Chapter Eleven #2
Cedric walks out the door right before us and I allow it since Omen is waiting on the porch for us.
If he were already on his bike, Cedric wouldn’t be in front of us.
He’d be right between the two of us where I can protect him better.
Omen keeps a close eye on our son as he moves a few feet in front.
His eyes are already on the bikes sitting in front of the house and I can’t help but smile because if there’s one thing my boy likes, it’s motorcycles.
He’s spent hours with me in the garage and outside as I work on my bike and loves hearing all of them pull up to the clubhouse.
Especially when there’s more than one at a time.
Even though he covers his ears, Cedric doesn’t ever take his eyes from the machines we love to ride.
I take my girls to the truck and get them inside before walking around to make sure Cedric’s got his seatbelt on right.
Once I’m behind the wheel, I start the engine and we all pull out.
Brick is in front of everyone with Omen and Tease in front of me.
Knuckles and Grudge are directly behind us with the Prospects followin’ them.
Our group makes our way through town and don’t stop until we pull into the parking lot of the local diner.
I don’t move to get out until everyone is surrounding my truck in a protective manner.
When I finally get out, the guys move to remain as close as possible to us until we’re inside.
Once seated at our table, Kimber shines by leading our conversation.
“I’m glad you decided to come out with us tonight, Peyton. It’s been far too long since we spent time away from the compound,” Kimber says, reaching out from across the table to hold Peyton’s hand gently in hers.
“I didn’t really get a choice in the matter,” she responds, laughter filling her voice.
Kimber has a way about her that brings a lightness to those around her no matter what they’re going through.
This is why I wanted Peyton to come out tonight because she needs a change of pace and Kimber is the person to help her the most. She’ll make sure Peyton forgets to be afraid for a short while.
“Can I take your order?” a waitress asks, walking up to our table.
Everyone here knows not to flirt with us for any reason.
There are a few who have been known to attempt to try to get with us while here to enjoy a meal.
Those women are fired quickly and don’t ever get the chance to work for one of our companies again.
Especially if they do it in front of our women.
We don’t stand for that shit and no one will ever make our women feel uncomfortable or as if they have to fight to remain at our side.
After we all order our meals, the four of us settle into conversation, avoiding the one topic we all know about.
The kids talk and play together, the boys watching over Caydence as she sits in her high chair at the end of the table next to them.
That’s the only reason we’ve allowed the boys to sit on the outside of the booth.
Omen and Knuckles are at the table right behind them so no one will get close to our kids.
The waitress is the only one allowed near our table.
“Peyton, how do you like workin’ from home?” Brick asks her during a lull in our conversation.
“I love it. Not only do I get to spend time with my kids and don’t have to worry about them, but I don’t have the added stress of the office to deal with.
The girls in my office are bitches and I was getting tired of dealing with their shit,” she answers honestly because it’s a conversation the two of us have had since she started working in the home office.
“Not to mention I essentially get to make my own hours. I still have to do things during the day like I normally would, but I can work on the computer stuff later in the day if I want to and don’t have to get it all done by a certain time.
As long as it’s all turned in on time, my boss is happy. ”
“Good. And you get to spend time with your dad almost every day. That has to add to the good part of workin’ from home,” Brick comments before taking a sip of the water in front of him.
We spend the rest of our meal laughing and enjoying our conversation.
Peyton laughs and is freer than I’ve seen her lately.
It’s a refreshing change and one I’m glad I get to witness.
For the hour we spend out, she doesn’t allow herself to think of the bullshit waiting for us when we get back home.
Her stalker doesn’t get even a second of her precious time.
It takes a weight from my shoulders and I’m glad we’re all able to let loose and have a good time out without incident.
The other great part is that our kids are getting along better than we thought they would.
Brock is a few years older than Cedric and watches over him.
I can see them becoming the best of friends just like Brick and me.
Kassidee and Caydence are closer in age and we watch on as they exchange their food back and forth while talking baby talk together.
Like their older brothers, I see these two becoming the best of friends.
They’ll be friends with the other kids in the club, but I foresee our children growing closer than siblings.
This is what I want for our future and I can’t be happier with how life is turning out.