Chapter 22
Lucy
Lisa and I view a few more properties together, but again, nothing calls to me. As we’re pulling into the drive of the last house on the list for today, I perk up. It’s a two-story beautiful old all-stone cottage with a winding sidewalk that leads to the front door. It’s set back off the street further than the other houses, and it’s surrounded by large trees and bushes. It’s completely isolated from view of the other homes and the street, with a two-car garage off to the right of it.
Walking along the side of the house, I give a surprised gasp when I see the backyard. It’s about double the normal size of a backyard for a home in this neighborhood and has a privacy fence along the property lines. It has a large deck coming off the back of the house with plenty of room for deck furniture and a grill. Private, with lush flowers sprinkled throughout the yard, it’s the perfect place to start your day with a cup of coffee or end one with friends.
“With the yard completely fenced in, you could get a dog,” Lisa suggests.
“Or a couple of goats,” I reply with a grin.
“Only if you hate the flowers, deck, and wood fencing,” she advises.
“True. Let’s go inside, but I love it already.”
It’s not large, but it’s laid out beautifully. One bedroom with a master bath downstairs, two more bedrooms and another bathroom upstairs. It’s large enough. I love how big and how many windows it has throughout, and the gleaming hardwood floors are a huge selling point for me. The basement is spotless but unfinished. Turning to Lisa, I grin.
“Is it a sound investment?”
“Yes, absolutely is. The owner has to sell, and it’s listed well below the value. No known problems, and it’s structurally sound. It’s perfect for you, even though I wish you’d stay with me. It’s been nice having my little sister around again.”
“Love you, but I think I need this for me. I’ve been living in limbo long enough, and I want something that’s just mine. How soon could I move in?” I ask.
“As soon as we get the paperwork completed. Let’s go get started on it and call Mom and Dad.”
My phone rings, and I answer it.
“What’s up, Axel?”
“The guys are on their way home. Chubs is with them, and so is his brother.”
“Everyone’s safe?” I ask in a near whisper. “He has a brother?”
“Yes. They should be here late tomorrow afternoon.”
“Thank you for letting me know.”
“The women at the ranch are his mom and sister. They’ve asked if they could meet with you. It’s completely your choice. If you want to, I can ride out with you, or they can meet you at the clubhouse. Whatever you decide, I can be there.”
“I’ll meet with them at the clubhouse tomorrow morning, say at 10am. That work?” I ask with trepidation.
“Perfect. See you then, little one.”
“What was that about?” Lisa asks.
“The women are his mom and sister, and they want to meet me. I don’t know why, and I’m not sure I should have agreed to it,” I answer honestly.
“You can always cancel or go and see what they want. If you don’t like the feeling of the meeting, leave. You don’t have to stay, and you don’t owe them anything. Remember that,” Lisa advises.
I nod in agreement, but my stomach is doing slow flips at the thought of the meeting.
Walking into the clubhouse the next morning, I’m tempted to have a few drinks, regardless of the time. I don’t, but my shaking hands are begging me to rethink that decision. Instead, I start a pot of coffee brewing and tap my fingers on the bar top while waiting.
The door opens, and my eyes shoot in that direction, but only Bella walks inside. Coming to a stop on the opposite side of the bar, she eyes me carefully.
“You okay?” she asks.
“Yeah. No. I’m not sure. It doesn’t matter. What are you doing here? Don’t you have school today?”
“No, it’s a teacher in-service day, so we got it off. I was looking for Gee. Ava said she let him out this morning, and he hasn’t returned yet. I thought maybe he came here and somehow got locked inside. Have you seen him?” she asks.
“No, I haven’t. Did you check Pooh’s house? Gee goes there a lot knowing Craig will give him treats.”
The door opens again, and Axel walks in with Gee on his heels, Prissy on his shoulder, and Alex holding his hand. Bella sighs in relief and bends low to give Gee some love. His bright blue t-shirt today reads, “Go Pig or Go Home.”
Holding up the coffee pot, Axel nods, so I pour two cups and push one toward him.
“Hi, Priscilla. How are you today?” I ask while booping Alex on the nose.
“I’s good and you?” Prissy coos in her beautiful southern accent.
“Good, thank you. Have you plucked any more of Mac’s feathers?”
“Yes, she has, and that’s why she’s not allowed back at my house for a while,” Ava says as she comes out of the kitchen to join our group.
Duffy, Ava’s temperamental cat trails behind her, then drops to his side on the floor and closes his eyes. I’m guessing the walk to the clubhouse exhausted his overfed self.
“Plucking Mac,” Prissy says with a cackle.
“Self-defense, Ava. You know Mac’s been stalking her,” Axel admonishes. “And he’s plotting my death, and Prissy’s protective of me.”
“Prissy’s been as evil as Mac lately,” Ava says. “They both need a bird timeout.”
“Change your mouth!” Prissy screeches and stands her bright yellow mohawk crest on end.
“You can tuck those feathers away, Miss Priscilla. I’ve owned Mac for many years, and you can’t intimidate me after that,” Ava says dismissively.
The door opens again, and in walks the two women I saw at the ranch. Taking a deep breath, I step forward and look them over carefully. Both are beautiful with dark brown wavy hair. Taller than me, like most everyone is, the older lady has curves, dark brown eyes, and a tentative smile. She doesn’t look old enough to be Chubs’ mother, but I can see the resemblance in the eyes.
