Page 229 of Smooth Sailing

“Wouldn’t mind movin’ down there either,” Roscoe announced, looking at Hound. “And don’t throw shit at me, but seriously, down there, you don’t have to put up with five months of women covering themselves up in big sweaters and bulky coats and shit.”

Joker, Snapper, Dog, Chill and Saddle all gave their ayes.

“Already talked to Brick, Arlo, Tug, Bat, and Speck, and they’re good with it,” Rush said. Those were the members who’d moved to the other locations to see to business there. Then he looked Hugger in the eye. “You haven’t voted, Hug.”

He hadn’t, because he couldn’t talk.

When he left Denver for Phoenix, no word they were looking at expansion.

He knew what this was.

They were doing this for him.

This was for him.

So he wouldn’t lose his family.

So he wouldn’t lose his home.

So he would know precisely what made him.

“Hug?” Tack prompted.

“Aye,” he forced out.

Tack nodded.

“Looks like Ride is headed to Phoenix,” Rush decreed. “Now, have a look at those properties. We can decide on that later.” Rush turned again to Hugger. “Gonna task you with being our man on the ground down there. You good with that?”

Hugger had to clear his throat before he said, “Yeah.”

Rush switched his attention to Dog. “Brick’s in to help, but also gotta ask if you will too. You two have the most experience opening new shops. Hug’s gonna need some brothers at his back.”

“You got it,” Dog said and grinned. “Anway, Sheila will be all over trips down to the Valley. She can spend time with her brother and spoil her nieces and nephew to shit.”

Sheila was Buck’s sister.

“Good. That done?” Rush asked.

“It’s done,” Tack stated.

Rush brought down the gavel.

Hugger felt like his chest was going to explode.

Rush looked to his dad.

Tack didn’t hesitate.

“Now, we gotta talk about Chew,” Tack stated.

“No,” Hugger pushed out.

At Hugger’s word, the room went deathly quiet.

He had to clear his throat again and he did it staring Tack Allen straight in the eye.

Because his son was president.

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