Chapter 18 #3
“So, I’ve been thinking,” I said, clearing my voice and causing a hush to fall over the table.
“The farmhouse is almost finished, and I’m spending most of my time there anyway.
Charlie, I was wondering if you want to move into the old house?
You can pick and choose what furniture you want to keep in there, but I thought it might be a nice compromise.
This way, you can have your own space, but you’ll be on MC property.
You will be safe,” I said, looking around at everyone.
Fiona reached over and slid her hand into mine, giving it a squeeze as she smiled at me. Charlie looked surprised, and was checking my parents’ faces to gauge their reactions.
“Really? You would be okay with that? How much would it cost? I have some money saved up from the garage,” Charlie said, her words tumbling out fast.
“It’s already paid off. Just take over the utilities, and when you become a big fancy lawyer, you can buy me something pretty,” I said.
To my surprise, Charlie burst into tears before jumping out of her chair to come around and hug me. I stood up, opening my arms in time to catch her.
“Hey there, Little Bit, if you’re gonna cry, I’ll take back the offer,” I joked as she sobbed into my chest.
“Don’t you dare!” She gasped, giving me a small shove. Wiping at her face, Charlie went back to her seat before taking a sip of water, collecting herself.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable with my pesky emotions.
It just means a lot to me, how much you all believe in me.
I spoke to someone at the student bursar office at the university, and there are two prerequisite classes I need to finish before I qualify.
They’re available for me to take during the spring semester.
Assuming I pass the LSATS, I can then start applying to law schools for next fall,” she explained, her cheeks red and her eyes shiny with excitement.
“That’s great!” Fee was clearly excited to hear Charlie had already taken steps to go back to school.
“So it’s a done deal then. I’ll make sure I’m fully moved out by the time you start classes in the spring,” I said, and Charlie nodded. I looked over to where my parents were watching all of us indulgently, Guard giving me a nod of approval as he wrapped an arm around Ma to pull her in closer.
“There’s only one problem,” Charlie stated, chewing on her lip like she used to do as a kid when she was nervous.
“What problem?” I asked, frowning as I tried to think of any issues with the plan.
“Even though I’m only taking two classes in the spring, it’s going to interfere with my hours at the garage. Then, if I get into law school, I don’t know if I would be able to work on weekdays full stop,” she said, looking guilty.
“That’s fine. We have some time to find a replacement. I just need you to help with the interview and training process,” I assured her, happy to know that Charlie was finally finding her place, even if that meant leaving the one by my side.
“We should ask Star if she’s interested,” Fiona said, and all eyes shifted to her.
“Star having an issue at Honeys?” Ma asked. Both Seph and Cece took the female employees’ comfort and safety very seriously. They were the most invested in the strip clubs, trying to provide a clean and safe environment for all the women who came through.
“No, nothing like that. She said they treat her great there. She’s just not sure she wants to keep dancing. She mentioned that she was curious about other job opportunities, but was nervous that she wouldn’t qualify, since her only past employment has been at strip clubs,” Fiona clarified.
“If she’s interested, I’m more than happy to give her a shot. Maybe have her shadow Charlie for a week to make sure it’s something she likes and wants to do,” I said, not wanting to replace my sister with someone who was also begrudgingly taking the role.
“That’s a great idea! We can ask her when we all go out Thursday night!” Fee said from beside me, and Charlie nodded enthusiastically.
“What’s Thursday night?” I asked, frowning down at her. She hadn’t mentioned anything before that moment.
“Ladies’ night at Iron Maidens. $5 drinks for girls. Roxie is working the bar, and Charlie, Star, and I are going to go support her,” Fiona said, with a look daring me to tell her no.
“Sounds like fun. I’ll drive you guys and pick you up. That way, none of you have to play DD,” I offered, not liking the idea of Fiona and Charlie drunk and vulnerable, trying to get a ride home without me at their backs.
“Sure, like that’s the reason,” Charlie said.
I gave her a look. Not backing down, my sister stared at me before continuing.
