Page 98 of Manny

“Really? I thought it was your magic hands!” Luna calls out, clapping her hands together.

“This wasn’t in the group chat, you guys!” Indi agrees. “Seems like the ol’ ladies are slipping with the pillow talk.” Harlem whispers something in her ear and she laughs shyly, her cheeks blushing.

“Nope, we thought we’d give you a reprieve,” Ryder laughs. “Wouldn’t wanna ruin that pretty face, or that ridiculous haircut.”

“Ridiculous?” Manny puts a hand on his heart as he reaches Cash. I can tell he’s struggling for words, trying to make jokes, but his voice is hoarse, his eyes watery, and it hits me on a wholeother level. “You’re just saying that because you’ve got a receding hairline.”

Everyone laughs, except Ryder, who starts feeling around his forehead. Crystal reassures him that Manny is kidding, and then Manny gets an elbow in the ribs, which he cleverly deflects.

He rips off his apron and Cash tells him to turn around. He wipes his eyes, not able to hold it anymore and I rock Caprice. Eli jumps up and down in his seat, excitedly.

“This is so cool!” He grins.

“Isn’t it, bud? Manny deserves it. He never gave up when people gave up on him. He’s worked really hard, and he’s always feeding us.”

“I really like his food, Dad.”

“Me too.”I like a lot of things about him.“He’s a good person.”

Manny shrugs the cut on and it fits perfectly. His whole face lights up and as he turns, Cash pulls him into a big hug, squeezing the life out of him. Manny’s face is red as he tries to hold back his emotions, but when Ryder pulls him in for a hug, then Harlem, Tag and the rest of the club, he can’t fight it for much longer.

I hand Caprice back to her mom, and when it’s my turn, I pound hug him and whisper in his ear, “You deserve this. This is your family.”

He nods. “Thanks, Bandit, appreciate it.”

He pulls Eli off his feet and spins him around, then does the same to Crystal and Ryder’s little boy, Ade. He squeals and laughs until Manny puts him down. Lace kisses him on the cheek and they hug, too. She lingers a little longer and I don’t hear what she whispers in his ear, but he grins at her and nods.

I want to say so much more. I want to tell him how fucking good he looks wearing it, but there are others in line tocongratulate him. Then Cash is calling order so Manny can give a speech. For once, he’s lost for words.

Lace stands close by me, our fingers touching but not entwining. Pride written all over not just Manny’s, but everyone’s faces.

“I really don’t know what to say,” he begins. “But this is one of the best days of my life. If it weren’t for meeting Stella…” He flips a hand her way, and when I glance over at her, she has tears streaming down her face too, all the girls do, which just goes to show you how much everyone loves this man and what an integral part of the club he is. “And then Daddy Harlem…” Everyone laughs. “I wouldn’t be here.”

“Stop with that,” Harlem shouts. “You were always gonna do good things, boy, proud of you.”

Manny nods, a tear or two slipping. “Appreciate it, more than you’ll ever know. I never had a family growing up, well, one that I’d want to write home about, but then I joined the Rebels. You’ve always accepted me for who I am?—”

“And your weird outfits!” Nevada calls as we all chuckle.

“You’re just jealous because he has amazing hair,” Star snaps back. Nevada pulls her into his side, kissing her on the side of the face.

“I do have amazing hair,” Manny agrees. “And my heart is so much bigger now that I know you don’t only just like me for my food, but for me.” Those words hang and I clear my throat, unable to look at him anymore. I feel Lace’s hand in mine as she gives it a squeeze.

“He’s gonna be beside himself later,” she whispers.

“We may have to comfort him.”

“Don’t you have Eli?”

“I’m sure he won’t mind a sleepover at my sister’s.”

“Pretty soon they’re gonna realize something’s going on,” she says.

“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. I’ll say I have to work.” I know it’s lying, but tonight can’t go without some Manny attention. I won’t have it.

“Not gonna start a party without me, are you?” Shep calls and everyone turns around in shock as he walks in, followed by two of his Cowboy teammates Jos Sanchez, the Linebacker, and Sam Wildman; the Wide receiver.

“Holy shit!” Manny’s hands fly up to his face. “Who called the cavalry?”

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