Page 66 of Chubs

“Someone better warn Axel to stay at the hospital. He’s in a weakened state, and Mac’s choosing violence,” Craig advises before he walks off with Mac, still wrapped in the towel and still complaining loudly.

Axel: I’m bored.

Me: That didn’t take long. You’ve only been there a week. You must be feeling better then.

Axel: I’m still fragile but fighting like a warrior.

Me: You’re ridiculous. Think you meant fighting like a princess warrior though.

Axel: I’m pure entertainment. Your parents came and visited me this morning.

Me: They said they were going to. Mom loves you.

Axel: Of course. Your dad doesn’t??????

Me: Yes but he’s grateful Lisa and I were born with enough sense to let you be Bailey’s problem, not ours. Lol.

Axel: Send videos of Alex. I’m missing my girl. Told the doctor I’m leaving tomorrow no matter what. Short visits with her when Pops brought her here isn’t enough. She needs her daddy. So does Prissy.

Me: They both call Pooh daddy now so you might as well stay until you’re better.

Axel: Toes is right—you’re evil.

Me: Mac found his cashews. He’s promising death for you.

Axel: Why me?

Me: They were in your toolbox in your garage.

Axel: I’ve been set up! I never touched his nuts!

Axel: That came out wrong. His cashews—never touched them. Craig’s gotta be behind this.

Me: Why do you always blame that poor kid for everything?

Axel: Have you met him?

Me: Have a good sleep. I must go and bond with Alex since you’re fading from her memory already.

Axel: Cruel words, woman.

While Bailey spent most of her time at the hospital with Axel this week, I’ve helped with the kids and pets so others could visit him too. Also, I’ve kept Bailey’s work caught up so she’s not snowed under later.

Candy found me at Axel’s house the evening after we took him to the hospital. Surprisingly, the kids absolutely love her, and she’s great with them too. Without a word, she stepped up and helped with babysitting, grocery shopping, guard duty of me, and caring for pets. She even mowed Axel’s lawn and washed his bikes. One of the best things about the club is that everyone helps when things go sideways, and Candy’s fit right in because that’s how she thinks too.

When I asked her where she had been, she simply said she’d been helping Gunner with something. No amount of prodding got another word, so I eventually gave up asking. When she returned my car, it was full of gas and sparkling inside and out. When I attempted to pay her back the gas money, she held up a hand and shook her head. End of story.

When I hear bikes, I look out the window and grin. Craig and Luke, each on their own custom-built minibike, are riding down the street toward the clubhouse. Behind Luke’s bike trots Cain, tongue lolling.

Gathering up the girls, we head outside to the yard. Spotting Bella in Pooh’s drive, standing with several club members, we walk over to join their group. It only takes a second to realize Pooh’s preparing Bella for her first bike riding lesson. Bella’s listening intently, so I stay quiet, not wanting to interfere.

“We’ve gone over the basic parts and their functions, most of which you already knew. Brakes, shifter, engine, throttle, clutch. Any questions?” Pooh asks in a patient voice.

“No, I’m good with the basics,” Bella responds.

“What’s the first rule of riding?” Petey questions her.

“Safety first,” she answers immediately.

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