The younger woman looks a few years older than me, much taller, and curvy in all the places men like them to be. Stunning, she has flawless skin, very long bordering on curly hair that gleams. Eyes a dark rich chocolate color, they assess me critically. Then, she smiles broadly, and it reminds me so much of Chubs I feel a stab of pain.
Walking forward, she holds her hand out and says, “You must be Lucy. I’m Aria. It’s so nice to finally meet you.”
“Hi. It’s nice to meet you too,” I murmur while shaking her hand.
“I’m Giana, and you’re even more beautiful than Adriano said you were,” the older woman says quietly before stepping forward and giving me a brief hug and a kiss on each cheek.
“Thank you. Would you like a cup of coffee or a water?” I ask politely while guiding them to a table.
“Yes, please. Coffee sounds great. Black, please, for both of us,” answers Aria.
“I got them,” Ava offers, and I realize I forgot to introduce everyone.
“Aria, Giana, that’s Bella, Axel, and Ava. Aria and Giana are Chubs’ sister and mother,” I say, correcting my omission.
“Chubs?” Aria asks, clearly confused and possibly a little angry.
“Who’s Adriano?” Bella questions, just as confused.
“Chubs is your brother’s road name. Adriano is Chubs’ real name,” Axel answers, clearing the confusion from Bella’s face but not the slight anger on Aria’s.
“You call him Chubs? That’s incredibly insulting. He’s always been an eater, but he’s never been chubby,” Aria says in defense of her brother.
“It’s not meant as an insult. When he came to the club, he was very thin, having been living on the streets. Road names are often given as a joke. He was thin, so someone tagged him as Chubs. Names stick, and that one did,” Axel explains patiently.
“He was thin? How thin? Living on the streets? Oh God,” Giana moans in horror.
“Not for long. Our club president at the time brought him home and shoveled food in his direction until he gained weight,” Axel hurries to explain.
“Do you know anything about his life after he left Chicago?” Ava asks as she sets cups in front of the three of us.
“Is that a pig?” Aria asks suddenly, pointing at a snoring Gee, cuddled up to a snoring fat-assed cat.
“Yes, that’s Gee. Magnum P.I.G. is his full name, and he’s very friendly. Duffy’s the chubby cat next to him. Avoid eye contact and steer clear, especially if you’re a bleeder,” Bella answers with a grin. “And that’s Priscilla. She’s a southern belle, so if you hear an accent, that’s why.”
“Oh, sorry. I got distracted by the pig. We know a little bit. Just what he’s had time to tell us before we left to come here, though,” Aria answers while still looking at Gee.
“Did you know about us, Lucy?” Giana asks.
“No. I knew a little bit about him as far as the name changes and WITSEC but little else. He never mentioned what family he had left, just that his dad was in prison. I don’t mean to be blunt, but why did you want to meet with me?” I ask flatly.
“Mostly just curious about the woman he loves,” Giana says in a near whisper and a searching look.
Keeping my face blank, I reply curtly, “Woman he loved, but lied to, deceived, and misled with promises of a future together. Meeting you and having learned recently that he has a brother too, I get why he wanted to keep you safe. You’re his family, and he obviously misses and loves you all very much. I’m not holding that against him.”
“Yet, you’re angry with him anyway,” Aria surmises correctly.
“Very. Instead of telling me what he needed to do, which I would have understood and supported, he decided to leave without a word,” I answer.
“He was trying to protect you,” Aria insists.
“I trusted him, and he destroyed that. I gave him my love, my complete trust, and he gave me lies in return. I’m sorry if that seems harsh to you, but I had no choice in how anything went down. I was just left to pick up the pieces alone and doubting myself. I wish you only the best for your future, and I’m glad you’re reunited with your son and brother. But I have nothing else to say on the subject of him. I’m done, and I’m out. Have a good day.”
Standing, I walk on steady legs out the door and to my car. Driving away, I fight back the tears threatening to fall. I make it to Lisa’s condo, into my room, and face down on the bed before I give in to them. The sobs wrack my body for a long time before they lessen. When I’ve cried all my tears, I get up and wash my face. It’s blotchy, and my eyes are swollen, but there’s a part of me that feels more settled than I have in a long time.
It’s been several days since my meeting with Aria and Giana, and I know the men have returned, along with Chubs. I haven’t gone back to the clubhouse, and I’m not sure if I ever can. Instead, I focus on buying the house I plan on making my home.
One of the hardest things I did was to call Pippa and let her know I’d no longer be working at New Horizons. I offered my help with grants and other paperwork, but I will not be doing it from there. She’ll need to email me whatever she needs done, and I’ll work from home. Pippa was grateful for the offer to help but sad that we will no longer be working together. The decision was painful.
I’ve stayed in contact with Bailey, of course, but I no longer go to the gym to work out or hang with her. We’ll meet for lunches and shopping regularly, I’m sure, but I’m worried it won’t be the same. I don’t think anything in my life will ever be the same again.
I haven’t asked about Chubs, and no one has mentioned him. Every single day, I feel the void he’s left in my life, but every single day, I get up and push forward. I’ve applied for a few jobs to help fill my time, but my dad is trying to recruit me to work at his office. Thanks to New Horizons, I’ve become very adept at dealing with government agencies, and that’s a skill he’d like to put to use. I’m not sure it’s a good fit for me, so I haven’t given him an answer yet.
Pippa: Craig here. Are you ever going to come see me again?
Me: Of course I will. Maybe we can have lunch together soon.
