Page 72 of Doc's Decision

After we finish eating, I clear the plates while Doc goes to take a shower.

He presses a kiss to my temple as he passes by, making me smile like a lovesick fool.

I wash up the dishes and tidy the kitchen, then head over to the clubhouse to find Zoe.

The main room is mostly empty this early, just a couple prospects milling around.

I spot Zoe perched on a barstool, sipping coffee and scrolling through her phone.

Her face lights up when she sees me.

"Hey girl!" She waves me over. "You're looking chipper this morning. Good night?" Her eyebrows waggle suggestively.

I roll my eyes but can't stop grinning as I hop up on the stool next to her. "Maaaybe. A lady doesn't kiss and tell."

Zoe snorts. "Since when are you a lady? Spill!"

"Fine, fine." I lean in conspiratorially. "So Doc called me his ol' lady..."

"What? Oh my god!" Zoe squeals, throwing her arms around me in a hug that nearly topples us both off our seats. "That happened fast! I'm so happy for you guys."

"Thanks, Z." I squeeze her back just as hard. "It feels really good, you know? Like this is exactly where I'm meant to be."

She pulls back, her expression softening. "I totally get that. Finding your person, your place in this crazy world... There's nothing else like it."

I nod, knowing she understands completely.

The life we've chosen, loving a biker, isn't easy.

It takes strength and loyalty and an iron spine.

But god, is it ever worth it.

Zoe clinks her mug against my shoulder. "Welcome to the ol' lady club, babe. You're gonna rock it."

I clear my throat, shifting gears. "So, I’m glad I ran into you. I actually wanted to talk to you about work stuff too."

Zoe arches a brow. "Oh yeah? What's up?"

"Well, it's been a hot minute since we shot any content together. I don't want us losing momentum, you know?" I trace the rim of my mug.

She nods thoughtfully. "You're right, we should get something on the books soon. What about tomorrow, if you're free?"

I wince. "Oof, tomorrow's no good for me. Kash has a checkup in the morning and then I promised Sakura I'd help her reorganize the med kit supplies."

"No worries, I get it. Hmm..." Zoe taps her chin. "To be honest, I just started my period last night, so I'll probably be out of commission for a couple days anyway."

"Ugh, that blows. You need anything? Chocolate? Advil?" I offer sympathetically.

"Nah, I'm all stocked up, but thanks babe." She smiles wryly. "How about we tentatively plan to shoot in like three days? I should be in the clear by then."

"Works for me. I'll text Spark later and make sure he's good to go too."

We clink mugs to seal the plan.

Then I tilt my head, studying Zoe.

She seems a little subdued compared to her usual firecracker energy.

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