Page 12 of Wizard's Spitfire

“I’ve been taking care of myself for some years now. I’m going to see if Ma or Pops need anything. Excuse me.”

As soon as she walks away, I slug Demon in the arm.

“Asshole.”

“What? I just came to talk to the hot girl. Why didn’t you tell us Charlie is a girl? Not to mention she’s hot as fuck.”

“And she’s off limits.”

“Who says?”

“I do, fucker. She’s not the one-night stand type. Plus, she has three daughters to think about.”

I hurry after her, finding her at a table with her mother, grandfather and Hollywood. The latter just set a cold mug of beer and plate of ribs in front of Charlie’s grandfather. I sit across from Charlie by her mom.

“Can I get you anything, Mrs. Perillo?” I ask Regina.

Charlie shoots me a look when I use her mom’s last name. I give her a wink and a smile before she can say anything. Regina speaks up.

“Why don’t you escort me and Charlie through the line, young man?”

“I’d be honored.”

I stand and offer Mrs. Perillo my arm. She takes it. I do the same for Charlie, who surprises me by taking it.

“We’ll be right back, Hollywood,” I say.

“Take your time. Pops and I are having a great talk.”

I nod to him and escort the ladies to the food tables. We have several laden down with a variety of prepared food. Stormy has it all in covered dishes. Some heated. Others on ice to keep it chilled. Thanks to her, we also have a professional-grade kitchen.

“This all looks and smells delicious. Did you cater it?” Regina asks.

“Ma, Wizard told me the club made all the food. Mostly the ladies. Smoke made the chili.”

“I’ll have some of that,” Regina says with a smile.

I grab a tray, and an empty bowl filling it with rich smelling chili. Smoke’s chili is the best. Man could win awards.

“What do you like in your chili, Mrs. Perillo?”

“Call me Gina or Ma. No more of that Mrs. Perillo stuff. I like onions, cheddar cheese, sour cream and corn chips or crackers on the side.”

I give her a mock bow. “Your wish is my command, Gina.”

I grab a second tray for Charlie. I carry the trays down the line as the women grab a variety of things to eat. Gina tries a variety of foods while Charlie sticks to veggies and some roasted chicken.

“Nothing fried or fatty?” I ask her quietly.

She smiles at me. “Ma loves to cook. We have a big Italian meal most nights. I save most of my calories and carb intake for dinner. It’s that or do two extra hours of cardio and I don’t have time for that.”

Charlie’s girls surprise me by showing up in the food line before we can talk more.

“We’re starved,” Teagan says as she joins us in line.

Chapter 6

Charlie

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