Chapter 12
Lucy
I’m probably going to die today, so I don’t bother with makeup, and I barely brush my hair. I do make sure I have clean panties on because my mom, like all mothers, has warned me for years about dying while wearing dirty panties. I’m almost past caring about things like that, but I wouldn’t want to die and leave my mom disappointed that I didn’t heed her advice.
Walking into the clubhouse, I wave half-heartedly at those who greet me. Stopping next to Axel’s stool, I hold my hands out, knowing little Alexia will dive into them. A beautiful smile lights up her cute face, and she does as I expected. Cuddling her close, I almost smile at her little girl giggles.
“I’m giving you an extra minute this time, but don’t think that’s how it’s always going to be,” Axel tells me with a scowl.
Ignoring him, I walk off with his daughter and take a seat at a nearby table. Sitting Alexia on the table in front of me, I take her hands and examine her latest manicure. Obviously, one of the twins did the honors because she has fingernail polish nearly to the first knuckle.
“Very pretty!” I tell her as she preens a little.
Little Alexia is very much her father’s daughter.
“Hi, Lucy!” Mac screeches as he lands on the table next to Alex.
“Hey, Mac. You’re looking hot today,” I say, telling him what he wants to hear.
“True dat,” he responds while doing some of his own preening.
“You want to hang out with me and Tessie today?” I ask with a smirk.
“Why you hate me?” Mac squawks as I expected he would.
Looking closely, I notice he’s missing a few feathers, and some skin is peeking through.
“What happened to your feathers, Mac?” I ask.
“Prissy happened,” Axel answers with a grin as he takes a seat at my table.
“Go away, Assman!” Mac screams while shaking his wings in a threatening manner.
“Don’t make me call Prissy over to pluck a few more feathers, birdbrain,” Axel returns.
I slap Axel’s hand when he reaches for his daughter, and this makes Mac cackle loudly.
“Prissy still not falling for his charm?” I question Axel.
“No! Mac’s a hottie! Mac’s charming!” Mac screeches, then goes silent when Priscilla lands on the table next to him.
“Shut it, boy,” Priscilla orders in her perfect southern accent while staring down her beak at Mac. “Away from my baby!”
I don’t know if Prissy wants Mac away from Alexia or if she’s calling Axel her baby because she’s obsessed with both.
“Danger zone! Evacuate!” Axel warns while scooping his daughter off the table, giving Prissy’s feathers a stroke and then hustling away.
“Hi, Miss Prissy. How are you doing?” I ask while stroking a finger over her crest of yellow feathers.
I ignore Mac’s gagging sounds and wait for Prissy to answer.
“I’s good,” she drawls.
“I brought you both a surprise, but you have to be nice to each other to get it.”
Again, I ignore Mac’s gagging sounds. He’s so dramatic, but Prissy’s no slouch in that department either.
“How nice?” Prissy asks while tilting her head a little.
“No biting each other or pulling out feathers,” I answer.
I reach into the bag I had set on the floor next to my feet, and pull out a small child’s piano, and set it on the table. Both birds’ attention instantly locks on the new toy. I realize I should have bought two to prevent the battle I should have anticipated.
Mac pecks on a key and hoots in laughter at the sound it makes. Prissy waddles closer and, using her foot, taps another key. She gives a tinkling little laugh before doing it again. I breathe a sigh of relief and hope the truce lasts. If not, Mac may need someone to knit him a sweater before winter hits.
“Hi, Lucy! You ready to go?” Tessie shouts from the doorway, wide smile in place.
I groan but push to my feet to fulfill my deadly obligation of teaching her how to drive. I ignore Horse and Pooh holding out their helmets to me but almost take James up on his offer of his bulletproof vest. I contemplate whether it would make my death less painful but pass on it when I realize I don’t really care anymore. That’s become my go-to feeling about most everything lately.
“Let’s go sit in my car while I explain how these lessons are going to go,” I mutter as I pass Tessie and exit the building.
