Page 48 of Chubs

“Sorry. I don’t remember the last time I ate a real meal. Been living on energy drinks, coffee, and candy bars. Thank you for the food, Lucy.”

Guilt hits hard because I know why he’s so exhausted. Rex isn’t the type to give up his search for Chubs, and I could end it for him. I have the information he’s looking for, but I don’t feel it’s my place to share what Chubs wanted kept secret. Again, I question myself as to why I’m giving Chubs loyalty when the club has stood behind me, not him.

“Anything new?” I ask in a subdued tone.

“Nothing solid. I found a Facebook post from a waitress talking about how much food a guy ordered and ate, but she couldn’t give me much of a description. Sounded like it could have been Chubs, but I can’t find a reason why, if it was him, he’d have been in that particular town. So fucking frustrating,” Rex answers between bites.

“If he doesn’t want to be found, why keep looking for him?”

“Why do you assume he left by choice? Feds had been here off and on for months, talking to him, wanting something. Why aren’t you assuming they took him?” Rex questions while looking hard at me.

“Cash said he had a chat with the Feds after Chubs had left, so I figured they had nothing to do with it,” I reply, trying to sound convincing.

“Uh huh. What aren’t you telling us, Lucy? If he left because he wanted to, then that’s his choice. I just need to know that’s what happened because I can’t quit searching until I know he’s not being kept hostage for some reason.”

“If I hear anything, I’ll let you know,” I mumble before standing and walking away.

I fill a plate and take a seat with Ivy and Pigeon. They’re about the only ones here that haven’t questioned me about Chubs, and I’m hoping that doesn’t change today.

“Hi, Lucy. Are you still coming out next week to go over the financial stuff for the loans for the ranch? We want to get going on the rest of the buildings and updates needed,” Pigeon asks.

“Yeah, I can come out any day you’re available.”

“When you come, remember to wear boots. We’ll squeeze in a riding lesson for you while you’re there,” Ivy reminds me.

“That sounds great. I might bring a kid or two with me if that’s okay.”

“Absolutely. Bella was coming out on Friday to spend the weekend, so if you come then, she could ride with you and save Petey the trip. Luke will probably want to come out too since he’s been doubling up on his lessons,” Ivy suggests.

“How’s he doing?” I ask.

“Awesome! He’s really bonded with Lucky, the horse he rides. Luke does great with all the animals, but he and Lucky are definitely bonded,” Ivy answers excitedly.

When Pigeon snorts out a laugh, I look to see what he’s laughing about. Gee, Ava’s pig, is strutting across the floor in a T-shirt that reads, “Pig in a Blanket” across the back. On his feet are the cutest red flip flops with little kites on them. Behind him is his best friend, Snots. Not noticing me, Snots stops, flops onto his side, and immediately starts snoring. Gee snorts a few times, then gives up and flops belly down next to his friend and starts his own snoring.

While looking down at the chubby pair, I feel a whoosh of air and look up to see Priscilla landing on Ivy’s outstretched arm. Prissy coos and kisses Ivy a few times before settling down.

“She’s so beautiful,” I murmur, gaining Prissy’s attention.

“Yesssss, ma’am,” she says in her beautiful southern accent.

“She’s humble too,” Pigeon adds with a grin. “Humble and beautiful, Miss Priscilla.”

“No cap,” Prissy states before flaring her yellow crest.

“Where’s Bailey and Axel?” I ask, realizing they’re not here.

“Ma man’s sick,” Prissy states slowly, then makes her cute little cooing sound.

“Axel’s sick? Or has his pregnancy symptoms kicked in already?” Pigeon questions while grinning at Prissy.

His grin disappears when Prissy sticks her foot onto his plate, withdraws an asparagus spear, and flings it at his face.

“What the fuck, Prissy?” Pigeon complains as he picks the veggie off his shirt. “You weren’t here for the last pregnancy. I asked a valid question.”

“You such, fird foy,” Prissy speaks very slowly, but her words aren’t as distinct as usual.

“You suck, bird boy!” Ivy repeats before laughing out loud.

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