Chapter Four

S prite and Roam had discussed their plans for her move. They were leaving the convention early instead of staying overnight until Sunday. She was heading the two-and-a-half hours to a small rental in Ardmore, Oklahoma, so she could talk to her girls tonight about their move. Roam was going to drop by their Texas Chapter in Cider Creek, spend the night, and borrow an SUV along with a trailer for his bike. He was going to pick up boxes, strapping tape, packing materials and then get up early tomorrow morning. He and the people from Bluff Creek would arrive before lunch on Sunday. They'd spend all day packing and then head out on Monday to her new home.

Sprite wanted time by herself to think a little and inform the kids what their plans were. She'd accepted the job with Rascal as her official boss. He and Meg had been genuinely happy and open to having Sprite join the tattoo shop along with her kids. Meg had even asked a couple questions about their likes and dislikes.

Growing up in the trailer park where her mom paid their rent weekly, Sprite hadn't ever known how people could be neighborly until she'd moved into her rental house. Her next-door neighbor Clara was in her seventies and retired. She'd immediately stepped into a mothering role with Sprite and her children. Sprite had been hesitant at first because she'd grown up with people always having an angle.

Clara had proved to her over time that people could be genuinely kind. Sprite had the same feeling about Rascal and Meg.

Roam gave off a genuine feeling too, and she had to force herself to not start remembering their night together or she wouldn't get anything done. She also couldn't focus on how good his arms felt around her because she had to be smart. She was an adult, and her kids deserved for her to put them first.

But she couldn't afford to move to Bluff Creek and have it blow up in their faces. She would do everything to make sure it was a permanent place for them. As much as she liked Roam and had enjoyed their time together, she wasn't sure what was next. Should she push for friends only, co-workers only or should she consider something else? Being an adult sometimes sucked when no one gave you the correct answer.

Oakley and Blake deserved a chance at a happy, safe and secure life. Sprite would put whatever she needed to on hold to ensure they had it all. Not like her mom raised Sprite and her brother.

Once she told the kids what was happening, she needed to put a list together, including leaving a message for her brother at his drop box. Not that he'd read any of the last three messages or replied to them. He must not be in a safe place to connect with her.

There was so much to do but at least this time, she wouldn't be worried about how she'd keep the electricity on or if they'd have enough money for food through the end of the week.

She pulled into her driveway and parked. Before she was completely out of the car, Clara was on her front porch holding Oakley while Blake ran to her. Blake jumped at the last second and Sprite caught her, though she struggled. At almost six, Blake was tall for her age but running and jumping was Blake's thing with her dad. Sprite would continue catching Blake as long as she was physically able.

"How'd it go, Mama Sprite?"

Sprite smiled at the girl who she'd help raise. "Perfection. I won so you can pick whatever take-out you want. Clara can join us, and we'll start packing."

"You got a job?"

"Yes, and I'll tell you all about it when we get inside."

SPRITE WIPED DOWN THE counter after she'd sent Blake to shower. Oakley had fallen asleep right after eating, and Sprite had just wiped her down, changed her into pajamas, and put her in bed.

Sprite was curious what Clara thought about everything. She'd been quiet while Blake had peppered her with questions. Sprite wasn't surprised that Blake had taken the move in stride because not only had she had a lot of upheaval in her life, Sprite had also explained before she left for the convention that her changing jobs might mean they'd need to move.

Clara picked up her glass of iced tea and Sprite's glass of water and handed the glass to Sprite.

"So I think we should toast you kicking booty at the competition and securing a job with housing. I'm really proud of you, Sprite, even though I'm not your parent. From the first time I saw you struggling to carry everything into this house, you've always put those girls first."

Sprite struggled to keep from crying. Her own mom had never said she was proud of Sprite, but Clara, who had only known them a while, was proud of her and let her know. Sprite placed her drink on the counter and slid her arms around Clara.

"I don't know how I would have survived without you next door."

"Oh, Sprite. You've given me as much as I've given you. Those girls keep me young. Now, tell me about the job and where you'll be living."

"Well, I'll be working at Bluff Creek Ink. It's a smaller studio with only the three of us working there, but Rascal, my boss, wants to transition to part-time. Roam is the one who offered me the job. There's a three bedroom, two bath house on the MC compound that is part of my package. Roam said they aren't a one percenter club, and they also do security jobs with the bail bonds in town."

Sprite kept her voice even, but she knew her face was flushing when she mentioned Roam.

"Now tell me about this Roam. Your voice changes when you talk about him, along with that lovely look on your face. Did you take a biker for a ride?"

Sprite giggled. Clara might be in her seventies, but she was open and talkative about a woman's needs.

"I did but then I found out he was going to be one of my bosses. Well, Rascal and he decided that Rascal would be the only boss, but oh my, I don't want to endanger my girls' security."

Clara leaned closer at the table, patting Sprite's hand. "Sprite, sometimes things work out. I know you haven't seen that happen, but I feel good about this. Now, who do I need to talk with about finding a rental in Bluff Creek?"

Sprite had held back but at the thought of Clara coming with them, she couldn't stop the tears from coming. She'd tried to be strong when she became a mom to Blake and then again when she lost her job. But tonight, it was all too much.

"You're coming with us?" Sprite whispered.

"Honey, you couldn't stop me if you tried. Now, do you have Roam or Rascal's number? I'd like to give them a call to check."

Sprite grabbed her phone and shared the numbers with Clara.

"Now, if you're packing tonight, then I'll stay and help. If you just want to take a relaxing bath and go to sleep, then I'll head home."

She'd really like to get started on packing, but she was exhausted. Oakley usually woke up early and her dropping off early just about guaranteed it. Her best course of action was getting some sleep and getting a fresh start tomorrow.

"Sleep, I think."

Clara smiled and stood, hugging Sprite close. "Don't worry about breakfast. You know I'll be up early. I have some breakfast items I need to get rid of. Text me when you're awake and want the food."

Sprite saw Clara to the door, then stood on her porch until Clara had entered her house safely. Then Sprite closed and locked the door. She glanced around the living room, making a mental list of what she'd need to do. For now, she'd take a hot shower and head to bed.

She could work on the logistics tomorrow. Knowing Clara would be coming with them gave her an added layer of comfort.