“Save your breath, Lucy! You’ll need it when the firemen are using the jaws of life to extricate you!” Axel shouts as Tessie flips him the middle finger.
“I know the rules, Lucy. The men have all explained them to me many times,” Tessie states as we take our seats in my car.
“There’s a difference between hearing their voices and listening to the actual words, Tessie. You will not be driving fast. You will not be bouncing off cars, curbs, or trees today. You will not slam on the brakes. Pay attention to me when I say you press the gas and brake pedals gently. Not stomp on them,” I say in a clear, concise voice.
“Yeah, got it. Give me the keys and… hey! That hurt!” Tessie exclaims, jerking her arm to her side and rubbing the spot on the underside where I pinched her.
“Yes, it did. Repeat back to me what I just told you.”
“Uh, you said, um, follow the rules,” Tessie says but with a slight question in her voice.
I stab my index finger into her temple, making her jump away from me.
“What the hell, Lucy?” she asks with shocked wide eyes.
“You weren’t listening. If you don’t listen and do exactly as I tell you, I’m not going to be the only one in pain today. You fuck up or don’t listen, and I’ll inflict pain on you. Pain is a great motivator, Tessie. The guys went easy on you because you’re a young, beautiful girl that we all love. They never wanted to hurt your feelings by telling you how much you suck as a driver. Same with Taja. I’m not one of the guys, and I give fuck-all about the world anymore, so things have changed with how your driving lessons are going to go. The first dent or scratch you put into my car, we’re going to find Rex, and I’m getting a taser from him,” I explain calmly.
“Why don’t we take my Jeep instead?” Tessie offers with a hopeful look.
“Why don’t you learn to drive like you’re supposed to instead?” I return.
“You’ve turned mean, Lucy. I’m sorry, but it’s true. I don’t want to do this anymore. I’ll just wait until Freddy has a day off and—”
“Yes, I have, and no, you won’t. I’m your instructor, and you’re going to learn, or both of us will end up at the hospital. I guarantee you’ll have more bruises than me, though. One more thing I should mention. If you actually do total my car, I’ll tell Taja about you kissing Horse,” I explain with a bite to my voice. “Yes, I know about that, and I know Horse was a total gentleman while trying to explain—again—to you why he can’t go there. You’re not being fair to a guy who’s trying very hard to do the right thing because of your age, and you keep putting him in bad spots with his club brothers. That, along with your bad driving, ends today.”
Tessie stares at me, open-mouthed, for several seconds before her eyes drift past me. Glancing over my shoulder, I see the majority of the club standing by the door of the clubhouse, watching us. I also see money exchanging hands, so I know they’re betting on the outcome of today.
“Chubs has a big mouth,” Tessie grumbles while holding her hand out.
“Among his other faults, yes,” I mutter before setting the keys in her hand. “Do you understand the rules?”
“Yeah, Lucy, I do, but I don’t think you’re being fair,” Tessie snips while starting my car.
“Life’s not fair, Tessie. Learn that lesson now,” I reply while buckling my seat belt. “Take a breath, put your foot on the brake, then put the car in gear. Slowly, let off the brake. Slowly, Tessie, or prepare for an afternoon of pain.”
We drive off club property with it, and us, intact.
Returning to the clubhouse several hours later, I’m in one piece, and Tessie’s only sporting a few bruises. I was right. Pain is a great motivator. I feel zero guilt for being so hard on her because she needed to learn before she seriously hurt herself or someone else.
I ignore the men who rush outside to view my car and take a seat at the bar. Waiting for my drink, I watch Gee, wearing a t-shirt reading “Jiggle Master,” and Snots play tug-of-war with a knotted rope. Duffy, Ava’s temperamental cat, is sleeping soundly in a chair, and the father/ son team of Loki and Cain are laying side by side, keeping a quiet eye on everyone. I roll my eyes in exasperation when Snots spots me, drops the rope, and scurries behind the bar. He dropped the rope so quickly Gee ended up flying backward before landing upside down. It takes a moment of wiggling, but he finally rights himself and looks around in confusion.