“How about you have Match drop us off? He can even stay to keep an eye on us, but you’re not allowed to come to the bar until we’re ready to go home,” Charlie said, and I ground my teeth, not liking that option.
I was trying to give my sister some space, respect her privacy and all that, but I was still wound tight from what had happened with that asshole, Theo.
Charlie had made a lot of changes recently, and I trusted her and her judgment. However, with the addition of Fiona, the idea of them out without any backup left me feeling anxious. Even with Star and Roxie there, I wanted one of my guys nearby, just in case.
“Why can’t Bash drop us off?” Fiona asked, looking adorably confused.
“Because once he sees you all done up, he’s not gonna let you go into the bar without him, and I don’t want to spend the night watching you two try to swallow each other’s tongues.”
“Charlotte!” Ma scolded, but Charlie just shrugged, clearly not regretting her blunt statement. Fiona had turned bright red and was studying me. I did my best to keep my face neutral.
“Okay, that might be a fair point,” she muttered, avoiding making eye contact with my parents before continuing.
“Match can drive us,” Fee countered.
“Match and Danny both go to keep an eye on you. They can sit somewhere else. Doesn’t matter to me. I’ll wait until midnight to come, though,” I replied, already upset at having to stay away from Fiona, even if only for a few hours. Charlie rolled her eyes dramatically before sighing.
“Fine. That doesn’t give you a pass for girls’ night, though. Same rules apply. You get to come by after Fee and I have our time together.” Charlie sat back in her chair, arms crossed.
“Children, Fiona is not a toy the two of you get to fight over,” Ma chided, and both Charlie and I whipped around to look at Fee, making sure we hadn’t upset her.
“Honestly? It’s kind of flattering,” Fiona said, causing Guard to burst out laughing, the rest of us swiftly joining in.
Slinging my arm around Fee’s shoulders, I pulled her into my side so I could press a kiss to her forehead. She looked up at me, her eyes twinkling, and I shook my head. Yeah, I’d fight my own sister for an extra second of alone time with Fiona.
“In that case, I’m calling dibs on Sundays! You are officially ours for family dinner. Invitation is optional for those two, though,” Ma said, eyeing Charlie and me.
I didn’t miss the way Fiona froze, seemingly shocked by my parents’ interest in spending time with her, regardless of my sister or me being present.
“You don’t have to do that,” Fee muttered softly, causing Charlie and me to wear matching frowns. I didn’t miss the mist in her eyes as she looked between all of us.
“Girlie, you are in high demand. If we don’t reserve our time with you now, we may not see you until next year. If Charlie gets you Fridays, and Bash gets you the rest of the time, it’s only fair we at least get Sunday evenings with ya,” Guard replied, his eyes never leaving Fiona.
Sensing that Fiona was getting emotional, Guard shifted the tone of conversation by leaning toward Fee, as if trying to whisper.
“Please, do it for my sake. If I have to listen to these two bicker about the same old shit while trying to digest whatever dish my wife has experimented on that night, I’m gonna keel over,” he said, and I coughed at the reference to Ma’s horrible cooking.
Cece rolled her eyes but didn’t disagree with him.
“Okay. I’d like that, as long as I can try to help Cece learn how to cook a few dishes,” Fiona offered, and the rest of us let out groans.
“I’d love that!” Ma replied before we could say any more.
“You can try. Many have come before you and failed, but something tells me you might just be the one to break through my wife’s culinary block.” Ma swiped him over the back of his head, and he smiled at her indulgently.
“Ignore him, dear. We just want you here for your company, not for you to act as our personal chef. I won’t lie, though, I’d love the opportunity to spend some alone time with you.
If I have to do that in front of that dang stove, so be it,” Ma said warmly.
I didn’t miss the pleased expression on Fiona’s face.
“Thank you. All of you. I’ll be here Sunday, recipes in hand,” she finally replied.
“Just bring yourself, girlie. That’s more than enough,” Guard replied with staunch finality, ending the conversation before Fee could get even more emotional.
Still tucked into my side, I felt her body relax, and it seemed like she slowly started to accept that she was surrounded by people who cared about her and wanted to spend time with her. That she was surrounded by family.