Page 3 of Medusa's Revenge

I moved out of that folder and started looking through the plans for the remodel of our salon. We are now expanding the hair salon by adding manicures, pedicures, and a spa aspect. We are excited about it. Davinci is our go-to girl with everything beauty. She truly is an artist in hair, nails, and makeup. This hasalways been her pet project for the Valkyries to ensure we stay legal. There’s a knock on the door, and I yell for whoever it is to come in.

“Hey, Medusa.” Eloise “Bubbles” Stewart, my vice president, walks in with two plates of food. My stomach growls with the smell of Pop’s signature BBQ sauce. “Pop wanted to make sure you’re fed. He saw you come in two hours ago, so focused.”

“I just had breakfast.” I checked the time on my phone and realized I’d been in my office for almost five hours.Where the fuck did the time go?“Five hours ago.” I reach out my arms to her, making grabby hands. She laughs. I take the plate and inhale the smells. BBQ pulled pork sandwich, macaroni salad, corn on the cob, and chocolate chip cookie. “He loves us,” I say around a mouthful of a sandwich.

“He does. What have you been doing? Duchess tells me you walked in and shut the door. Bad breakfast date with the siblings?”

“Michelle bailed. Lucas’s in town. She won’t introduce us yet. She’s been with him for two years and won’t let us meet him. I can’t even get his last name to do a background check on him. She’s so naive.”

“She’s like that because you kept her in a bubble where nothing bad happens to her. You protected her through your Dad’s murder, your egg donor bailing.” She sighs. “When she started dating, you wouldn’t let her heart get broken. If you didn’t like the guy, you pushed him away or, should I say, threatened him away. She never had to give her heart to anyone because you didn’t allow it.”

“What am I supposed to do? I never want them to feel what I felt.”

“I’ve known you since we were ten years old. I know, but I also know you closed your heart off for so long. You have a wall so high that no one can get through.” Bubbles remarks. I sigh as Ilean back in my chair. “I know what happened to you. You need to let your siblings live their lives, too.” I know she’s right, but it sucks to get the same lectures over and over again. I roll my eyes at her and continue eating.

Bubbles and I start working together through plans for the remodels and some club business for the next few hours. She leaves to head home with her latest Tinder date. I can’t wait to hear why he’s not right for her. I know I live for her stories. I take my red curly hair out of my messy bun, shaking it to let the curls and frizz run free for me. I sigh in relief as I massage my scalp. I need to get in touch with DaVinci for a spa day. I’m debating on if I should stay here or head home. I walk out of my office to check the weather when I see a few girls there.

“Evening, Pres.” one of the prospects jumps up. “Is there anything I can do for you?” I tilt my head, trying to remember her name and see if she can read my mind. “I’m Francine or Fancy, like my granny called me.” I snap my fingers.

“That’s right. I forgot. I’m sorry. I’ve been staring at numbers and reports all day, so my mind is fuzzy. I’m good. What’s the weather like? I could pull out my phone, but I think my eyes will go cross-eyed now.” I chuckle.

“It’s a nice warm night. I stuck around since you were still here in case you needed anything from me.”

“Thank you. How do you like the clubhouse so far?” I head to the makeshift bar, and Fancy goes behind it. I tell her to grab me a Mountain Dew since I’ll drive home. I’m hoping to see my sister tonight or get a look at Lucas.

“I love it. The girls are nice. The significant others are respectful.” She smiles as she hands me a drink.

“I’m glad. Let one of the members or officers know if anyone treats you poorly other than what the prospects are supposed to be doing. We don’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable. Manymembers have kids and visit on weekends or during the summer and school breaks.” She nods.

“I’m raising a younger sibling, so I’m thankful you allow me to bring him by occasionally.”

“I raised my two younger siblings. I know it’s hard work, especially if you don’t have any support from your family. The ladies and men here will help. I mean, Pop talked to my brother about sex. I couldn’t do it. I was laughing the whole time. He’s just two years younger than me, and it was awkward as fuck.” We laugh. Some of the other prospects who were hanging around came to the bar. We sit and talk about family and how the club is going. Ruby “Derby” Wagner, our enforcer, comes in later on in a bad mood, and I know she needs the girls tonight, so we decide to play a game of pool. Pizza is ordered, plus I threw in some ice cream. Bad decisions tonight make gym days horrible, but my ass will look great. We added shots to make it enjoyable, and I know I’m not going home tonight. Three of the prospects don’t drink in case of emergency with other members.

It’s going on one a.m., and I decide to take my happy buzzed ass to bed. I open my door and walk in. I lock it. I strip out of my clothes and head to the bathroom to shower. My room in the clubhouse is just a king-size bed, a dresser, and a closet where I keep my gun safe, plus my bathroom. The prospects are the only ones who share a cabin behind the property. It’s like a basic training camp with bunk beds, footlockers, and a shared shower like from high school. It’s a great bonding experience for them because our officers are close, and most of us grew up together or are related to someone. We also do a weekend away with officers and members to keep our family bond going. It’s been great. I hope to continue through the years even when I’m old and gray.

The shower feels heavenly. The hot water heals all. I wrap my hair in a towel and then dry my body some before wrapping itaround me to head to bed. I go through my old T-shirts and boxers to put them on. I gather up my clothes to put in the hamper. I climb into my bed and go through my messages. I will check first to see if there are any club-related ones. I don’t want to miss anything. My family group chat is quiet, too. This is weird. I decide to let them know where I am.

ME: I’m staying at the compound tonight if you need me.

ME: Is everything okay?

TJ: All good. I’m hanging out with the boys tonight.

ME: If you need a DD, let the prospects know.

TJ: Will do.

CHELLE: I’m staying on campus tonight with Carolina while Lucas is with his family.

TJ: We need a family dinner night since you bailed on us.

CHELLE: I’m a college student. Let me live my life.

CHELLE: I’m an adult.

TJ then calls me.

“What the fuck is up with that comment?” I hear loud noises in the background and people yelling out his name.

---