Page 13 of Pooh

“No thanks needed, ma’am. We were…”

“Thanksareneeded, Pooh. This is a house of women and a child that have been abused and exploited by men, who fear men, and having a couple of men here who did the opposite leaves an impression. A good one. It’s easy to forget there are good men in this world when you’re only surrounded by people men have hurt. You guys were the talk of the town at the breakfast table this morning. Maisy and Craig couldn’t sing your praises enough and that’s a huge start on their road to recovery,” Tammy goes on to say. “Please pass our gratitude on to the other guys that were here and helped.”

“I will and thank you,” I answer.

“So, who are the rest of you?” she asks.

Again, introductions are made as we all stand and watch Craig and Axel enjoy each other’s company. Craig got the chance to play Xbox against me and Axel both and he did very well. He was smiling big when we left.

Pippa

“Holy smokes, he is one handsome man,” exclaims Tammy as soon as the men leave.

I laugh at her as we’re walking back inside to get back to work. Tammy volunteers here, partly because she believes in what I’m trying to do for these women and partly so we get more time together. Both reasons work for me.

“I wonder if he’s single,” she muses out loud as I take a seat at my desk.

“I’m not looking for a man, Mama,” I inform her. She’s a matchmaker from way back.

“Wasn’t talking about you and Pooh, honey. I meant Trigger. He’s a man’s man. Rough, gruff, take no prisoners, speaks his mind kind of man. Alpha, protective of what or who is his, generous and has a lot of heart.” Tammy sighs after saying all of that in one breath.

My mouth drops open and I stare at her like I’ve never seen her before. And I haven’t ever seen this part of her before. I’m dumbfounded.

“Oh, for Pete’s sake, close your mouth. I may have been single for many years now, but I still have woman parts, you know. And, I’m just saying, Trigger may have woke up a few of those parts.”

I don’t know whether to laugh or to be shocked at her words so I do both. She never ceases to amaze and surprise me. The woman is pure gold.

“I can ask Pooh if Trigger is available,” I tease her when I’m done laughing.

“Yes, please do that. Let me know when you find out. And if he is, get me his number,” she orders, then gets up and walks out, nonchalantly, like she didn’t just drop a bomb on me.

Me: Is Trigger single?

BILF: WTF? He’s too old for you.

I huff out a laugh at Pooh’s response. Reading my question, I can see why he’d assume it’s me I’m asking for, but now I don’t want to clear up his confusion. I have put in my day of work and am now relaxing on my couch with a glass of wine. Why not have a little fun with the hot biker man?

Me: Older men are hot. And he’s a biker so he has that going for him. Can I have his number?

BILF: Seriously? Trigger? Too damn old for you! No number for you, no old biker either.

Me: But I like them experienced.

BILF: We’re not having this conversation.

Me: We kind of are! Is he single? I need to know!

BILF: He’s single but not available to you. He’s gay.

Me: Seriously? A gay biker?

BILF: It happens. We don’t judge.

Me: Okay, good to know. Have a good night, Pooh.

BILF: You too.

Well, Christ, I feel like an idiot. I hope Pooh doesn’t think I was judging Trigger. It doesn’t matter to me if he is or isn’t gay but I would never judge him for his choices. Tammy is going to be disappointed though. I am too, in a way, because this is the first time I’ve ever seen her interested in a man. And I want her happy and living a full life. Well, shit. She’ll understand but I hate that I’m going to be the one to burst her bubble.

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