CHAPTER 3 #2
When Graycie and Snake get married, I hope I get an invitation. Though, I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m not allowed on club property. My father is who my father is.
I’m not sure I’d let me past the gates either.
“Most of the local businesses donated things for the auction,” Josiah keeps plugging away. He glances at Bolt and it feels like something is left unsaid.
Even the businesses owned by the club donated to the kids. They’re the ones who have to go in and talk to people about what they’re fundraising for and how it all works. I’m not the one making it happen for them.
Helping my kids have a successful fundraising event isn’t the only good thing the SOMC does for the town. Dad has never allowed himself to see that.
I barely hold back a sigh. He’s insufferable. And, he has a badge.
“One item might interest you ladies, especially,” he’s laying it on thick now. I can’t say I’m not amused. “Someone donated a weekend in Chattanooga for two. It includes staying at a nice hotel, time at a spa, one activity to choose from a list of options depending on when you go, and dinner.”
Graycie looks like she’s considering bidding already. “That’s a really nice donation for the auction,” she exclaims.
“I know, right?” I shoot her a bewildered look because I have no idea who donated it. I wish I knew because I would love to thank them.
It should get a pretty good price at the silent auction. Knowing someone is supporting YIG and the kids so much really warms my heart.
“Who donated it?” Opal asks again, something like suspicion in her eyes.
If she thinks I’m the one who donated it, then she needs to look again at the average teacher salary in our county. It’s not enough to go on a fancy weekend vacation myself, let alone be in a position to give one away.
“I have no idea,” I tell her. “It was left for me anonymously. I wish I knew because I would love to thank them. It’s a really nice item and I’m sure there will be plenty of interest.”
“I’m going to have to bid on it,” Opal tells Josiah. “Might as well. I could use a weekend away.”
Graycie looks at Opal with concern in her eyes, but then she blinks and it’s gone. She loops her arm through Opal’s and gives a squeeze.
“I wouldn’t mind a weekend away either,” Graycie agrees.
Opal snorts, “Like my brother would be able to stand you being that far away from him.” There’s no malice in her voice, only amusement. Something mischievous crosses Opal’s face and she grins at me. “At the very least, we need another girl’s night in.”
“Definitely,” I breathe out.
The last time we hung out, with Jessi and Lara there as well, it was a lot of fun. It’s been a while since we were able to get together. Now that the school year is over, I have more time and don’t feel like I’m about to collapse at any moment.
The beginning and the end of the year are always hectic. It’s why I’m trying to get things done now.
“I need to finish up and get everything home to Mom,” Josiah excuses himself. But not without throwing over his shoulder, “Don’t forget to stop by the YIG tent at the fair.”
I share a look with the women before we all giggle softly. Bolt rolls his eyes but doesn’t comment. Probably for the best.
Adam might have been my student, but I won’t let Bolt be an asshole to one of my kids. I wouldn’t let anyone get away with it, whether they’re wearing a leather cut or not.
With a glance at my phone, I cringe slightly and then give quick hug to Opal. “I’m sorry, but I need to get going, I have a whole list of things to get done before the fair to make sure everything goes smoothly,” I tell them.
“If you need any help, just let us know,” Opal offers when I pull back from her. I give her a nod and smile while knowing I’m not going to ask for help.
I’m sure she’d be a huge help, but we’re so close to the end and I’ve come this far. The kids are really doing most of the heavy lifting when it comes to the fundraiser. Still, I want it to be successful for them.
When I hug Graycie, I whisper, “I really am so happy for you. You’re glowing from the inside out.”
She gives me an extra squeeze, like she knows I need it. And I do. But I don’t get to linger with the feeling for too long.
“Thank you,” she whispers back. When we hold each other at arm’s length, she winks at me before stepping back. “I’ll see you at the fair. I wasn’t here for it last year, so it’ll be a first for me. I’m looking forward to it.”
“It’s not the state fair,” I tell her, wanting to temper her expectations a little. When her eyebrows pull together slightly, it’s clear she doesn’t understand what I’m saying. With a wave of my hand, the gesture dismissive, I tell her, “Don’t worry about it. The fair is fun.”
I don’t mention how some of the carnies are a little creepy. Or how I wouldn’t trust them to put a ride together, let alone repair one and run it single-handedly. Honestly, I try not to think about it.
It’s not like anything tragic has happened.
Yet.
With a quick wave, and a grunt from Bolt, I’m headed down the aisle to finish up my grocery shopping. A few minutes later, I hear Opal and Graycie laughing. It makes me smile while my chest constricts a little bit.
For a long time, it was hard to have genuine friends because of who my dad is. But my circle is getting a little larger. And that’s enough for me.
Now to get through the fair and make sure the kids raise enough money for everyone to go to Nashville to take over the capital. Then I’ll worry about what comes next.
Like maybe a date.
Nope, I don’t see it happening any time soon. I’d rather get lost in my books than waste my time.
I have more than enough on my plate right now.