Pippa: How about tomorrow?
Me: You have school tomorrow, don’t you?
Pippa: I’m pretty sure I’ll be free by noon. Don’t ask how I know that.
Me: Craig! What are you up to?
Pippa: School is crushing my soul. Chubs isn’t doing our learning things anymore and I’ve got to find a way to change that.
Me: By getting expelled again?
Pippa: Desperate times and all that stuff.
Me: Do I want to know what your plan is?
Pippa: No. You can claim plausible deniability if I don’t tell you.
Me: How do you even know that phrase, the meaning of it and how to spell it?????
Pippa: Disappointed in you, Lucy. You never used to underestimate me. I learn things fast. I’m smart. Genius level according to my teacher. Tomorrow noon? You can just pick me up from the school and save mom a trip. Okay?
Me: This isn’t the way to do things, Craig. Talk with your mom and dad. I’m sure you three can come up with a good solution.
Pippa: You could be my teacher instead.
Me: I’m not a teacher, Craig. Helping you with projects is one thing but I can’t teach you all the things you need to learn. School can.
Pippa: I like my teacher. Don’t like Principal Jones. I heard him making fun of Luke and the sounds he makes when he tries to talk. Not cool. I should let Trigger know. He’d mop the floor with Jones.
Me: That’s something you need to tell Pippa and Ava. Does Luke know about it?
Pippa: No and he never will. He loves it here and everyone else treats him great. BTW, Bella’s going to talk to the club about joining when she’s 18. She wanted you to be there for her when she does but you’ve abandoned us. Sunday, before Church, she’s talking to them.
Me: I didn’t do that and you know it.
Pippa: I know but you’re letting Chubs keep you away. Church this week is going to be about his punishment. I hope they don’t kill him.
Me: They won’t do that, Craig. He will get punished though. And I’m sorry, you’re right and I’ve let him keep me away and that’s not fair to you or Bella. I’ll be at the clubhouse for Sunday brunch, before their meeting. Please let Bella know.
Pippa: Ok, cool.
Me: I’ll pick you up at school tomorrow at noon. Please rethink whatever it is you’re going to do.
Pippa: KK bye
I set my phone down and groan in frustration. Do I let Pippa know that Craig’s planning something or not? Can I see Chubs at the clubhouse and not lose my shit?
“What’s got you frowning so bad it’s going to cause wrinkles?” Lisa asks as she takes a seat on the couch.
“Craig’s up to something, and Bella needs me to come to the clubhouse Sunday morning before they have Church,” I answer.
“Craig’s always up to something. Going to the clubhouse is something you need to do. You need to face him and decide if it’s really over or not. What can it hurt to hear him out?”
“I understand why he did what he did. I’m past that, but I can’t get past how he led me to think everything was okay with us while planning on leaving. I don’t think I could ever trust him again, and what’s a relationship look like without trust?”
“Like shit, to be honest. Maybe you two could start fresh as if you just met. You fell together so fast before. You never really went through all the dating, getting to know each other things. If he fucks up, you’re no worse off than you are now,” Lisa suggests.
“I feel like I’m finally starting to get a grip on myself again. Not sure I want to open myself up for another round of hurt, you know? Besides, I don’t even know if he’s interested in a relationship with me or not. He’s been back for almost a week now and hasn’t reached out. Maybe I’m worrying for nothing, and he meant for us to be ended when he left.”
“Deep inside, which do you want? Him to be okay with moving on without you, or him still wanting you with him?” Lisa questions quietly.
I think about that for a minute before shrugging my shoulders.
“I honestly don’t know. Either way, it’s going to hurt. I’m not over him, hating him, wanting to move on without him, yet I don’t feel like I can trust anything he tells me anymore.”
“Understandable. Want me to come with you on Sunday? It’s not like it’s punishment to have to eat Ava’s brunch. I’d love to see Chubs again too. I may nut-punch him, but it’ll be nice to see his smiling face,” Lisa says with a cheeky grin.
“Yeah, I’d like it if you’d come too. That way, you can drag me out of there if I start doing anything stupid like crying or begging.”
“Ew. Don’t beg. That’s just sad. Only sad, pathetic women beg a man to stay with them when the man clearly wants out. No man is worth that,” Lisa states with a shudder.
“Don’t let me drink alcohol either. I say things I normally wouldn’t, and I’d probably say too much.”
“I got your back, little sister.”
The following day at noon, I’m parked outside the school. Nothing out of the ordinary seems to be happening, so my hopes raised a bit that maybe Craig rethought his decision to wreak havoc. I breathe a sigh of relief and start to exit my car. I soon realize I was premature in my relief when a fire truck pulls to a stop in front of the main entrance to the school.
Sitting back down inside my car, I wait. Soon after, several firemen enter the school, carrying large tools and a toolbox. I hear loud banging noises. Not able to contain my curiosity, I hustle to the school entrance and walk in. Stopping in the lobby, I find a large crowd of teachers peering in the direction of the principal’s office. Several students are standing around too, and most are laughing amongst themselves.
I push my way through the crowd and spot Craig sitting in a chair in the hallway, wide grin on his face. Making it to his side, he grins up at me then laughs that evil laugh I’ve heard too many times. Holding out Pippa’s phone to me, I take it and see there’s a video ready to play. Oh God, what has he done?
“There’s not much to see. It’s a listen-to-me-type video, and it’s enlightening, to say the least,” he says before laughing so hard he nearly falls off the chair.
