Page 53 of Macon

Izzy steps in, saying, “I wish we knew about you. I don’t think anyone knows about you, not even Lee.”

They all look sad, so I try to make them feel better. “That is a good thing. Ray and I weren’t even supposed to talk when I went into protective custody. We went for a few years but couldn’t do it. I needed my sister, so we devised a way to talk to each other.”

Snow yells, “Can you get a hold of her now?”

I shake my head. “No, that’s why I went looking for her in Chicago. The last thing she told me was Dexter was into something bad, and she was worried about me. Told me to come find Macon Harding at the Wolfeman MC for help.”

The girls looked around at each other. I can see they want to ask me something but don’t.

Instead, Alexandria starts talking. “I can’t believe Dexter doesn’t DJ. That is mind-boggling. I think back to when we all DJ together, and I guess you’re right. I’ve never really seen him interchange or use the soundboard.”

I take a sip of water and reply, “Yeah, he used to try to and people thought it was funny. They were a good couple at one time, but she said the lifestyle got to him. He loved the partying and fame more than her. Plus, he started getting addicted to the drugs, and that’s when things went downhill fast.”

Everyone looks shocked.

Jesus, my sister must have fooled them all.

Alexandria speaks up first. “Well, if my sister’s life was on the line, I’d fake it better than anyone. We could all see they were having problems, especially since he was never around lately.”

Ruby pushes her food around on the plate. “We’re worried about Ray. I didn’t want to say anything, and Quick’s pissed at me that I didn’t say anything, but when Ray didn’t show up in Detroit for her set, Luc got the call since he got her a spot at the festival. We’ve tried to get ahold of her several times, but no answer. Ray canceled the hotel room we had for her and Dexter. So, we thought maybe she was second-guessing coming to the Spin It Inc. label.”

“Well, I can tell you I know for a fact she was happy DJing with you all. I felt like she was finally going to break free from Dexter.”

Izzy grabs my hand. “We will find her. Luc and the Wolfeman found me. They’ll find Raydene even if she does or doesn’t want to be found.”

The door opens and a sleepy Shy walks out shirtless.

“Fuck,” I say under my breath.

The girls laugh, but it’s Maze who speaks up. “Wait till you see them dance. Talk about wetting yourself.”

Snow smacks her as she gets up to greet her man. “Want some coffee?”

Shy rubs his eyes. “What the fuck time is it, Angel?” He kisses her, and when she moves away, he smacks her ass with a smile, saying, “Christ, are we having a party up here or what?”

We all laugh when Quick emerges from around the corner with a beautiful little girl in his arms.

The little girl squirms in his arms. “Mama.”

Ruby gets up and kisses Quick before taking the little girl.

The room erupts in noise as I sit there and watch everyone move around the room. Men start to join us, and I am introduced to them as they appear.

I love all the nicknames. Izzy’s is Legs, and Gus’s is Redman. I love Gus’s Irish accent. Tiny, who is not so tiny, introduced himself before squeezing on Maze. Ruby introduced me to her baby girl, Bella, who was eating on Izzy’s lap.

Watching all these people has my heart aching. I’ve missed out on so much. It makes me miss Phoenix. I really do need to let her know where I am.

TVs are turned on, and the men move to watch sports while eating. When Mac’s door opens, my heart jumps, and I start to panic.

What do I do? Will he come to kiss me? Was Raydene up here with him before? Did he show her affection? What will everyone think?

I sit there frozen when he sets his eyes on me. Moving toward me, my heart starts to race.

Then I hear Bella scream, “Big Mac!”

Jumping off Izzy’s lap, she runs for Mac and jumps into his arms. He gives her a tickle, greeting her, and then his eyes return to me as he walks toward me.

When he reaches me, he tells Bella, “I need to set you down so I can eat.”

---