words, but I held back and gave her a warm smile. "Thank you, Nona, really. That means the world." I spoke in her ear as I pulled her in for a hug. She returned my hug, and released me into Twelve's arms.

When the doors closed behind her, I spun out of Twelve's grasp and headed for my apartment. I was grateful for Nona, and for having the day off, but he really overstepped boundaries on this situation, and I was pissed.