Chapter 11 #3
North looks amused. “Only because I’m a lazy fuck and couldn’t be bothered to find somewhere else. I bought land on the other side of where the garden centre is. I’ll see if I can get something set up on it.”
“You can have my van,” I interrupted. “For however long you need it.”
“Baby, you don’t even know what’s going on.”
“Don’t I?” I step down from the table and put my hands on my hips, glaring at my man. “You’re going to give Jen the receptionist job at the garage because she deserves it, and whatever accommodation North is offering.”
I hold his gaze, daring him to challenge me as I continue.
“North is going to use my van to live in while he builds himself a home, because your son is a fucking awesome man, and the rules for your whores suck donkey balls. And if Jen doesn’t want to work for you or take this offer, then she’ll move into my van and will start work for us in November. ”
“Okay,” Garret grins at me. “You’re hot when you’re worked up.”
There’re groans of disgust from those surrounding us. Garret and I laugh. Walking towards him, I wrap my arms around his waist. “Thank you,” I murmur.
“Welcome baby,” he assures me, kissing my head and turning to Jen who’s still staring at us all with wide eyes.
“Jen, I need help at the garage. It comes with accommodation, not great accommodation but it’s a roof over your head until you find something else. Would you like the job?”
“Seriously,” she whispers with a stunned look.
“Take it Jen,” Roman advises. “You’ll do amazing sweetheart, and I won’t worry about you if you’re there.”
“You think I can do it?” Jen asks Roman.
“Damn right you can. You can do anything you set your mind to.”
“Then thank you, Axle, I’d love to work at the garage. You’ll have to train me, but I promise that I’ll work hard. You won’t be disappointed.”
“Go pack, Jen. Then we’ll find Maverick and let him know. You’ll have to be off the property by tonight.”
“I know,” she nods, looking sad, then she squares her shoulders. “But at least I’ll have a job.”
“And you’re not alone,” Tru says suddenly with a mischievous grin, “Janis and I are new in town, so we’ll be coming over for girl’s nights, especially as you’ll have your own place.”
“Really?” Jen asks, surprised. “Even though you know what I’ve been for the last few years?”
Janis scowls at her. “What’s that got to do with anything? You seem like a nice person, that's all we care about. Now, you turn into a raving bitch then we may have a different conversation.”
“I’m not,” Jen smiles, “a raving bitch that is. Well maybe once a month, but that can’t be helped … actually chocolate helps.”
Siera, Tru, Janis, and I laugh as the men groan.
“Fuck’s sake, Jen,” Roman groans, pushing her shoulder, “None of us need to know what you’re like on your period. Least of all me, now go pack.”
“Okay,” she slams into him for a quick hug. “Thank you, Roman.”
Releasing him, she turns back to us and waves. “Nice meeting you all. I look forward to girls’ night with you two. Axle, thank you,” her eyes flit to North, and colour floods her cheeks, “and North, thank you.”
North doesn’t say a word, just nods, but I notice his eyes don’t leave her retreating back until she disappears from sight. He takes his keys from his pocket.
“I’ll go clear out my place and tidy it up for her.”
Janis chugs her drink, “We’ll come with and give you a hand packing up. Tru can drive Aunt Angel's van, and we’ll help you set it up.”
“You don’t have to,” North says, looking surprised.
Tru waves her hand. “Told you, North. Family. This is what family does.”
“Keys are on the hook just inside the front door of Axle’s house, Tru,” I tell her. “Doors unlocked.”
“Gotcha. We’ll be back later.”
“No worries, proud of you girls,” I tell them.
“Ditto from me,” Siera says.
They roll their eyes. Grabbing North’s arms, they pull him away from us. “Come on, they’re getting teary,” Janis warns with a wink at us. “Hurry before we’re smothered in hugs.”
North laughs and shakes his head at them but allows himself to be led away.
“You have some pretty amazing daughters, Siera,” Roman tells her as we watch them disappear around the corner of the clubhouse.
“I do, don’t I,” she grins up at him, swiping at a piece of hair that gets stuck in the corner of her mouth, “but then so do you.”
“I don’t have a daughter,” Roman splutters.
She belly-laughs when she gets a good look at the shock on his face. “You two are the densest men I’ve ever come across,” Siera giggles. “Axle has a son and you have a daughter, but neither of you realised it. Blood doesn’t make family,” she says, her eyes on mine. “Actions do.”
“Damn straight,” I agree. “Now I need a drink after all that, preferably something that’s going to give me a pleasant buzz.”
“Same, sister,” Siera agrees, threading her arm through mine and tugging me towards the coolers. “I think I saw frozen margaritas. They’re in tins, but it’s better than nothing. I’m sure there’s tequila we can top them up with. Give them a bit more of a kick.”
“Sounds like a great plan to me,” I tell her with a smile. “You’re the best sister in the world, Siera. Love you.”
“Love you too. Now let’s get drunk.”