Page 22 of The Biker Needs A Nanny

When I walk up, they turn.

“You’re late,” Coop says.

“Bullshit,” I reply, glancing at my watch. “I’m right on time.”

“We were gonna have a drink before Church. Now there isn’t time.”

“Boohoo,” I say, knowing they wouldn’t wait for me if they really wanted a damn drink. I light a smoke and take a deep drag. “So, what’s this meeting about?”

Coop shrugs. “Probably the toy run. Case told me the Birmingham boys were joining us this year.”

“Really?” I blow smoke toward the sky.

“Well, we came up for their run last year. Just payin’ back the favor.”

“Right.” I look over at Deez. “What’s the plan for the Christmas party?”

“It’s Saturday night after the toy run.”

“Can I get out of it?” I ask.

“Nope. It’s mandatory. Why would you want to get out of it?”

“Just not in the Christmas spirit.” I look into the distance.

“How’s your new nanny workin’ out?” Brick asks. “You run her off yet?”

“Yeah, we all took bets on how long she’d last. I’ve got tomorrow,” Pipe adds.

“Dickhead. She’s still there, so you lose.”

“Fuck. I put fifty bucks on it.”

“She’s gettin’ on my last nerve, though, so there’s still hope for one of you.”

“Why’s she gettin’ on your nerves?” Brick asks.

“She decorated the damn house.”

“And that’s a problem?” He lifts a brow.

“Christmas is when Melanie died.”

Brick shifts on his feet. “Oh, right. Sorry, brother, I forgot.”

“The last few years, I’ve let my parents handle Christmas at their house. I mean, I put up the tree for Santa, but I never go all out.”

“I get that,” Brick says.

“I had to go up in the attic to get the tree. I forgot that was where I put all Melanie’s stuff.”

“Sorry, brother.” Pipe pats my shoulder. “Maybe you should take it to Good Will.”

I suck in another stream of nicotine. “I’m not ready for that.”

Pipe cocks his head. “Did you tell her about Melanie?”

“Not really. But she’s seen her picture around.”

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