Page 99 of Memphis

“Me too!” I caught a glimpse of the steam rolling out of the bathroom and was reminded that I needed to get moving. “I’m really sorry to have to cut this short, but I’ve got to get ready for this party thing we’re going to. I’ll give you a call tomorrow, and you can tell me all about court and how the celebration went.”

“Sounds good. I’ll talk to you then.”

I hung up and darted into the bathroom. Forty-five minutes later, I was standing in front of my mirror in my cutoffs and boots, and I was second-guessing all of my life choices. I’d worn the outfit before, but tonight, the shorts seemed a little shorter, and the tank top seemed a bit tighter, making me feel more exposed.

I was considering changing when Wes called out, “Hey, Toni! You ready?”

"Yeah," I called back, my voice sounding steadier than I actually felt. "Just give me a second."

After one last glance, I grabbed my purse and rushed out the door. When I walked into the living room, Wes’s mouth dropped. “Holy hell, woman. You look incredible.”

“Are you sure?” I tugged at the edge of my shorts leg. “I could put on some jeans or maybe that sundress...”

“Not a chance,” Wes interrupted. “You look hotter than the Fourth of July, and I can’t wait to show you off to the guys. Now,enough frettin’. Get your ass in the truck and let’s go have a good time.”

“Since you put it like that...” I gave him a big smile and followed him outside. “Why aren’t we taking your bike?”

“A couple drinks and your grip isn’t what it usually is.”

“Got it.” Once we were both in the truck, I turned to him and asked, “What about Jess? Did you talk to her?”

“Yeah, she said she might stop by, but she acted kind of weird about it.”

“How so?”

“I don’t know. Just weird.”

I didn’t press. Either she would show, or she wouldn’t. I’d find out when we got there. I was feeling a little anxious. I’d met most of the guys, and they were all wonderful. I liked each of them, but I’d never actually been to the clubhouse. With everything that had been going on, we just hadn’t had a chance to stop by.

I figured it would be big. It would have to be to hold all those big, burly bikers, but when we pulled through the gates, I was blown away. The clubhouse was a sight to behold. It was massive, with beautiful, weathered brick and rustic lanterns at every entrance, and a tall metal fence surrounded the property.

I was still taking it all in when I whispered, “Holy mackerel. This place is unbelievable.”

“I wish I could’ve brought you sooner so you could really check out the place. But I’ll give you a tour later tonight.”

The guys had set up everything in the back. They’d set up long tables and spread out various chips, dips, baked beans, and everything in between. There was enough food for an army, and the coolers were brimming with beers and wine coolers. They had everything you could imagine and more.

Seven and a couple of the guys were playing a game of horseshoes with some girls I’d never met, while Creed and Rustywere playing a round of corn hole with Shep and Gash. As far as I could tell, it seemed like your typical Southern barbeque, and I couldn’t wait to join in on the fun.

Wes grabbed us a couple of drinks from the cooler before leading me over to the picnic tables where Goose and Ghost were sitting. As soon as we walked up, Ghost gave me one of his smirks and said, “Hey there, ‘lil sis’. How’s it going?”

“Don’t start with that shit,” Wes warned.

“Oh, come on. I was just fucking around.” Ghost leaned over to me as he whispered, “Do I really gotta stop?”

“Yeah,” I nodded. “You really gotta stop.”

“Damn. Okay. I guess I’ll have to come up with another nickname.” He let out a pouting sigh. “How about Lil Sue? You know, because you’re a lawyer and shit and can sue the shit out of folks.”

“Hmmm, I don’t think so.”

“Shark tail?”

“Not crazy about that one either.”

Ghost was starting to get carried away when he suddenly stopped and nudged Goose with his elbow. “Hey, check it out.”

“What?” Goose took a quick glance around, and when he spotted Jess walking up with some guy, he groaned, “Ah, man. What the fuck?”

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