I hit play and hold the phone close to my ear to hear it over the noise of the crowd. It only takes a few “oh baby” and “harder” to know what I’m listening to. Shocked, I look at the office door the firemen are trying to open, then down to Craig. I quickly hit the stop button and raise my brows at the little demon sitting in front of me.
“Explain,” I state with trepidation.
“Jones and his secretary like to get it on during their lunch period. Don’t ask how I know that because I’m traumatized enough as it is. Anyway, I knew I had to meet with Principal Jones today because of some bullshit he wanted to punish me for. Instead of returning to class after, I waited in the doorway of the restroom until the secretary entered his office and they locked the door. I then set the phone to record while I superglued his door shut. I learned that trick from Chubs. Works so much better than you’d think it would. I had to use a few tubes, but it was worth the cost. Even the lock and hinges are glued shut,” Craig explains between fits of laughter.
“Okay, maybe we should get out of here before he gets freed and sees you. He might assume you had something to do with this,” I advise.
“Oh, hell to the no! I’m not missing out on this. Besides, I’m not done yet.”
“What more is there, Craig? You taped him doing his secretary and locked them in his office!”
“I texted his wife and her husband the video of her entering his office and then the audio of them doing the nasty. We had a nice chat. They’re on their way here. Shit’s about to hit the fan!” he exclaims excitedly.
At the same time, the door finally gives way, a man shouts, “Where the fuck is he?” and then roughly shoves through the crowd. In a burst of speed, he shoves the unsuspecting firemen out of the way and pounces on the principal.
Craig jumps up to stand on the chair and holds the phone high, recording everything. I step up to stand behind him because I don’t want to miss out on this either. The secretary rushes to pull on her husband’s arm when an irate woman spins her around and lands a well-trained blow to her face. The secretary is knocked flat on the ground, but that doesn’t stop the other woman from delivering a few more blows. While that battle is raging, the man has Principal Jones pinned against a wall doing the same. Oddly enough, no one tries to stop him.
Eventually, the firemen break up the fight, but all the school staff just stand in place, most with huge smiles. I’m going to take a guess and say that Principal Jones wasn’t liked by his employees. When his wife steps up to him, I laugh out loud at the look of sheer terror on his face.
“I hope you enjoyed your time with Heels Up Carrie because it’s going to cost you big time!” she screams, knees him in the groin, then storms out of the school.
“Heels Up Carrie?” I mutter, confused.
“Slang for hookers. On their backs a lot with heels up in the air. For their job, you know,” Craig clarifies while still filming.
“I don’t even want to know how you’d know such a thing,” I say firmly.
“Principal Jones’ pool thermometer isn’t going to work properly for a few days, I bet,” Craig states with an evil laugh, clearly enjoying himself.
“Pool… never mind. I get it,” I say hurriedly before he explains again.
“Hey, Jones!” Craig shouts, still aiming the camera at the beaten, hurting, disgraced principal. “Actions have consequences! Enjoy yours, fuckface!”
I grab Craig around the waist, jump off the chair, and make a run for the exit. I don’t slow until we’re at my car. I ignore Craig’s gleeful laughter as I put the school in my rear-view mirror. I drive straight to New Horizons and rush Craig inside with me. He’s still laughing from time to time and, without a care, takes a seat in Pippa’s office.
Tammy and Pippa both look from Craig to me then back to Craig. Tammy closes her eyes and audibly takes a deep breath. Pippa places her pen on her desk, eyes Craig, and says, “Just tell me if you have an arrest warrant coming your direction?”
“No, I’m pretty sure they don’t arrest kids my age for handing out lessons,” Craig answers immediately.
“How bad is it?” Pippa asks in a calm voice when her eyes meet mine.
I have no idea why, but I bust out laughing instead of answering. I make my way to the nearest chair and howl, which makes Craig join in, and Tammy to throw her hands in the air and stomp out of the room. On the way out, she shouts over her shoulder, “I don’t know any of you, and they can’t make me admit that I do!”
Tammy’s words and attitude cause another round of laughter. When I finally get control of myself, I wipe tears away and face a still-calm Pippa.
“It could be worse. No one that didn’t deserve it got hurt, but there’s no way Craig can go back to that school. Pretty sure that he doesn’t have arrest warrants, but there could be a hit taken out on him by now.”
The first sign of nervousness hits Pippa’s face when Craig hands her the phone. Holding it away from herself like it’s poisonous, she raises an eyebrow.
“Am I going to regret hitting play? Because I don’t mind living with my head in the sand if that’ll save my sanity,” she declares.
“Let Pooh listen to it while you enjoy a glass of wine. Or a bottle. Or two,” I advise.
“Who’s having wine?”
I hear the voice, but my brain locks instantly. I don’t move, look toward the door, or acknowledge that Chubs is standing less than five feet from me. All laughter is wiped from me as I stand, still facing Pippa.
“Call me later, and I can explain if you still need an explanation,” I murmur to Pippa. “See you later, Craig. Let Bella know that I’ll be there for her.”
Turning, I keep my eyes locked on the doorway and not the man standing next to it. I walk past and don’t slow my steps until I’m out the back door.
“Lucy. Can we talk for a minute?” asks the voice that belongs to the man I thought I’d marry.
“There’s nothing to talk about, Adriano. You had a tough choice to make, and I wasn’t on the winning side of it,” I respond with a rasp in my voice.
