Page 93 of Chubs

Lisa, Greer, and I walk into the clubhouse and find most everyone there already. I look for Bailey, and only Bailey, and when I spot her, we walk to her table. Taking seats, I can see the strain on her face. Even little Alex seems quieter than usual today but does give me a little wave.

“Who’s puppy?” Craig asks from beside me.

“Mine. His name is Greer,” I answer.

“Where did you get him?” he questions.

“FurEver Homes.”

“You went there without me? Really, Lucy? You’re dead to me,” he spits out, then walks away in a huff.

“I would have taken Craig!” Lisa says loud enough for the retreating kid to hear.

“Lisa!”

“The kid scares me a little, and I just want to make sure my name doesn’t appear on his blacklist,” Lisa explains with a grin.

“You okay, Bailey?” I ask while ignoring Lisa.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Everyone’s a little uptight about what the club is going to decide today,” she responds.

“Any idea how their leaning?” Lisa questions her.

“None. The guys haven’t said a word to anyone about it.”

“Gunner, can I address the club before we eat and you start Church?” Bella asks boldly while stepping close to my chair.

“Yeah, of course you can. Quiet down, everyone! Go ahead, Bells,” Gunner says.

Glancing down at me, Bella smiles nervously before searching the room for Pooh. He gives her a nod, and she starts laying out her plans for her future. I watch people’s faces as she talks, and I see pride, concern, surprise, and a whole range of other reactions. No one interrupts her, though.

“Everyone’s always asking why I want to earn my own money when I have everything I need already. I’ll tell you why I’ve been saving my money, and it’s for one reason only. I want to buy a bike. A Harley, of course. Per club rules, I have to work for and pay for my own bike if I want to become a prospect and then a member when I turn 18 years old. I’m asking the club members to consider me as a prospect and future member. I have my reasons for wanting to join this club, and I’m willing to explain them if you are interested. I don’t expect special treatment, and I don’t want it. I’ll prospect like others have, doing the grunt work and learning everything I can. I’m only asking for your vote so I’m allowed that chance,” Bella states in a clear, firm voice.

“I’m your sponsor!” Axel shouts as he jumps to his feet in such a rush he knocks over his chair and startles Prissy into a screech. “I called it first, so go screw yourself, Pooh!”

There’s stunned silence in the room before Gunner speaks up as the club president.

“Sit down and shut up, VP. We will discuss this in Church since it’s a club decision and not one that’s open to everyone. Thank you, Bella, for your interest in becoming a prospect, but you should have approached one of us privately. If you’re voted in as a prospect, you’ll need to learn what’s not to be discussed with non-members.”

“She did, Prez. She came to me and explained her intentions. That’s when I started her riding lessons,” Pooh states. “She decided to wait for a while before approaching the club. Bella speaking up today was her following my advice.”

Gunner nods in acknowledgment of Pooh’s words. Then he offers Bella a small grin.

“Let’s eat so we can discuss this and the other matter that’s up for discussion today. Looks like it’s going to be a long and interesting Church,” Gunner says.

I stand and pull Bella in for a tight hug.

“I’m so proud of you. You did great,” I whisper.

“Thank you for coming. It helps knowing you and Pooh are here,” Bella whispers back before she’s jerked out of my arms.

Unceremoniously, Trudy tugs Bella against her and squeezes her tight. I watch with a warm heart as tears roll down Trudy’s face as she holds her girl.

“Proud, scared, happy, terrified. I’m all over the place about this, but you’ll always have my support, my beautiful girl,” Trudy says in a rush.

“I know I do, Mom, and thank you,” Bella answers in a soft voice.

“Cash won’t dare vote against you, young Bella. I’d cut him out of my will and kick him in the ass,” Lola says when she moves in for her own hug.

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