Page 56 of Cash

“No. I’m not sharing, so don’t even ask. Is that Livi’s dog?”

“Yeah, he is.”

“Cute dog. I’d put doggles and a Devil’s Angels cut on him and teach him to ride on my bike with me,” Chubs says nonchalantly.

“Doggles? What the fuck are doggles?” I ask confused.

“Doggie goggles. To protect his eyes from bugs and dust,” Chubs answers like I’m an idiot for not knowing this.

“Lola’s making chicken and dumplings tomorrow, Chubs. Can we expect you for dinner?” Lottie asks from the kitchen.

“Of course. Usual time?”

“Yes. We’ll see you then. Lucy, you’re welcome to come too, of course. Cash, we’re done and out of here. When the timer goes off, remove the roast from the oven. There’s a salad in the fridge and dessert on the counter.”

“Thank you, Aunties. You didn’t have to come over and do that, but it’s appreciated,” I answer while getting up to give each of them a hug and a kiss goodbye.

“We wanted to. I hope Livi’s not one of those women who pick at their food because it’s a large roast,” Lola says.

“She’s not. A few of the guys suspect she’s related to Chubs, in fact,” I tell them with a laugh.

“Nothing wrong with that,” Lottie insists as the ladies gather up their purses and head out the front door.

“We need to get going too, Chubs. Mom’s expecting us for dinner,” Lucy says as she stands.

Snots lets out a yelp and hauls his considerable girth down the hallway at a run. I can hear his nails scraping on the wood floor seconds before there’s a loud thump. Chubs leans sideways, looking down the hallway before laughing.

“His brakes are defective, but the wall isn’t. He’s in Liam’s room.”

Lucy and Chubs say their goodbyes and leave. I check on Liam, finding Snots under the crib again and head back to straighten up the kitchen.

*~*~*~*

Livi: James needs to borrow my car so he’ll be dropping me off in an hour.

Me: He’s welcome to eat with us.

Livi: Are you sure it’s ok?

Me: Yep. The Aunts made a lot.

Livi: Thank you! He’ll appreciate it.

Me: See you then

Livi, James and I have dinner together with easy conversation. James is funny, outgoing and intelligent. It’s easy to see why their partnership works because their mutual respect is obvious. While Livi and I set the table, James entertains Liam. He’s a natural with babies, and I watch him closely hoping to learn his tricks.

James asks me as many questions about bikes as I do him about babies. We share our knowledge and exchange phone numbers. He’s someone I could easily see as a friend or even a club brother. He’d be a great addition to the Devil’s Angels. It’s not long and he’s wrangled a promise to teach him to ride out of me. I look forward to it. Just in case he’s got a little of Tessie’s driving abilities in him, I make a mental note to borrow one of Axel’s bikes for him to learn on.

“Thank you for dinner, Cash. Your aunts sure know how to cook a roast dinner. What time do you want me to pick you up, Livi?” James asks as he gets ready to leave.

“You don’t need to. Livi can take my truck when she’s ready to leave,” I answer before she can.

“Works for me. Thanks again, Cash. Need anything, Livi, call. See you tomorrow, love,” James says before giving Livi a quick hug and leaving.

“You’d allow me to drive your truck without knowing if my driving skills match Tessie’s?” Livi asks in a teasing tone.

“Club owns a body shop, if needed. Wasn’t planning on letting you leave though so your driving skills won’t matter,” I answer while shooting her a grin.

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