I don’t turn to face him, and I continue walking through the yard when he speaks again.
“I don’t regret doing what I could to save my family, but—” he starts, then stops when I speak over him.
“No buts, then. You did what you had to do for them, and I get that. Take care of yourself, Adriano,” I say as I slide into my car.
“Chubs. I’m still Chubs, Lucy. Adriano died years ago,” Chubs says before I shut my car door, start my car, and drive off.
I remain dry-eyed through sheer force of will and drive carefully until I pull to a stop in the FurEver Homes lot. Entering the building, I nod to Dale, then head for the dog barn. Candy’s head snaps up when she sees me, but she doesn’t speak. Stopping in front of the same kennel I did with James, I open the door, sit and hug the brown fur missile when he leaps into my lap.
Burying my face in his neck, I force my mind to go blank and simply enjoy being with someone who wants to be with me. I sit until my ass goes numb before standing, grabbing a leash, and heading out the back door.
“Let’s take a walk, Greer,” I murmur to my companion, not realizing I just gave him a name.
We walk for a long time, stopping several times so Greer can sniff new smells and mark his territory. When we return to the kennel, Candy is still in the barn and walks over to our side.
“He’s a good boy,” she says. “But he’s going to be a big boy when he grows up.”
Looking closely at Greer, I suddenly realize he’s not a dog but a very large puppy. I make my decision immediately and turn to Candy.
“I’m adopting him.”
“Lucy, this dog will eventually weigh more than you by a lot. Are you sure? We have lots of smaller dogs that might be a better fit,” Candy advises.
“Do you know if they’ve DNA’d him yet?” I ask belatedly.
“Just got it back today. He’s mostly an Anatolian Shepherd, a livestock guardian breed. Not a purebred, but enough that he’s going to be protective and not tolerate other dogs or people well if you don’t socialize him well. He could get as big as 150 pounds, and his back will end up taller than your waist. Have you thought this through?”
“Kind of. I visited him before, and today, when I got upset and anxious, I came here to see him. I didn’t even think about it. I just drove here. I think it’s a sign that we need each other. Don’t you?” I ask.
“Maybe. Is Lisa going to be okay with him in her condo?” Candy asks with a smirk.
“I’m moving into my house soon, so I don’t think she’ll mind.”
“I’m getting off work now, so let’s go do your paperwork. I’d like to help with him later on if you need it too. I’m still learning, but I love training the dogs. Reno has worked with me several times now,” Candy offers.
“I’d love it if you would.”
Two hours and several hundred dollars later, I enter Lisa’s condo with Greer and everything I think he might need someday. Candy helps carry things, and I invite her to stay for dinner.
“You just want back up if Lisa loses her shit,” she accuses with a grin.
“If Lisa loses her shit about what?” Lisa asks from the door where she’s hanging her keys on the hook.
When she turns around and sees all the bags and dog paraphernalia, her mouth drops open. When Greer comes trotting around the corner, her eyebrows hit her hairline. I hold my breath, praying that she gives him a chance.
“Who’s a pretty puppy? Who? You are! You are! Oh, honey, come here! Let me hug your furry self!” Lisa coos as she drops to her knees on the kitchen floor, totally ignoring the expensive business suit she’s wearing.
Greer bounds over to her then parks himself in her lap. Lisa drops flat to her ass and hugs him to her, dropping kisses on his head. Looking up, Lisa grins.
“You bought me a puppy! Best sister ever!” she shouts to my dismay.
Candy laughs loudly but doesn’t correct Lisa’s assumption.
“Uh, well, you see, I am a great sister, but that’s not your dog. That’s Greer, and he’s mine,” I explain.
“Shut your face! He’s mine! Aren’t you, you little bundle of love?” Lisa responds before lavishing more kisses on Greer’s head.
“Lisa, stop. I’m glad you like him, but he’s moving to my house when I do,” I insist.
“No!”
“Yes!”
“You totally suck as a sister! I begged Mom and Dad for a puppy, but instead, they brought you home! Joke was on me!” Lisa hollers as she stands, lifts Greer, and runs out of the room. A few seconds later, and her bedroom door slams shut.
“Your sister and Axel aren’t related, are they?” Candy asks.
“No!”
“She’s as dramatic as him.”
“I know,” I answer with a sigh.
I spend the next day shopping and making delivery arrangements for my new home. I need everything from dishes to furniture to everyday essentials. It’s exhausting but exciting too, and my mom makes it easier than I thought it would be. Having run two households, our family home and the Governor’s Mansion, for years, she knows what’s a necessity and what can wait until later.
I put off going to bed for as long as I can tonight because I’m dreading tomorrow so much. I need to be at the clubhouse by 10:30am, and the thought is already making me nauseous. I break Candy’s rule about not letting Greer in bed with me, and I cuddle him close. Eventually, I fall asleep. When I wake, I get moving immediately. If I stay in bed and think, I’ll find a way to back out of today, and I can’t do that to Bella.
Lisa, Greer, and I walk into the clubhouse and find most everyone there already. I look for Bailey, and only Bailey, and when I spot her, we walk to her table. Taking seats, I can see the strain on her face. Even little Alex seems quieter than usual today but does give me a little wave.
“Who’s puppy?” Craig asks from beside me.
“Mine. His name is Greer,” I answer.
“Where did you get him?” he questions.
“FurEver Homes.”
“You went there without me? Really, Lucy? You’re dead to me,” he spits out, then walks away in a huff.
