Page 61 of Cash

“Livi’s the master of crazy,” James teases.

“You’ve been warned,” I tell her as I pull open the door.

The blue streamers, balloons and gifts everywhere should have clued me in that this is a baby shower. I’m distracted from them though by Axel, Pooh, Pigeon and Horse. They’re shooting a game of pool wearing only diapers and biker boots. It’s not something any man should have to witness and certainly not their club brother.

“Hi!” Ava shouts over the noise in the clubhouse.

I drop a kiss on her cheek as the rest all say their hellos. Lottie holds out the dish she brought, and Ava takes it from her.

“You didn’t need to bring a dish but thank you.”

“A lady never shows up empty-handed,” Lottie primly replies.

“A lady never shows up half-tanked either, but here we are,” Lola adds as she makes a beeline for the bar.

“On that note, I hope you enjoy Liam’s baby shower. Us women wanted to give him one, but as usual, the guys have taken over. We hold no responsibility for anything they do. Dinner will be ready soon,” Ava says with a grin before she heads back to the kitchen.

“Cash! Over here!”

I see Dad and Terry and herd my group their direction. The table they’re sitting at is decorated, so I’m assuming it’s meant for Liam and his entourage. Dad clears a spot for Liam’s carrier, and I set him down. I hold a chair for Livi while James makes sure Lottie’s comfortable.

Taking a seat, I look for Snots. When I see him, I nudge Livi and point his direction. She immediately starts laughing as her dog attempts to sneak up on a sleeping Gee, Ava’s pet pig. Snots is cautiously inching closer and closer, snout up and sniffing. When he finally reaches Gee, he carefully leans closer to inspect this odd creature he’s found.

I notice several of the others are watching Snots too, and most likely taking bets on the outcome. Snots is so engrossed in what he’s doing he never sees the approaching problem. Mac, Ava’s Macaw, glides soundlessly through the air and lands on Snots’ back.

All hell breaks loose as Snots assumes he’s being attacked. He bolts backward so fast he trips on his hind feet and slowly tips over backward onto his back. Mac barely has time to flap his wings enough to avoid becoming part of the carnage, but he does so with an ear-piercing screech. Gee, startled by the sound so close to him, jumps upright and takes off running blindly. Pigs are noisy by nature, and Gee doesn’t disappoint. Snots makes it back to his feet in time to be plowed into by a squealing pig. Chubby bodies collide and both land hard. Snots gets to his feet first and makes a beeline for Livi. Hiding under her chair, he peeks around her legs. Livi leans down and reassures her boy.

The room is laughing at the antics of the pets as Gee waddles toward us. With Livi’s encouragement, Snots sticks his head out far enough to sniff noses with Gee. It’s not long and both have discovered a new friend. As they walk off together, I laugh at how similar they’re built.

“What does his shirt say?” Livi asks.

“Gettin’ Piggy With It,” Terry answers with a laugh.

“Pooh has them made for him. We don’t know why, but it’s their thing,” Gunner adds as he comes to a stop next to our table.

I make the introductions and listen as Gunner questions Livi about her shooting abilities. He’s acting casual about it, but I know he’s trying to decide how much to bet on her against Axel. Livi’s humble, but James isn’t. He brags her up as I watch the smile grow on Gunner’s face. Shady motherfucker that he is, Gunner advises Livi and James to downplay her experience before walking off.

“Who’s you?” Mac asks Livi as he lands on the table in front of her.

“Livi. Who’s you?”

“Mac. I’m a Macaw.”

“You’re a troublemaker, aren’t you, Mac?” Livi asks while stroking his head.

“Word. Who’s that?” Mac asks while staring James down.

“That’s James. He’s my friend.”

“Hi, Mac,” James says politely.

“You have cashews?” Mac questions while walking to stand directly in front of James.

“No, sorry.”

“What the fuck!” Mac screeches.

“Mac! What did you just say?” Ava hisses from the kitchen door.

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