18. Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Sixteen
Noah
“Want to go for a beer since we’re done with work?” TJ slaps me on the shoulder as I finish writing up the receipt for the car I just completed. They are picking it up tomorrow morning. I want everything complete since I don’t come in at seven when the customer wants the car.
“Sure. Can it be at a place that serves food too? I’m starving.” I tell him. I hit the print button on the computer so I can see the receipt so TJ can take a glance at it. It was my first solo project from start to finish.
“Not bad. I looked over your work and it’s sound. We have the Valkyries MC coming in next week for a tune-up, but my sister takes care of the bill when the last one is done.”
“How do you feel about Ruby and your sister being in a club like that?” I cross my arms turning the stool to stare at him.
“They do a lot of good for the community. I worry about all of their safety not just the two of them. Sometimes it can filter back to me because they know I’m Medusa’s brother. I can protect myself and I know Amelia feels guilty when my business suffers. I tell her she can’t control the actions of others.” He shrugs, but I can see the worry in his eyes. “Can you handle Amelia’s life and her being a badass?” I laugh.
“I like her. There’s something about her. Do we need to talk about me seeing your sister?” TJ doesn’t answer me but just stares out the window. “I’m going to fuck up things as I’m not good with relationships but she makes me want to be my best.”
“Just don’t get too deep and realize you can’t handle that life. You saw last night; people are trying to kill her, and that will never stop. Be there when she needs you. It’s the only thing I ask.” TJ walks to the window and curses out loud. “Ready for some fun?” I nod, standing from my stool. I walk to be next to him and see a yellow corvette pulling in with two SUVs following close by. TJ walks outside and I stand beside him. We both cross our arms. Now we’re not small men and have muscles, but these guys make us look like we’re the nerds living in our mom’s basement and never leaving it. They are massive. The guy from the yellow corvette smiles as he comes to be in front of us. I think he’s smiling, but it’s more of a cross between when you smell a silent fart and you’re not trying to gag with a joker-like grin. It’s creepy.
“I’m looking for Tanner Baxter.” TJ nods. “Oh good. I’m running Cars R Us Body shop and wanted to come talk to you about buying your little business here.”
“Not for sale. You should’ve listened to Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dumber over there when they were here yesterday. I’m not selling, so get back in your midlife crisis car and get the fuck off my property.” TJ smiles.
“Midlife crisis?” The guy laughs. “Everything is for sale. You remember that.” The mother fucker twirls his finger in the year as a roundup for the guys. They all get into their respected cars and drive away from us. TJ looks annoyed more than anything.
“Are you okay?” I ask him. I’m not sure if I should do something or say something.
“They’ve been trying to buy me out for two years now. I’m not selling. The guy in the corvette is new though. I don’t know him. It makes me nervous not to know who I’m dealing with.”
“Know your friends and enemies.” I blurt out. TJ watches me. “It was my Dad’s motto. He has a private investigator on retainer. He would get a dossier of everyone in his life. He likes to blackmail people to do his dirty work or use the knowledge to his advantage. I hated treating people I thought of as friends and family like that. We should get to know the dickhead in the corvette.”
“I agree.” TJ locks up. “Now. How about that beer?” I smile and we head to our prospective vehicles. I follow him through town. I wonder if he’s going to take me to where Amelia’s working, but we end up at a sports bar. This is great after working all night. “They have the best wings and Thursday night football should be on.”
“Dinner is on me tonight.” I informed him. He agrees and we walk in. We spend the rest of the night talking, eating, and drinking. He tells me he called Ruby on the way over here and she’s going to have someone patrolling the area to make sure nothing happens. Also, the tech person pulled up the guy’s picture to start digging into him. It must come in handy to have people like that to help you out.
The next two days fly by with work, Amelia stopping by my apartment when she can. Some nights we just watch a movie or fall asleep quickly. I love being able to hold Amelia in my arms at night and cook breakfast for her. It’s these small moments I enjoy. I can see who the real Amelia is when she’s not around her brother or the other women. I know I only saw her once around her clubhouse when someone broke into her place and attacked her and she was in clean up mode. Today is Saturday morning and she’s very fidgety.
“What is going on with you?” I hold her shaking hand onto the table.
“Michelle’s moving out today.” Amelia sighs. “I need to go to my place and box everything up. TJ is meeting me there at noon. I’ve been staying here to avoid it.”
“Merida.” Amelia laughs at my scolding using my nickname for her. “I would’ve gone there to help you. You don’t have to do this alone.”
“Thank you. Usually Bubbles and Derby would be there with me, but we have some problems within the club and I need their attention on it.”
“Anything I can help with?” She shakes her head. “All right let me get dressed and I’ll pack a bag. I’ll spend the weekend at your place so you’re not alone there.”
“I don’t remember inviting you to stay.” Amelia teases and then squeals as I fireman carry her to my bedroom. I toss her onto the bed.
“Get dressed. We have plans.” I walk away to pack some things and I notice she’s still laying on the bed watching me. “What?”
“I can’t thank you enough for doing this with me. TJ’s helping, but I don’t want to be alone in the house.”
“Use your words, Merida. If you want help, ask. I will say yes or no. If I say no it’s not because I don’t want to help, but it’s because I have something going on.” I walk over to the bed and kiss her. “I don’t think your brother wants to see you in your underwear and my t-shirt. He’s cool with us right now, but this might be pushing it.” She pushes on my chest, laughing as she stands to get dressed.