“I would have taken Craig!” Lisa says loud enough for the retreating kid to hear.
“Lisa!”
“The kid scares me a little, and I just want to make sure my name doesn’t appear on his blacklist,” Lisa explains with a grin.
“You okay, Bailey?” I ask while ignoring Lisa.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Everyone’s a little uptight about what the club is going to decide today,” she responds.
“Any idea how their leaning?” Lisa questions her.
“None. The guys haven’t said a word to anyone about it.”
“Gunner, can I address the club before we eat and you start Church?” Bella asks boldly while stepping close to my chair.
“Yeah, of course you can. Quiet down, everyone! Go ahead, Bells,” Gunner says.
Glancing down at me, Bella smiles nervously before searching the room for Pooh. He gives her a nod, and she starts laying out her plans for her future. I watch people’s faces as she talks, and I see pride, concern, surprise, and a whole range of other reactions. No one interrupts her, though.
“Everyone’s always asking why I want to earn my own money when I have everything I need already. I’ll tell you why I’ve been saving my money, and it’s for one reason only. I want to buy a bike. A Harley, of course. Per club rules, I have to work for and pay for my own bike if I want to become a prospect and then a member when I turn 18 years old. I’m asking the club members to consider me as a prospect and future member. I have my reasons for wanting to join this club, and I’m willing to explain them if you are interested. I don’t expect special treatment, and I don’t want it. I’ll prospect like others have, doing the grunt work and learning everything I can. I’m only asking for your vote so I’m allowed that chance,” Bella states in a clear, firm voice.
“I’m your sponsor!” Axel shouts as he jumps to his feet in such a rush he knocks over his chair and startles Prissy into a screech. “I called it first, so go screw yourself, Pooh!”
There’s stunned silence in the room before Gunner speaks up as the club president.
“Sit down and shut up, VP. We will discuss this in Church since it’s a club decision and not one that’s open to everyone. Thank you, Bella, for your interest in becoming a prospect, but you should have approached one of us privately. If you’re voted in as a prospect, you’ll need to learn what’s not to be discussed with non-members.”
“She did, Prez. She came to me and explained her intentions. That’s when I started her riding lessons,” Pooh states. “She decided to wait for a while before approaching the club. Bella speaking up today was her following my advice.”
Gunner nods in acknowledgment of Pooh’s words. Then he offers Bella a small grin.
“Let’s eat so we can discuss this and the other matter that’s up for discussion today. Looks like it’s going to be a long and interesting Church,” Gunner says.
I stand and pull Bella in for a tight hug.
“I’m so proud of you. You did great,” I whisper.
“Thank you for coming. It helps knowing you and Pooh are here,” Bella whispers back before she’s jerked out of my arms.
Unceremoniously, Trudy tugs Bella against her and squeezes her tight. I watch with a warm heart as tears roll down Trudy’s face as she holds her girl.
“Proud, scared, happy, terrified. I’m all over the place about this, but you’ll always have my support, my beautiful girl,” Trudy says in a rush.
“I know I do, Mom, and thank you,” Bella answers in a soft voice.
“Cash won’t dare vote against you, young Bella. I’d cut him out of my will and kick him in the ass,” Lola says when she moves in for her own hug.
“I’d just cut him,” Lottie insists as she crowds in close.
“Bloodthirsty bitches,” Terry mutters from next to me.
I glance up and smile when I see the soft look in his eyes while he looks at the two aunts. I step back out of the way, then take my seat again as others approach Bella with words of support. I notice not a single club member does, though, and that gives me cause for concern for Bella’s dream.
“Hey, Lucy!” Mac screeches as he lands in the center of our table.
“Hey, Mac. How’ve you been?” I ask as I give him a fist bump to a wing.
“Mac’s good. A dog?” he asks with his adorable head tilt.
“Yeah. His name is Greer.”
“Better name than Mac,” Axel says from beside Lisa.
“Suck my birdy balls, Assman!” Mac screams in an angry voice.
“Mac, my God, dude. How many times do I have to tell you I didn’t steal your cashews?! Really, birdman, I didn’t!” Axel asks in an exasperated voice.
“Rotten vagina!” Mac continues with his snit while Bailey calmly reaches over and covers Alex’s ears.
“Nothing’s rotten about vaginas, Mac, but you wouldn’t know since you’ve never been laid,” Axel taunts, then instantly regrets it.
Mac launches off the table, claws outstretched for Axel’s face, hurting my ears with his war cry. Axel ducks, but Mac is determined to do damage. After a few swipes and near misses of his face, Axel decides that running is his best option. He bolts across the room, vaulting over a couch before screaming for Ava.
Prissy lifts off and joins the fray by trying to take Mac out of the air. Man and two birds sail around the room, and I don’t know who to put money on for the win. While people shout either warnings or encouragement, depending on the side they’ve chosen, the pets start joining in by raising the noise factor.
Greer barks, as do Loki and Cain. Duffy snarls and takes a swipe at Prissy as she flies past. Gee starts racing around the room, snorting loudly. Bart stands on the bar top and stomps his front paws, and Snots runs behind a couch. The clubhouse is in total chaos, and not surprising anyone, it’s because of Mac and Axel again.
