Page 99 of Chubs

“I’m still a member, and I’ll be staying in Denver. Would love to have you here as much as possible,” I tell her, then smile at her tears.

“I will make that happen,” she replies.

“Just effing wonderful! I just got my office up and running, and now I’m going to have to sell out and move to the mountains. Not sure this city girl will adapt well to rural living, so do you think Lucy’s sister could help me find a condo within city limits? And an office space for my practice?” Aria states before hugging the hell out of me.

“You’d move here?” I ask, shocked.

“We’ve all decided to move, Drew. Chicago isn’t where we want to raise our families, and we just got you back. Sounds like you’re going to be stuck with us again,” Les says with a big smile.

“Who the fuck is Drew?” Craig asks from beside me. “Oh, sorry, ladies! I meant to say, who is this Drew guy you’re talking about?”

“They call me Drew. My real name is Adriano, but Aria couldn’t say it when she was young, so she called me Drew instead. But here, I’m just Chubs. That work for you, buddy?”

“Whatever. You adults are weird,” Craig says before walking away.

“Is he allergic to soap and water?” Aria whispers, and I laugh loudly.

I leave my family with Horse and walk to where Lucy is sitting. Crouching down in front of her, I reach for her hand, and she lets me hold it.

“Would you go on a date with me? A normal, everyday kind of date. A first date, if you will. Dinner, a movie, and then I’ll drive you home and expect a kiss goodnight but won’t be mad if I don’t get one,” I ask, heart in my throat.

“Yes, I will, but there will be no kiss. Also, Lisa wants a pound of your flesh first since she blames you for me living with her,” Lucy responds in a quiet voice.

“You owe me big time, Chubs, and I’m going to make you wish you hadn’t hurt my little sister. Word of warning—I’ve been training with Cash,” Lisa threatens, then gives me an evil grin.

The payment for my sins is racking up, and I know Cash didn’t scrimp on Lisa’s training. Looks like there are more bruises in my future.

“Can I ask what your punishment is?” Lucy asks.

I move to the chair next to her and explain what the club came up with.

“I’m on probation for a year. Any serious mistakes and I lose my patch. I’ll go back to work at the garage, but now I work for Trigger and not just with him. He’ll be my direct supervisor instead of Petey, and we both know he’ll make it rough. He’s a very angry little man.”

“Heard that, asshole, and you’ll regret it come Monday morning,” Trigger says as he walks past.

I’m already regretting it, but I continue telling Lucy about the next year of my life.

“I’m not allowed on the next two club rides and have to tend bar the day of them. I’m not allowed to go to Ava’s bakery for three months, and she’s not allowed to bring me treats from there. That condition was added by Axel and is especially evil, and he knows it. Also, I’m Craig’s teacher again, and I was told to ask you why that order relieved Pooh so much. I’m basically a prospect with a patch, and I’m grateful to them for that.”

“I’ll explain about Craig’s public school experiences while you’re buying me dinner. Any other punishment?”

“I have to get in the ring with a few of the guys. One at a time, but it’ll be a painful day for me. Axel, Gunner, and Trigger but thankfully not Cash. He declined, stating he would if the club ordered it since he’s our enforcer, but it was left up to choice. They won’t leave me with any lasting injuries, but they will make it hurt,” I reply with a grimace. “You have a lot of supporters, Lucy. Petey also declined the opportunity to kick my ass, but he gave it a good chewing out, as did the others.

With Gunner’s permission, I ride off club property on a mission. I’m planning on spending the day making amends. I stop at Axel’s flower lady’s shop and have a beautiful bouquet sent to Lucy, another one to her sister, and her mom.

Leaving there, I ride to my meeting with Lucy’s dad, Governor Douglas. We sip our coffees as I explain everything. I leave very little out and answer all the questions he has. His opinion matters to me and to Lucy, and I have all the respect in the world for this man. Before I left Denver, he had become almost like a father to me, and I’d like the chance to earn that back.

I’m open and honest with him, and he must sense the truth behind my words because, at the end of our meeting, I get a brief manly hug and some fatherly advice.

“Don’t break my daughter’s heart again because you’re not the only one here that personally knows hitmen.”

With that, he left me standing alone, stupid grin in place.

Riding to the Aunts’ house, I feel freer than I’ve felt in nearly a year. My only worry now is winning Lucy back, and I’m hoping my friends and family will help with that. I park my bike, knock once, and enter the familiar home.

Lola is stirring something that smells delicious while Lottie’s setting the table. I nearly dance on the spot, knowing I’m about to get fed. Greeting each lady with a quick kiss on the cheek, I seat myself at the table.

“It’s so good to have you back home, Chubs. We’ve thought about you and said prayers every day,” Lottie says.

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