“Incoming!” Toes shouts, and I turn in time to stop my drink from sliding off the end of the bar.
“Thanks for today, Lucy,” Tessie says before giving my neck a quick hug.
“You’re alive!” Mac says emphatically as he lands on the bar in front of me, feathers ruffling.
“Shut it, Mac,” Tessie grumbles before lightly poking him in his new bald spot.
“We’re just as surprised as Mac is,” Gunner says with a laugh as the men re-enter the clubhouse.
“I’m going home. I’m too tired and sore to deal with you all tonight,” Tessie states in an exhausted voice before walking out.
“Car doesn’t show any damage. Why’s she sore?” Trigger asks in confusion.
“No idea,” I reply before taking a large swallow from my drink.
When no one speaks, but I find all eyes on me, I take another drink, then set my glass down. I’ve never liked being in the spotlight, and this moment feels like there’s a large one shining on me and me only. Before any of them can start asking questions I don’t want to answer, I ask one of my own.
“Where’s Ava?”
“She’s forking Little A,” Gunner answers absently while staring hard at me.
“I’m going to need you to explain that a little more,” I say with a Mac-like head tilt.
“Little A—the pig I adopted—likes it when someone scratches him with a fork. I have no idea why, but apparently, forking a pig is a thing,” Gunner responds, and I breathe a little easier when understanding hits my brain. “And it calms Ava to spend time with him and the donkeys.”
“How’s she doing with the pregnancy?” I ask.
“Pregnancy is going great. Ava’s temper isn’t doing so well since Chubs left, though,” Petey answers. “Maybe you talking with her could help.”
“Not sure that would, Petey. Two women with hair-trigger tempers mixed together might just cause murder and mayhem instead. There’s nothing I can say to her to make her feel better about him missing. I know from personal experience,” I say while finishing off the last of my drink.
“Does this help?” Petey asks in a quiet voice while giving a nod of his head toward my empty glass.
“Hasn’t yet, but I’m hopeful.”
“It won’t, Lucy, but I’ll drink with you if you want to try,” Petey offers before placing a gentle kiss on my forehead then shouting for refills.
I lean into his shoulder for a moment, then pull away and wait for my next drink to come sliding down the bar. Several hours later, I place my foot on the floor and pray it helps stop the ceiling from spinning. Petey was right. The alcohol didn’t help, and now I’m going to have to pay the consequences for hoping it would.
Slowly cracking open one eye, I wait until it adjusts to the light before opening the other. When I’m sure the sunlight won’t cause my head to split in half, I push myself up to my elbows and look around. This action causes a scream to erupt from the depths of my soul and to shoot a lightning bolt of agony through my brain.
Grasping my head, I focus my eyes at the two staring back at me from only a foot away.
“What the hell, Axel?” I moan.
“How’d you know it was me?” he asks incredulously.
“I’m in your living room, and what other muscle-bound bald guy would be sporting a sparkly gold face mask here? Do I even want to ask why your face is smeared in that gold concoction?”
“It’s good for my skin. The twins and Alex have a daddy/ daughter dance after their recital coming up, and I want to look my best when Alex and I beat Gunner. No way has he been practicing, and I have. We’re going to mop the floor with him,” Axel replies smugly while handing me a cup of coffee along with two aspirin.
“Pretty sure it’s not a contest.”
“That’s exactly what he’ll say when he sucks ass there,” Axel says with a large grin.
“What’s the odds that you’re going to show up in matching outfits with your daughter?”
“I have no shame in my game, so they’re pretty high. The guys are already placing bets, so get in on it while you can.”
“Do I need a ticket for this, or can anyone come?” I inquire.
“I got you covered.”
“Hey, Lucy. Want some toast or juice?” Bailey asks as she enters the room with Alex on one hip and Prissy on her shoulder.
“Did I wake everyone with my scream?”
“No, we ladies just came back from Pippa’s. Did you wake up to that?” Bailey asks while tipping her chin to Axel.
“Yes, and I’ll never see the color gold again in the same way,” I mutter.