Ava storms out of the kitchen and stares in dismay at the mayhem. Speaking to Craig, he nods, and they move in unison. Ava waits and, when the time is right, snatches Mac by his feet from the air. Holding him upside down and at arm’s reach, she waits for Prissy to come after him. When she does, Craig jumps off the stool he’d climbed on and wraps his arms around Prissy, taking her to the floor with him. Axel comes to a stop, breathing hard, and slowly the other animals quiet.
Turning to Axel, Ava orders, “Just fucking apologize to him and replace the cashews!”
“I’m innocent! I was framed!” Axel shouts back.
“He didn’t take them. He was set up,” Craig informs Ava, grin on his face, cockatoo tucked tight to his chest.
“I knew it was you! You demented little fucker! Pooh? Pooh! Get over here and beat this kid!” Axel shouts.
“I didn’t do it, you asswipe! I saw someone else do it! I just saved your useless ass from a bird beatdown, and that’s how you thank me?” Craig sputters in disgust.
“Craig’s telling the truth. I did it. I thought it would be funny to piss Mac off because I knew he’d blame you. It was for entertainment purposes only,” Chubs admits from a place close behind me.
I don’t turn around. I instead keep my eyes on the drama playing out in front of me. I watch Axel’s face turn incredulous before he narrows his eyes.
“You’re just digging holes left and right these days,” Axel says with a glare before turning to Craig.
“Sorry, kid. I was wrong, and I’m sorry for that.”
“My feelings are very hurt. It may cause me trust issues for years to come. I’m not sure how I’ll overcome it, but money may help ease my suffering,” Craig responds with an evil glint in his eyes.
“Nice try,” Axel responds with a laugh. “You know, Craig, if we worked together, we could rule the world.”
“I’ll be doing that anyway. Who needs to share the glory?” Craig states while handing Prissy over to Axel.
“This place is just too much fucking fun! Can I be invited each Sunday from now on? I’ll pay for a ticket if need be!” Lisa says in a loud voice.
“It’s why we’re holding on even at our ages,” Lottie states. “Who wants to miss whatever the hell one of these guys is going to do next? We’ll pick you up on our way next week.”
I leave them planning their next adventure and walk to the kitchen. Stepping inside, I find Ava, Tammy, Taja, and Tessie placing food into large serving bowls, and I start helping them. Mac is sitting on a perch in the corner, facing the wall. I ignore the stream of swear words he’s muttering as I stir the large bowl of fruit salad.
“You doing okay?” Ava asks from beside me.
“Yeah, I think so.”
“I wish I knew what the club was going to do with him. Gunner hasn’t given me even a hint, and I’ve tried everything I know to get him to talk,” she admits with a small laugh.
The kitchen door swings open, and Craig strolls in with a large handful of bills in his hand. Taking a seat off to the side, he continues counting the money before he stands and walks into the pantry. A moment later, he returns empty-handed and with a satisfied smile on his face. Looking around, he sees several of us staring at him, curious.
“All I’m saying is that the club drama is nowhere near over for the day. Prepare yourselves, ladies. Shit’s about to get real,” he warns, then walks out laughing.
“What else could happen today?” Tessie asks in confusion and instantly jinxes the whole damn place.
I pick up the large bowl filled with fruit and this awesome lemon dressing Ava makes and walk for the swinging door. I freeze in place when there’s a terrified scream and running footsteps from the main room, and I shouldn’t have. The door flies open, slamming into the bowl and me, knocking me flat on my ass. Fruit and dressing cover me and all the nearby areas of the kitchen as Reeves first slips, then falls on top of me.
Scrambling to his feet, stomping on me in the process, he again attempts to run and wipes out a second time. This time it’s Tessie’s turn to be taken down by him, and she screams until the impact with the floor shocks her into silence. Still not giving up, Reeves makes it to his feet, and all I see is his jean-covered ass busting through the screen door and running across the backyard. He’ll be repairing that door tomorrow since he didn’t take the time to open it first.
“What the hell?” Tammy shouts while rushing to help me to my feet.
She gets me upright when the door crashes open again, and James attempts to vault over us and instead takes all three of us back to the floor. We’re sliding around the tile flooring in fruit and lemon-scented dressing and still have no idea why. Using my head this time, I crawl instead of trying to stand. I pull Tammy with me, and we cower behind a worktable while James thrashes around until he gets to the back door and crawls through it.
Every one of us in the kitchen stays in place, including Tessie, who’s on her hands and knees, and now howling in anger. The sounds coming from the main room alert us to the fact that things have not settled yet. Shouts, curses, and threats of imminent death fill the air as we look at each other in confusion.
The swinging door suddenly flies open, and this time it’s Pigeon who’s on the run. His long strides hit the wet floor, and he literally slides through the kitchen, arms flailing before he collides with the worktable Ava’s standing behind. The impact sends him airborne and over the table in a tangle of arms and legs. Every bowl and plate on the table goes sailing as Pigeon’s progress is slowed when Ava’s too slow to get out of the way. The two of them disappear behind the table, and grunts of pain can be heard by all. Daring to peek my head around my hiding spot enough to check on Ava’s well-being, I meet eyes with Pigeon, who appears to be using Ava as a shield of sorts.
“Ha! It’s about fucking time the bullshit evil stuff you always cause bit you in your own damn ass!” shouts Toes from the doorway while pointing at me.
“Shut your face, Toes!” Taja orders while advancing on him.
