Page 50 of Chubs

Craig smiles, and I see another missing tooth. When I point at it, his grin grows.

“You raking in more money?” I ask.

“Yep. I’m going to ride that train until I have no more teeth,” Craig says with an impish grin before walking away.

Family dinners at the club are never boring.

I’m sitting at my desk at New Horizons, watching Tammy pace. Today is the day everyone has been dreading. The kids are back at school, and that means it’s Craig’s first day. I don’t know who broke the news to him, but I’m grateful I didn’t have to do the honors. Tammy makes another lap around the office, then checks her phone again.

“If she has a problem, she’ll call,” I say for about the tenth time.

“I know, I know. Pooh’s with her too. They thought it was best that both took him his first day. Tomorrow, he’ll ride with Ava or Trudy and the other kids. God, I hope he doesn’t get expelled his very first day,” Tammy says while nibbling on a thumbnail.

We both look toward the door when Pippa walks through it. I take a moment to look her over for battle wounds but find none. Her clothing isn’t wrinkled, and her hair looks like it always does. Maybe this didn’t go as badly as everyone expected.

“Well?” Tammy questions instantly.

“It went very well. We met his teacher and went over where he’s at with his studies. She seems very nice, and Craig was polite but quiet. She said that for the next few days, they would be testing him to see if they’ve placed him in the correct class. Pooh did a full pat down before we walked into the school just to make sure he didn’t have something in his backpack that he’s not supposed to. Like, you know, a skunk,” Pippa says with a small laugh as she sits behind her desk.

“He didn’t, did he?” Tammy questions.

“No. We had Petey stop over and take Bart to the shop with him this morning so Craig wouldn’t be tempted.”

“Good thinking,” Tammy mumbles before taking a seat in the corner.

My phone buzzes next to me, and when I glance down, I see a text. It’s from Pippa. Hmmm. I pick up my phone and read the text.

Pippa: Craig here. Tell mom I’m ready to go home now. This school sucks donkey balls.

Me: I don’t think school lets out for hours yet, Craig. You’re supposed to stay for the whole day.

Pippa: I don’t think that’s a good idea. Bad things will happen if I do.

Me: Your mom will be hurt if you don’t even try. One day won’t kill you, I promise.

Pippa: Not me, but…? These kids are dumb. Like, really dumb. I learned this stuff years ago.

Me: The teacher said they were going to test you to see what grade to place you in. Give it a chance and you might find you like school.

Pippa: Fat chance. Bye.

Me: Bye.

“I can’t find my phone. What the hell? I had it on me in the car,” Pippa states while digging through her purse.

“Pooh might want to brush up on his pat-down procedures. Craig just texted me,” I say with a grin.

“Well, hell. He ask you to come get him?” Pippa questions with an arched eyebrow.

“He wanted me to tell you he’s ready to go home,” I admit.

“He’s been there an hour! I’m never going to survive the whole school year,” Pippa moans while Tammy and I laugh at her predicament.

Surprisingly, Craig finished out the school day without a problem.

After work, I head directly to the gym and find Candy there, already working out on the punching bag. Glancing around the gym, I see Pooh and Cash are holding classes, but Axel is sitting at the check-in desk, head resting on it. Walking to stand in front of the desk, I lean into it and study the large, bald-headed biker.

“What’s up, Axel?” I ask.

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