Page 7 of Rex

“It’ll help settle your stomachs and get rid of the headaches,” Candy says in the same quiet tone Lisa and I have been using. “Give me your house keys, Aria, and I’ll return with clothes for you, and then we can retrieve your car from the clubhouse.”

I stare blankly at Candy while trying to remember the last time I saw my purse and keys. Another blank that my mind refuses to fill in or just doesn’t remember.

“Uhh. I’m not sure where my keys or purse are, Candy,” I finally admit before dropping my eyes to the plate in front of me. I have fucked up in an epic fashion in more ways than one.

“You were carrying two purses when you left the clubhouse, so I’ll go check my car,” Candy states before walking out of the room.

Instant relief hits me at the same time Lisa lets out a small laugh. Glancing her way again, I find her staring at me with big eyes.

“We are completely fucked if anyone from the club has video of us,” she states before giving another laugh that quickly turns into some hysterical giggling.

“Is Rex the kind of guy that would do that?” I ask in astonishment and with no small amount of panic.

“I don’t mean a video of the naked stuff!” Lisa stops giggling long enough to semi-shout.

I feel relief course through my body at that small piece of good news.

“At what point in the evening did we end up in Rex’s room? Where and when did we lose the others? It had to be before we returned to the clubhouse because no way in hell would my brothers have allowed me in a member’s room.”

“You, Lisa, Rex, and Reeves returned to the clubhouse together. No sign of the others. Lisa made a comment about how they ditched you four at a club when you all weren’t willing to call ita night. I was leaving as you all arrived and headed straight for the bar. All was well at that point, but I got worried after I left that you’d try to drive after more drinks, and you were all pretty smashed already. I turned around and came back, but by then, none of you were in the main room. No one was in there, and I wasn’t going to start knocking on closed doors to find you two. I stopped at the gate and told James not to let either of you drive, and I went home,” Candy explains as she sets our purses on the island.

I dig through mine and hand over my keys as Candy continues to explain the parts of the evening she knew about.

“I woke early this morning and realized that the club would be having Church today, and it might be best if you two weren’t seen by every club member, including Chubs. I arrived before Ava and Trudy showed to start on Sunday brunch, but Axel was walking up the road to the clubhouse. He’s the last one you want to know something you’d rather keep quiet, so I checked Reeves’ then Rex’s rooms and found what I found. I didn’t have much time to explain. Sorry for the harsh wakeup. I’ll be back soon with clothes for you.”

“Thank you, Candy. Things would’ve gotten ugly if you hadn’t saved us,” Lisa states softly. “Sorry we put you in that position, though.”

“No worries. I’ll always have your backs. It’s the least I can do after all you, Lucy, and Chubs have done for me. You’re family,” Candy replies then turns for the doorway.

“Love you, Candy,” Lisa says sincerely to her retreating back.

When Candy turns back to look at Lisa, her eyes are soft, and there’s a small smile on her face.

“Love you, too,” Candy replies in a near whisper before leaving the condo.

“She’s pretty effing awesome,” I state.

“Yeah, she really is.”

When Candy returns, I dress, give Lisa a hug and a promise to call her later, then follow Candy to her car. Climbing into the passenger seat, I notice that while the car is an older model, it’s completely spotless.

“You take great care of your car,” I say when we’re on our way.

“I never had much growing up. When I get something, I take care of it. My car’s not new, not even close, but it’s mine. It’s the most expensive thing I’ve ever bought, and I’m proud of that. If shit ever goes sideways and I end up homeless again, I’ll have a place to sleep,” Candy explains in a serious but calm voice.

“You’ve been homeless before?” I ask quietly.

“Yeah. Lots of times. Didn’t have much for parents, and they never provided any stability for us kids. Life was hard, but it made me tough and appreciate things more. When you have nothing, even the smallest thing to someone else is huge to someone like me. I’m not looking for sympathy, and I don’t need it. Just sayin’ how it was, you know?”

“I can see why everyone adores you, Candy, but if you think any of them—of us—would ever allow you to be homeless again, you’re crazy as a loon,” I state firmly while knowing I just spoke the God’s honest truth.

Candy’s silent for a few miles and then simply states, “I know.”

When we stop outside the clubhouse, I look around carefully before thanking Candy again and making a dash to my car. It takes me seconds to start it and make my escape. I breathe easier once I clear the gate and turn toward my condo. I know I’m being cowardly, but there’s no way I’m ready to face Rex yet. I need time to get my head straight and, hopefully, some of my memory back first.

Chapter 3

Rex

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