Chapter 5
I didn’t know how Jelai would respond to me, but things went better than I thought they would yesterday.
Even if she wanted to act like she didn’t want me, her body, her breathing, told me she wanted me just as much as I wanted her.
I couldn’t get over how beautiful she was .
. . how good she felt in my arms . . . how at peace my heart felt in her presence.
It was crazy how one part of my brain was thinking of ways to plan for our future, and the other was preparing for her to not want anything to do with me.
Until she told me straight up that she wanted nothing to do with me, I was going to pursue her.
Logically, I knew our past wasn’t deep enough for me to feel the way I felt, but the heart wanted what the heart wanted, and I couldn’t deny my heart had always wanted her.
If I got her and things didn’t work out, I’d accept that, but I had to at least try.
Satisfied with my decision to ride the Yamaha, I hopped on and headed to church, which was what we called MC meetings.
I wasn’t an official member because when I was old enough to join, I was locked down.
I was pretty sure Pops wanted me to attend church tonight to announce that I’d be the newest prospect, and I was cool with that.
Even with him being the president, I wasn’t expecting any special treatment.
Just as long as nobody got too out of line and disrespected me, I’d do my time and earn my place just like everyone else.
After we left the bike shop last night, we rode out with some of the crew for the first time since my release.
It was a bittersweet moment. I was happy to finally be able to experience it after ten years, but temporarily, I thought about all the shit I’d missed while I was gone.
A decade was a long time to be away from your people, but thankfully, my people never forgot about me.
Even with me being sat down, they kept me updated and included on what was going on.
We ended up parking in one of the member’s neighborhoods and having a lil block party, which was to be expected.
Very rarely could TWR get together and it not end with us turning up.
I took the scenic route to the clubhouse, enjoying the view of the beach and the city I didn’t appreciate in my youth.
My mood alternated between wanting to stay in my room and wanting to be out in the city.
I didn’t know how long it would take me to adjust and feel normal, but I was just grateful I was free to have that kind of problem.
It felt like second nature to continue to live the way I was used to living behind those bars—early wake up, deep cleaning, quick calls and even quicker meals, isolation, working out all fucking night—but I had to keep reminding myself that wasn’t my life anymore.
By the time I pulled up, the clubhouse parking lot was packed.
All eyes were on me as I took my helmet off, which was no surprise.
To them, a stranger was pulling up. When a few of the OGs noticed it was me, they immediately went up in excitement and showed me love.
I shook a few hands, gave a few hugs, made some small talk, then made my way inside the clubhouse.
Admittedly, talking to so many people was draining.
I appreciated the love, but I’d gotten used to my solitude.
Even when I would have time in the yard, I’d deal with a select few.
Being around so many people, with so much excitement and energy, was more draining than I thought it would be.
At this point, I craved seclusion. The only person I wanted around was Jelai.
I wanted to use her stomach or ass as a pillow while I read or watched TV.
Who knew how long it would take before we could be on that type of time.
I grabbed a shot of whiskey from the bar, then texted Sonny and Cole to let them know I was here.
Not long after, Sonny made his way out. We dapped up, then he gave me a quick tour of the clubhouse.
It was crazy how they’d expanded under Pops’ leadership while I was gone.
When I was sat down, the clubhouse was just a restaurant one of the members owned.
They had church every weekend before he opened for the dinner shift.
Now, TWR had its very own headquarters, and I loved that shit.
As we made our way into the sanctuary, all eyes were on me. I nodded out of respect to everyone that was seated as I made my way toward Pops. I didn’t recognize the woman that was talking, but based on what she was saying, it sounded like she was the secretary.
“You good, Son?” Pops checked, using my hand to pull me in for a hug.
“More than good. You good?”
He chuckled and eyed me mischievously. “My baby boy is home. What could be better than this for me?”
A humble pride filled me as I took the empty seat next to him.
I sat and listened to the middle-aged woman run down a few announcements, including their upcoming events.
Since it was early April, they were going to start planning for their annual summer trip for kids and the back to school basket fundraiser.
She talked a little while longer before Pops stood and made his way to the front of the room.
“Service won’t be long,” he started. “I wanted to make y’all aware of our newest prospect. Technically we’re closed for new members, but this one requires an adjustment to the schedule.” His head bobbed in my direction as he said, “Come up here, Son.”
A few people muttered, “Son?” while others looked back in my direction. Ignoring the smiles, looks of confusion, and whispered conversation, I made my way next to him.
“As y’all can see, Yates Motherfucking Harris is back!”
He paused while almost everyone in the room cheered and clapped.
I couldn’t help but notice one hating ass nigga frowning with his arms crossed over his chest—Rian.
That came as no surprise to me. I’d beat his ass damn near beyond recognition back in the day.
His daddy was so mad about it he approached mine, just for Pops to beat his ass too.
After that, his pops made sure Rian never even looked in my direction, but he was for sure looking now.
I wasn’t sure what had his nuts feeling like they were big and long enough to drag against the floor, but I’d show him he still wasn’t shit for me to handle if it came to that.
“Wicked, my heart, my pride and joy, will be a prospect just like anybody else,” Pops continued.
“This is just a formality for the members that joined us while he was sat down over the past decade. Y’all will see his reliability, his priority, and most importantly, his loyalty.
Unlike the usual six months to a year, my boy will get his patch in three months.
He already knows the lifestyle, the culture, and he proved himself when he was a teenager.
But I’ll give y’all three months of him being a prospect before he becomes an official member. ”
He patted my back like he always did, then I returned to my seat.
He made a few more announcements of his own before service was over.
After that, we went out where the rest of the members and hangarounds were.
Drinks were poured, blunts were lit, and it turned into a little kickback.
As much as I was enjoying myself, I wanted to be with my gal.
All I could do was hope it didn’t take her long to let me in.
Ten years had passed, and I was ready for her—now.