Page 14 of Pooh

-*- -*- -*- -*-

“He’s not gay,” states Tammy, firmly.

“I’m sorry, honey, but Pooh says he is,” I repeat for the third time.

“Damn! I guess I’ve been off the market for so long my instincts are off. That’s too bad because I really thought Trigger was looking at me inthatway, you know? And I liked it, a lot,” Tammy dejectedly says.

“I’m sorry, Mama.”

“Don’t be, honey. I’m just disappointed but that will pass.”

“Do you want to help me stuff envelopes for the fundraiser?” I ask, hopefully.

“Oh, sure! That will be so much fun and will distract me from my disappointment,” she answers, sarcastically.

I laugh out loud at her as she takes a seat and we get to work. Side by side, as usual.

Pooh

It’s been a few days since I texted with Pippa and told her Trigger was gay. I’m going to Hell. I know it and I also know I have earned that trip. I love my club brother and I want him to be happy in life, but not with Pippa. Pippa and Trigger? No, just no! But I’m feeling guilty at the same time.

I watched Axel fight his feelings toward Bailey and watched him fall in the end anyway. I even helped push him toward her by implying I was going to make a move on her. I wouldn’t have ever done that, but he didn’t know that little bit of information. Bailey is great and she is perfect for Axel, and as much as I like her, she was never for me. But Axel needed that push and it worked.

I’m trying to be smarter than Axel and Gunner were when they hooked up with their women. Petey is a better example to follow. He saw Trudy, he wasted no time making it clear he was interested in her and only her, and now they are married and happy. Mind made-up, I know what I need to do. I walk outside of the gym, mount my bike, and aim it toward New Horizons.

-*- -*- -*- -*-

“Hi, Pooh. What’s up?” Pippa asks, looking surprised, when she answers the door and finds me standing there.

“Would you have dinner with me? Tonight, tomorrow, whatever night works best for you?”

The look of surprise and shock on her face would have me laughing if I weren’t so nervous standing here, waiting for her answer. I’ve never asked a woman on a date before. Not one damn time. A few girls, yeah, when I was a teenager. But never a woman and certainly not one I really wanted to say yes.

“Uh, wow, um,” Pippa says, stumbling over her words.

I cross my fingers on my right hand and carefully move that hand slightly behind my leg so she can’t see that I’m being a little girl at the moment.

“No, I’m sorry, but no. Pooh, I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’m so sorry. I’m not looking for a relationship and I don’t want to give that impression by accepting a date,” Pippa replies, softly.

I uncross my fingers since it didn’t help anyway. Crash and burn, I tried and got shot down. First time for everything, I guess. Disappointment hits me hard in the gut because I like Pippa and what she stands for and the way she spends her life trying to make other people’s lives better and safer. But I’m an adult and I’ll take this like one. Probably. Maybe.

“Okay, Pippa. Thought I’d ask. You have a great day and call if you need anything,” I tell her as I turn to leave.

“Wait! Please don’t be mad, Pooh. I’m just not…”

“Not mad, darlin’. Disappointed, yeah. But I get it. Take care, Pippa. And I mean it, call if you need us.”

“Pooh, please. I am…”

I step forward, wrap my hand around the back of her neck and place my forehead against hers. I know she feels bad. It’s written all over her face. I don’t want that for her. I regret asking, now that I see it’s distressing her this much. I hold us together for a moment and then lean back enough to place a soft kiss on her forehead. I release her, step back and say, “It’s all good, sweetheart. I’m not everyone’s cup of tea and I get that. No worries, yeah? Tell Craig I’ll see him in a few days when we start working on the fence. Take care, honey.” I turn and walk back to my bike. After mounting and starting it, I glance to the side and see Pippa still standing in the back doorway. She looks miserable and I feel like the world’s biggest ass for putting that look on her beautiful face. It’s time to make tracks so I do just that.

-*- -*- -*- -*-

My phone vibrates on the nightstand next to my bed, where I’m lying and staring at the ceiling. I’ve been lying here for over an hour. Several of the guys are out in the main room of the clubhouse, but I don’t feel like playing pool or drinking beer, so I’m vegging in my room. Alone, despite the best efforts of Peaches, a club whore.

“Yeah?” I answer.

“You available to work on the fence at New Horizons on Thursday?” asks Trigger.

---