I head into my office and grab some paperwork I need for the club. There’s a knock on the door and I see Bubbles standing there. She walks in shutting the door.
“Did Trip tattle on me?” I smile.
“No. Pop told me. He heard the whole fight even with the door closed. Trip’s a mess right now. They burned most of the tables which had the residue on it. She ordered new stuff. He sent her to her room to sober up. What are we going to do?”
“The anniversary is coming up. She gets like this, but I didn’t think she’d bring it to the clubhouse. We need to watch her closely. You and I will take over the prospects while Trip figures shit out.” My phone buzzes and I see Noah’s name come up with a text message. I blush and Bubbles notice.
“Is it the lawyer?” She teases. I nod. “So you spent the night with him, are you going to give me details?”
“I want to get to know him first before I say anything. I like this one. He makes me feel important. Noah says all the right words but I want to see the action to back it up.”
“Take the time to enjoy the fun, whether it leads to anything.” She hugs me. “I’m sticking around here today to keep an eye on Trip.”
“Thanks.” We hug again and I lock up my office. I’m walking out throwing on my cut with the Valkyries logo. Bubbles is heading to the kitchen when I grab her arm.
“Michelle got a house with some friends off campus. She wanted my furniture. TJ is going to be taking stuff to her this weekend. I might need some help loading up his truck or we might get a rental. Once she’s gone for good, I’m not giving her the codes. She’s on her own. I’m not adding any more money into the account for her. I will pay for her college like I did for TJ. It hurts, but I need to do it.”
“You’re listening to us?” I nod wiping the lone tear that rolls down my cheek. “I’m sorry.” She whispers. I nod and walk away before I cry even harder. I throw on some sweats I keep in my saddlebag so I can ride my bike into work. I check my phone to read the message from Noah.
NOAH: Can you send me the list of products you need for your hair and what body wash you use so I can get them for my apartment? Also, will you be coming over tonight after work?
ME: I’ll buy my own products. I don’t know yet. It depends on what time I get off work. I might just crash at the clubhouse.
NOAH: Okay. Let me know so I can wait up for you.
ME: Sounds good. Get to work and stop slacking off.
NOAH: Yes, boss
ME: Smart ass
I put my phone away and head to the club.
Chapter Sixteen
Noah
“Want to go for a beer since we’re done with work?” TJ slaps me on the shoulder as I finish writing up the receipt for the car I just completed. They are picking it up tomorrow morning. I want everything complete since I don’t come in at seven when the customer wants the car.
“Sure. Can it be at a place that serves food too? I’m starving.” I tell him. I hit the print button on the computer so I can see the receipt so TJ can take a glance at it. It was my first solo project from start to finish.
“Not bad. I looked over your work and it’s sound. We have the Valkyries MC coming in next week for a tune-up, but my sister takes care of the bill when the last one is done.”
“How do you feel about Ruby and your sister being in a club like that?” I cross my arms turning the stool to stare at him.
“They do a lot of good for the community. I worry about all of their safety not just the two of them. Sometimes it can filter back to me because they know I’m Medusa’s brother. I can protect myself and I know Amelia feels guilty when my business suffers. I tell her she can’t control the actions of others.” He shrugs, but I can see the worry in his eyes. “Can you handle Amelia’s life and her being a badass?” I laugh.
“I like her. There’s something about her. Do we need to talk about me seeing your sister?” TJ doesn’t answer me but just stares out the window. “I’m going to fuck up things as I’m not good with relationships but she makes me want to be my best.”
“Just don’t get too deep and realize you can’t handle that life. You saw last night; people are trying to kill her, and that will never stop. Be there when she needs you. It’s the only thing I ask.” TJ walks to the window and curses out loud. “Ready for some fun?” I nod, standing from my stool. I walk to be next to him and see a yellow corvette pulling in with two SUVs following close by. TJ walks outside and I stand beside him. We both cross our arms. Now we’re not small men and have muscles, but these guys make us look like we’re the nerds living in our mom’s basement and never leaving it. They are massive. The guy from the yellow corvette smiles as he comes to be in front of us. I think he’s smiling, but it’s more of a cross between when you smell a silent fart and you’re not trying to gag with a joker-like grin. It’s creepy.
“I’m looking for Tanner Baxter.” TJ nods. “Oh good. I’m running Cars R Us Body shop and wanted to come talk to you about buying your little business here.”
“Not for sale. You should’ve listened to Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dumber over there when they were here yesterday. I’m not selling, so get back in your midlife crisis car and get the fuck off my property.” TJ smiles.
“Midlife crisis?” The guy laughs. “Everything is for sale. You remember that.” The mother fucker twirls his finger in the year as a roundup for the guys. They all get into their respected cars and drive away from us. TJ looks annoyed more than anything.
“Are you okay?” I ask him. I’m not sure if I should do something or say something.