Page 23 of Weatherman

From the bits of gossip I’d picked up at the salon, apparently there was an incident at the restaurant where one of the waitresses got roofied. A few of the details had floated around, but I understood the police were investigating. I expected the Dragon Runners were also looking into it too.

My eyes bounced over to the all-knowing Eva, and I repeated her words in my head.

“Loves to be grandma to the world.”

I’d lost touch with my mother years ago. I had no idea where she was or if she was still alive. Pearl would miss out on that important relationship unless someone stepped in. I wasn’t real happy about the role being played by a biker’s wife, but this place was so much more than what I’d thought. In my previous life, very few people would have stopped to help me with my flat tire. Most would just drive away and not look.

I should have been nicer to Weatherman.

“There’s plenty of food over there in that little alcove. There’s kid-friendly food, too, like mac ’n’ cheese and nuggets. Got some deviled eggs we can cut up into little pieces too. She allergic? Go get’cha somethin’, and I’ll keep her for you.” Betsey popped open a beer with one hand and gave it to a biker.

Did I want to leave my daughter with Betsey? Not particularly, but Pearl was grinning and giggling as the womanplayed and talked to her. I trusted Lori, and she was a biker’s wife. It was probably time for me to trust someone else.

Get over yourself, Opal. These are good people. Stop judging them by a crooked stick.

“Thanks, I’ll be right back.”

The food table was full of Crock-Pots. Chilis, stews, dips, and anything else that could be put in a slow cooker and made ahead of time. Chicken nuggets and mac ’n’ cheese filled two pots put aside for the kids. A big green salad sat in the middle of the bubbling ceramic garden. It seemed to be the odd man out, considering the fat and calories of the other foods.

“Betsey is still tryin’ to get Brick to lay off the salt and eat more greens. It’s an ongoing battle.”

I turned to see a blond man who resembled what I would call an all-American football linebacker. Tall, broad, muscular, and beyond handsome. His gorgeous blue eyes narrowed and crinkled up as he frowned at the salad.

“It’s a noble cause for sure, but I have to agree with Brick’s opinion about kale. Cooked in soups and such, it ain’t bad, but straight up like this?” He shook his head. “Not so much.” He stuck out his hand. “I’m Dodge.”

I took his hand and murmured my name back to him. So, this was Dodge, the custom car guy I’d heard about. I hadn’t seen him in the salon, but his girlfriend, Fauna, had come in a few times. I wanted to get my hands on her tight curly hair so badly, but so far, she’d stuck with Tambre doing her braids.

“You’re the new girl over at Tambre’s place. Weatherman said you’re a good stylist.” He reached up and fingered his short locks. “Got any room for me next week?”

“Um… I don’t have my calendar with me, but I’m sure I can find a spot.”Weatherman had complimented me? Even after I was so nasty to him? Really?

He grinned. “That would be great.”

“Doesn’t anyone use the barbershop?” I hadn’t realized I’d spoken out loud until Dodge burst out laughing.

“If you want clipper fuzz only, he’s your man. Most of us want to keep a little more on our heads. Plus, it’s nice to support our people’s businesses.”

“Support our people’s businesses.”To me, that concept sounded like a radical idea. To the Dragon Runners, it was normal.

Betsey held court at the bar, and Pearl was the princess. She sat on the queen’s hip, grinning and babbling at everyone. She looked so pleased with herself, I had to take a quick one-handed picture with my phone and text it to Mama J. I got an immediate reply.

Mama J: Oh, my girl looks so happy! Glad you both found a family.

Family. My girl had a family.

The thought of what that meant for my child made my eyes fill. Me? I would survive on less as I had always done, but this could mean Pearl had people who would always care for her and make sure her needs were covered. That possibility was more precious than all the gold in the world.

“They’ve got your back, too, sweetheart.”

I sniffled as the voice in my head spoke to me.But they’re bikers,I silently told him.

“Family is family, baby. Sometimes you get a good one, sometimes you get a bad one. You can tell the difference.”

What if I’m wrong?

“You’re not.”

Tears formed at the rims of my lids, and I resisted the urge to dash them away and draw attention to myself.

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