Toes is pushed out of the doorway, and a new face appears, bringing Taja to an abrupt halt. I have no idea who the hell it is because his face is painted up as a scary-ass clown, orange wig and all. Around his neck is, I’m hoping, a very realistic fake six-foot-long snake. Pigeon squeaks in alarm, tosses Ava in one direction, and makes a move for the door. Clown man does a flying tackle, taking Pigeon painfully back to the floor.
We all watch in shocked surprise as the clown grinds himself all over Pigeon’s squirming body and then lays a loud, wet, smacking kiss on his face. Pushing himself off, the clown stands and starts laughing uncontrollably. While Pigeon lies stunned, the clown performs a victory dance over his prone body. Hips gyrating, snake held over his head, the clown displays some impressive moves.
When the dance ends with the clown grabbing his groin, Pigeon simply buries his face in his arms and lays still. Whatever this was about, the clown just won, and Pigeon has surrendered. Looking toward the back door, I see no sign of James and Reeves and briefly wonder if they’re still running to parts unknown.
The swinging door opens again, and several people push inside and stand, open-mouthed at the destruction. The clown is still standing over Pigeon, gloating, when Ava explodes.
“I am done! I’m so fucking done! Eat your food from the floor for all I care! I’m fucking done with the lot of you!”
With that, she picks up the baby carrier with Chasin, miraculously still sleeping, and storms through the broken back door, giving it a kick on her way. No one says a word, and no one is dumb enough to tell her she’s covered head to toe in the remains of the food she’d worked so hard to prepare.
The clown is looking around the room, probably just now noticing the destruction he was a part of, and groans loudly. Shoulders slumping, victory dance a thing of the past, he sticks a hand down to Pigeon to help him to his feet. Pigeon emits a squeal, reminiscent of a three-year-old girl seeing her first spider, and uses his feet to push his way to the back door. Standing slowly, he adjusts his food-covered clothing, then steps through the door with the most dignity I’ve ever seen him have. As casual as if nothing had just happened, he strolls across the backyard and disappears down the street.
“Looks like Rex, our very own version of John Wayne Gacy, has one hell of a mess to clean up and a fuck ton of explaining to do,” Lola calmly states.
Glancing at the clown, it finally dawns on me that it is Rex and why he’s swinging a snake while wearing a clown outfit. Revenge, pure and simple. Craig and Rex must have come to an agreement, and Craig got his payday. When I hear an evil giggle, I turn my head to see Craig standing in the middle of the mess. He holds his fist up to Rex, waiting for a fist bump, but Rex is too busy taking in the state of the kitchen and our meal.
“Who knew James was scared of snakes, too? I’m not going to charge you for him, though, Rex. You got a threefer for the price of a twofer. Well done, buddy,” Craig praises.
“I’m going to take the rest of my kids home and see if I can work a life-saving miracle on my wife’s temper. If not, it’s been nice knowing you, Rex. I’m sure she won’t forget the part the others played in this bullshit either. In the meantime, clean this up, and put this clubhouse back in the condition it was in before you fucktards destroyed it. Church is canceled. We’ll meet in one week,” Gunner orders in a calm, controlled voice, then walks away.
“Toes, I’ve warned you before, and you know what the consequences are. After Church, you and I, in the ring,” Axel states before slipping and sliding his way to where Tammy and I are still sitting.
Reaching down, Axel carefully gets Tammy on her feet and hands her over to Trigger, who’s battling his laughter but not completely winning.
“Not one word, Trigger, or you’ll be looking for a new bed to sleep in,” Tammy warns as Trigger picks a few strawberries and a blueberry from her hair.
Axel then reaches down and lifts me to my feet. Holding my arm, he helps me exit the kitchen and hands me over to Lisa and Bailey. Lisa makes zero attempt at curbing her laughter, but I choose to ignore it. Bailey covers her mouth, and for a moment, I think she’s trying not to laugh before she takes off at a run for the nearest bathroom, horrible retching sounds emitting from her. Axel takes off behind her, and I get my first look at the main room.
Furniture is upside down, glasses and beer bottles scattered and broken. The room is destroyed. Lars is in his wheelchair and is parked in the far corner with Terry still standing behind it, prepared to run for safety.
My eyes finally find the kids, and I breathe a sigh of relief. Livi, with Loki and Cain’s help, has the remaining kids cornered near Gunner’s office door, safe and sound. I note the chunk of cloth in Loki’s mouth but don’t bother worrying about who it belongs to because, obviously, they got too close to the kids and paid for that mistake.
Mac and Prissy are perched on the railing of the stairs, side by side, and are surprisingly quiet. Greer, having made friends with the other pets, is laying under our table with Bart and Gee. When I feel someone tugging on my jeans, I look under the table and find Gee helping himself to a snack that’s attached to my leg.
“You still have clothes in my room if you want to go change,” Chubs says from beside me.
Looking up, I get my first look at him, and I’m shocked into silence. He’s much thinner than I’ve ever seen him. His face is drawn with dark circles under his tired eyes, and he appears to have aged several years. The red hair is a shock, and being clean-shaven isn’t something I remember ever seeing before. I stare at him until the man I remember starts to peek past the changes. When he gives me a lopsided half-smile, my heart starts to thump painfully.
Standing and pulling my eyes off of him, I nod. I take the key he holds out and walk away. I open the door and enter a room that I have only great memories of, and I take in a deep, steadying breath.
The room looks exactly the same, and his smell rushes at me. Man, leather, soap, motor oil, and because it’s Chubs’ smell, potato chips. I can’t stop the smile that creases my face, and I allow myself a moment to soak it in.