Page 2 of Pooh

“That works. Thanks, Gunner,” I say, standing up to leave.

“I need you to drop off one more check today. It needs to be delivered to the manager, Pippa Holbrook, of New Horizons’ Women’s Shelter. The prospects, Toes and Horse Nuts, will be following you there with the delivery truck. Go to the back of the shelter. Ring the bell and she’ll show you guys where to unload the supplies in the truck. Don’t let the prospects fuck up or speak to any of the women they may see. Pippa doesn’t normally allow men there at all but since we’re donating money and supplies, she’s making an exception. Keep them in line.”

“You got it, Prez,” I assure him as he hands me a piece of paper with the address and the check.

“Thanks, Pooh. Appreciate this. Ava and Trudy have a class this afternoon with Cash at the gym, so this gives me a chance to hang with my girls at home,” Gunner tells me, smiling. Yeah, he’s one of those dads. He loves his girls, Mia and Zoe, and he doesn’t care who knows.

“Who’s with the girls now?”

“Axel. And I’m praying Bailey is there too or only God knows what kind of mess I’ll find when I get home. Speaking of, I am out of here. Thanks again, brother.”

“No problem, Prez.”

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

I park my bike behind a very large, non-descript house and walk to the delivery truck that’s coming to a stop. Horse Nuts and Toes jump out and walk to the rear and open the large door. I look over the inventory that we will be unloading and realize there is a lot of work to be done. The truck is packed full of new beds, mattresses, dressers and a shit ton of boxes. I see televisions and a few Play Stations and Xboxes. Large stacks of Amazon boxes take up the rest of the room.

“You’re not supposed to be here. You better leave before Pippa kicks your ass,” says a young voice behind me.

I turn around and find myself looking at a young boy, probably around four or five, and he’s absolutely filthy. Top of his head to his toes, he’s covered in dirt and grime.

“Hi. What’s your name?” I ask him.

“You don’t need to know that. You just need to leave,” the boy demands, staring me down. I’m impressed.

“My name’s Pooh and I’m looking for Pippa,” I inform the boy.

“Pooh? What kind of girlie name is that?”

I hear the prospects chuckling behind me and I have to beat back a smile at the grimy little boy.

“It’s my road name. My club brothers gave me that name,” I explain.

“They must hate you. You still have to leave, Pooh Bear.”

“Sorry, bud, I have to speak with Pippa. Can you tell her I’m here?”

“No. Leave. No men are allowed here. Get gone. Now, fucker,” he spouts, hands on hips now.

“Craig! No swearing! You know better than to talk to strangers. And you better head inside and get cleaned up before your mom sees you,” a woman’s voice interrupts our stand-off.

I look up and see a woman walking toward our group. She’s average height for a woman, around 5’6”, slim built and has gorgeous black hair that is poker straight, shiny and long. As she gets closer, I can easily spot her facial features and they are stunning. Wide, dark eyes, a delicate nose with a slight bump in the center that keeps her face from being too perfect. Full lips with a slight upward tilt at the corners. Fine-boned features with arched, dark brows that frame her face. There may be some Native American blood in her veins but I don’t know for sure. What I do know is that she is beautiful. Full breasts, slightly flared hips. Not quite an hour glass figure but damn fine with those slim legs that look longer than they probably really are. Nice!

“They can’t be here, though, Pips,” the little boy argues.

So, this is Pippa Holbrook. Fuck me.

“I invited them, Craig. They’re bringing your new bed and some other things for your room, so maybe you can say thank you before you head inside to the shower?” Pippa tells him.

“A new bed? Holy shit! I get a new bed?” Craig shouts, excitedly.

“Language, Craig! And yes, you get a brand new bed. Maybe after your shower, you can help me put it together. But, shower first. Go find Annie and she’ll get you cleaned up. Deal?”

“Hell yeah! Deal, Pips! Thanks, Pooh!” Craig shouts loudly before running for the backdoor and flying through it.

“Cute kid,” I say.

“Yeah, he is. But if there is a mud puddle somewhere in this town, it’s guaranteed he will find it,” Pippa replies while turning her attention from Craig to me.

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