Page 27 of Claimed By the Biker Brothers

“Why, what happened?”

She lowers her gaze for a moment. Behind me, I hear Kyra laughing hysterically. Glancing back, I see Diesel lifting her up and pretending to fly her around. There’s nothing hotter than three gorgeous men going above and beyond to make my daughter happy, but Ellie’s tone worries me.

“Ellie, what’s wrong?”

“I got laid off from my job. Restructuring, they said. I didn’t make the cut.” She sighs deeply as her shoulders drop in defeat. “I don’t really know what I’m going to do in this economy, so if you need me to take care of Kyra more often, I’m here.”

“Oh, gosh, I’m sorry to hear that. Can I help you with anything?”

“Ask around, maybe? I’ll work any job: waitress, bartender, cleaning, office manager or admin, junior stuff too, anything so I can pay my bills.”

“Of course. I’ll ask.” I pause and look up at her house. “It’s a good thing you’re not renting, huh? That would’ve made this so much worse.”

“Tell me about it. I’ve never been happier with my decision to move here after Auntie passed away. Talk about dumb luck,” Ellie says. “Had this happened back in the city, I would’ve been screwed. They didn’t even give me notice, Robyn. They were like, hey, sorry, this is your last day, bye.”

I shake my head slowly. “That can’t be legal.”

“Unfortunately, it is. California is an at-will employment state. I just need to land on my feet,” she says, then looks at the guys. “They seem like they’re really enjoying Kyra’s company, eh?”

“Oh, they love her to bits,” I say. “They’re so good to her, just like you, Ellie. I swear, with everything that’s going on in my life right now, it’s you and them, Ellie. I’m just so grateful for you”

She gives me another hug for good measure. “Thank you, Robyn. It means a lot.”

“I’m here for you, okay?”

“Okay.”

“And in about five minutes, I’m going to be here for you with my daughter in tow.”

“Bring her over,” she laughs.

Once Kyra is safely delivered to Ellie’s house along with her overnight bag and some snacks, the guys and I retreat to my place for a movie and a hell of a lot of popcorn. I can’t get Ellie’s situation out of my mind, though. She’s the closest friend I’ve ever had, and I feel bad for her.

“What’s up?” Knox asks, picking up on my state as we lounge on the sofa.

“It’s Ellie,” I respond. “She’s out of a job. No notice, nothing.”

“That sucks,” Diesel says.

“Yeah, it does. If you guys know of anybody looking, she’s willing to do anything.”

Jagger nods slowly, taking a sip from his cream soda. “I think one of our bartenders is moving out of state before Christmas. I’m not sure.”

“That would be amazing,” I tell him. “Ellie is good people; I’ll vouch for her anytime.”

“Why?” Knox replies, giving me a curious look.

“Why, what?”

“Why would you vouch for her anytime? There’s no wrong answer, Robyn. I’m just genuinely curious.”

I need a moment to think about it. It’s a good question. “Our friendship is young, I’ll agree. I’ve only known Ellie for the year since she moved to Redwood. I know enough about her to know she’s a hard worker, that she sticks to her guns and tries to be the best at anything she does. I also know she’s always been there for Kyra and me. Granted, I pay her for the babysitting services, but there were a few times when Ellie refused to take my money.” I smile, thinking of her kindness.

“The salon wasn’t doing too great a few months ago. Not sure you guys remember. But money was tight. I had Kyra’s treatment, and the medical bills were astronomical. It wasn’t easy,” I add.

“That was when your car broke down, as well,” Jagger remembers.

“Yeah. You guys helped a lot, and I will never be able to repay you for the support.”

---