“Give me my daughter and my girlfriend. We have nails to buff,” Axel states while snatching away both kid and bird before leaving the room.
“Petey said you did some damage last night,” Bailey says with a laugh.
“To the clubhouse or just to my aching head?”
“Both. Snots scooted out the door the first time it opened, and it took Livi an hour to find him. Toes threw a towel down, screamed that he was resigning from this sea of unnatural black witchcraft he’s been enduring, and stormed out. His words, not mine. You passed out, and Petey carried you here, but before that happened, Gunner called Lisa so she wouldn’t worry,” Bailey tells me.
“I only have one question. Did anyone get video of something I’m never going to hear the end of?”
“Let’s get you something to eat before we get into all of that,” Bailey says before flashing me an amused look.
Me: Did you rent out the apartment yet?
Ava: No. It’s yours if you still want it.
Me: I’m not asking for myself but thank you. I have a friend that needs a roof over her head. Can she move in?
Ava: If you trust her, then yes, of course.
Me: I should tell you it’s Candy. Axel won’t be happy but she’s living out of her car and really needs the place.
Ava: Absolutely she’s welcome! Axel will pretend to be mad but he’d be upset if he knew she was homeless. The key is at the bakery so she’s welcome to move in anytime.
Me: Thanks! I’ll help her get settled.
Ava: Let me know if she needs anything.
Me: Will do.
The look on Candy’s face was humbling, to say the least. She stood in the doorway of the tiny apartment, speechless that this was now hers. Lisa and I grew up in a loving, comfortable home. Our parents were—are—involved in our lives, and neither of us ever worried about shelter or food. Seeing Candy now, I think about how many kids grow up without those basics.
“This would be the nicest place I’ve ever lived in,” Candy says in a subdued voice. “But I can’t accept it. It’s charity. I work and don’t need charity.”
“It’s not charity, Candy. I had paid the rent ahead because I wasn’t sure if I’d come back or not, but you’ll be paying it yourself when it’s due again,” I explain.
“I can’t afford a place like this. I don’t make much, and I haven’t been able to find a better job yet,” she insists.
“I think we can help with the job situation,” Lisa says.
“How? I don’t have much of an education, and I’m not good with people?”
“There are a lot of things you are good at and qualified for that have nothing to do with college. I work in real estate, and I’m always looking for people to help set up homes for open houses, or collect rent from the properties I manage, or do maintenance, lawn care, the list goes on and on. You have friends, Candy. Friends that will help you find better employment opportunities. Ava owns the bakery and a catering company. The club owns several businesses. Lucy works at a shelter for domestic violence victims,” Lisa explains in an encouraging tone.
“What do you do now? What do you like to do or feel you’re good at?” I ask.
“I’m a bouncer at Tory’s bar downtown. It’s a real dive, but they didn’t care about my anger issues when I asked about work,” Candy replies.
“The club owns a strip club that employs security. If you like that kind of work, I’m sure Freddy would give you a try there,” I state. “You would make more than you do at that other place. You have time to think about it, though. Rent’s paid, so that gives you some room to breathe.”
“I could really live here. Have my own place and everything. I don’t even know what to say, but thanks,” Candy says with the first smile I’ve seen from her since the time she pinned Pooh, then Axel, to the mat.
“You like animals, Candy?” I ask suddenly.
“Yeah, I do. Never had any, but Ava brings hers to the gym, and I really like that little pig. Why?”
“Because I know of an opening at an animal rescue! They’re always short-handed, and if you take the evening shift, you don’t have to deal with as many people,” I explain.
“I don’t know much about animals, but I’d learn and work hard,” Candy insists.
“You get settled in, and I’ll make some calls tonight. Tomorrow, we can run out there and see what you think of the place.”
“Yeah, I’d like that. Thanks, Lucy. Thank you too, Lisa. Even if I get a different job, if you need help with your real estate stuff, I’d be happy to help,” Candy says sincerely.
We exchange hugs and leave Candy to her new home.