Page 81 of Zen's Crash

Wade steps forward, and Dutch hands him his new cut with the odd club name engraved on it. Wade doesn’t care what name they tagged him with—he just wants to be a brother. He takes off his prospect cut and slides the new one on with a look of pride on his face. Everyone congratulates him.

After Tusk, Ghost and Bear are next to be voted in, and everyone is all smiles.

***

At the bar, the old ladies have a party going for the new club members. I make my rounds quickly because we’re having breakfast with my family this morning.

When Lexi reaches the bottom of the stairs, I’m blown away. My old lady likes to dress in black, but today her black is sweet. She’s wearing black velvet pants and a slinky long-sleeved shirt with my property vest on top. She’s wearing the other set of earrings that don’t dangle and black ankle boots. Her hair is pulled up and back out of her face. And of course, my ring is sparkling on her finger. In short, she looks amazing.

Crow stalks by me and stops dead in his tracks. “You are one lucky man. You know that, Zen?”

“Yeah, I must have done something amazing in my last life to deserve such a beautiful and loyal old lady.”

Lexi walks up to me and slides her arm through mine. When we walk outside and get onto my bike, I can’t imagine how my life could get any better.

Chapter 32

Lexi

Standing outside Zen’s parents’ home I brace myself for awkwardness. I imagine them trying to size me up, wondering if I’m a good match for their son. But none of that happens. Instead, his sister Lori answers the door, takes one look at us, and shouts, “She’s here, and she’s really beautiful!”

Her enthusiasm catches me off guard, and before I can respond, Zen’s mother hurries into the room, looking a little nervous. “Oh honey, don’t just say that! I’m sure she’s more than just beautiful.”

Zen shoots his sister an indulgent look. “Trust me, Lexi is way more than just a pretty face.”

His mom smiles warmly at me. “It’s really cute how you’re twinning today, with your matching leather vests and all.”

Zen gives her a quick hug. “It’s not just matching—it’s her property cut, Ma.”

“Well, she has nice style,” his mom comments.

Lori chimes in, “All black is in style right now.”

Zen adds quietly, “She’s still in mourning for her father. He passed about a year and a half ago.”

I see the awkward look on his sister’s face, and I quickly reassure her, “It’s true about my dad, but I wear black because I like it.”

His mother’s expression softens, and she steps forward to give me a hug. “Oh, sweetie, I’m so sorry to hear that. Come on into the dining room and take a load off. I want you to meet my husband.”

Walking into their home, I’m struck by how warm and welcoming they are. They’re the kind of family you see on TV—attractive, kind-hearted, and down-to-earth.

We find his dad at the kitchen table, tinkering with a small motor. When he looks up, I realize he’s wearing some kind of magnifying gadget that makes his eyes look comically huge.

Zen grins. “Garage door opener giving you trouble again, Dad?”

His dad nods, blinking at me with those gigantic eyes. “Yeah, but I’ve got it figured out for sure this time.”

His mom waves a hand towards him. “Bob, you’re all eyes again, dear.”

He mumbles, “Sorry, I forget I have them on.” She helps him remove the headgear, and he gives me an embarrassed smile.

Once we’re seated at the table, introductions are made. His parents, Miriam and Bob, insist I call them by their first names, and Lori seems just as eager to make me feel welcome. Their warmth makes me relax instantly.

Zen leans over to whisper, “What do you think?”

I can’t keep the smile off my face. “Your family is wonderful.”

Zen laughs, clearly thrilled that I’m feeling at ease. I lean closer and ask, “How much good news do you think they can handle at one time?”

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