Back To You

On Board

The next day I woke up with Polo's arm draped over me. His breath was warm, and steady against the back of my neck, and for a moment, I almost settled into the comfortability of it all, until I remembered the decision I had to make today. I was gonna have to end things with Polo, before they went too far, just in case things worked out with Maureen. My eyes fluttered open, and I looked over at the sun rays beaming through the blinds over the back door. I rolled onto my back and looked over at him, sighing as I dreaded the conversation we'd have to have when he woke up.

I lifted his arm and slipped out from under him, moving quietly. I glanced back at him as he shifted slightly but didn't wake. His face was relaxed, peaceful. A part of me hated what I was about to do as I knew how he felt about me, but it was only right. I wasn't gonna string him along, making him think I was all in with him when my heart was set on Jax.

I tiptoed to the kitchen and started filling and heating up my electric tea kettle. I stood there waiting for the water to start boiling, and the silence gave my thoughts room to roam. And roam they did, as I thought about the conversation with Maureen, and the possibility to get Jax out of prison if she comes through like I need her to.

Once the water had boiled for a few minutes, I poured some into a mug, and dipped my tea bag into it, watching as the water darkened. I wrapped my hands around the warm mug and went to sit at the table, looking out of the window, just thinking about how I was gonna let Polo down without upsetting him. I didn't know how I would tell him, or how the conversation would go. All I did know was that I wasn't in a place to be with him right now. Not with Jax's freedom so close within my reach.

A few minutes later, I heard Polo stir in the living room, and my heart sank. I wasn't fully prepared to have the talk just yet, but I knew it had to happen. I listened to his footsteps as he walked into the kitchen, and leaned casually on the doorframe.

"Mornin'..." He said, in a deep, tired tone.

"Morning." I replied, forcing a small smile as I took a sip from my cup. He looked so relaxed, like everything between us was fine, and that made it even harder. He glanced around, running a hand over his hair.

"You up early. Got anything planned for today?"

I shrugged, trying to sound casual. "Nothing much. I'm off the next two days. Might see what the guys are up to at the clubhouse, and I know Renae wanted to go get me fitted for my bridesmaid dress. Might hit her up so we can do that. What about you? Any plans?"

He took a seat at the table across from me, leaning back and stretching his arms. "Work. Got that sports bike I'm still workin' on. Dude wants some new exhaust pipes put on it. Shit kinda complicated, but hopefully it keeps me busy all day." He said, and I nodded, watching him reach for an orange that sat in a bowl in the middle of the table, and toss it up and down.

"Might head out to Oakland after work." He added, as he started peeling. "Hit up that Jamaican spot I told you about."

I quirked an eyebrow at him. "Oakland? As in the same Oakland that we got chased out of two years ago? I thought you were on the Niner's shit list after that night?"

He shrugged, with a smirk as he continued tossing the orange up and down. "Yeah, this'll be my first time goin' back since then. But fuck the Niners. They just gon' have to kill me on sight, 'cause I miss that spot."

I couldn't help but laugh, despite everything. Polo always had a way of making light of serious situations, and I admired that about him. But the laugh died in my throat when he asked, "You tryna come with me?"

I shook my head quickly, as an excuse had already started to form on my tongue. "Nah, I think I'm gonna stay in tonight. Catch up on some nursing books."