Page 49 of Prospect Year

Just as the sketch hanging on the wall that he had discovered Cowboy to have made and given the club in their early days said, true brothers stick. They stick together against the world. They stick up for each other no matter what. They stick it to their enemies.

Lola’s heart seemed to skip a beat. He dropped onto the arm of the couch. His body fell lax and he stared at the sign. It all makes sense now. Everything he had been running himself ragged doing during the past year was all lessons. He was not only being trained to put the club first, but he was being molded into the family. He had been building a bond with each individual family by gaining the trust of the old ladies and children who would rely on him to be that extra protection and role model they knew he would be.

He had learned and witnessed many things since coming to the Voodoo Troops, things he never thought possible. Since putting on his prospect cut, those lessons had multiplied. At times, he wondered if the hectic demands would ever slow. Truth be told, those demands were responsible for the time flying by in a blur.

One last scan of the room where he began this journey and he pushed to his feet, grinning. The duration of prospecting was uncertain, but now, the demands instantly lost their irritation. He hadn’t lost his freedom. He had obtained a new freedom. This was more than a motorcycle club. It’s a way of life. A family. A home.

The door in hand, he glanced once more toward the sketch on the wall. Reverently touching the artwork, he felt the world come together. Yeah, his world was right. Pulling the door closed, he jogged down the steps to his bike.

***

Lola stood in the commons of the clubhouse near the bar, beer bottle in hand as he took in the men around him. His club. His brothers. His family. Just a short few years ago, he had been living day-to-day, aimless after being betrayed by his woman, fired by his employer, and left alone to the heartaches of this world by the only family he had ever known, his mother.

Now, today, he had become a full patched member. As they waited for Cowboy to add the patch and new rockers to his cut, the club gathered near the bar.

“Brother, I can let you in on a little secret now.” Nova, the club’s vice president, stepped next to Lola and draped his arm loosely around his shoulder. He glanced to their President, and with a nod from King, he grinned. “You were a shoo-in from the moment you returned and walked through those doors.”

“Because I’m Mac’s son?”

“I had nothing to do with it,” Mac confessed. “I kept that fact hidden until you confronted me outside. I wanted you to do this on your own.”

“Then it must have been my death wish to step foot back on club grounds.”

That brought a few chuckles from the men. “Your survival of our first encounter gave you the right,” King explained. “You coming back here and seeking closure had sealed it. By club law, you could have walked in and demanded your place that day. Mac knew you weren’t ready. I knew you weren’t ready.”

“That’s messed up.” Lola chuckled. “You guys are more fucked up than I imagined.”

Amidst laughter and joking, Cowboy appeared. “Welcome to the club, brother,” he said as he presented the newly patched leather vest to Lola. “Now, get your own woman and stop looking at mine.” He teased.

“Aww. But admiring yours brings out the best in you,” Lola joked in return. “And I’ll have you know, I do have a woman. Just as soon as I tell her.”

“I need to see this unlucky lady,” Cowboy said.

“We’ll meet her when we return,” King announced. “Lock up. Mount up. We’ll stop to get Lo’s bag and head out.”

***

Twenty minutes later, a line of motorcycles turned into the long drive leading to Angel Haven. The roar faded as, bike by bike, the engines quieted. Most of the club dismounted and remained near the bikes while Rash and Nova followed Lola inside.

Immediately inside, Rash rounded Lola, making straight for London, who stood across the room deep in conversation with Amber. Nova hesitated only a moment as London pointed to the office before he disappeared there. Lola glanced toward the staircase. Mia stood about halfway with a laundry basket on her hip. He flashed her a wink and kept walking toward Amber.

Lola threw his arms to the side and spun, leaving his back facing Amber until she squealed with delight. “You did it.” She launched herself into his chest, throwing her arms around his neck. He easily caught her, returning her hug. He dropped her feet to the floor and stepped back still grinning.

“I’m really happy for you,” Amber told him. “And you were right. You didn’t need any advice from me.”

“Oh, yes, I did. I have no idea about kids. You helped with every one of those purchases and decisions and babysitting.”

She laughed. “True.”

“So, I’m patched. You have your degree. We hit our goals. What’s next for you?” Lola asked, hooking his thumbs in his front jean pockets.

“That’s what London and I were discussing. I’m not sure yet. Thinking about finding a place and staying here in town. You?”

“We’re heading out for a few days. When I get back, I’ll be settling down. I have no doubts what I want from life now. And I’m going after it.”

“That’s great. I wish you all the best, but don’t forget me when you get yourself an old lady.”

“Not a chance.” He leaned in, leaving a quick kiss on her cheek, then turned and headed for the stairs. He wasn’t sure how much time he had to be back on his bike, but as long as Rash and Nova were occupied, he knew he was alright.

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