Page 89 of Biker's Tribute: Property of Bear

“Thanks.”

“If you don’t talk to her, you’re never going to find out how she feels. Vickie taught me that.”

I finish off my Guinness because Owen really is pissing me off.

“She’s depressed. Her best friend disappeared and… I don’t think she’s coming back. I have no idea how to give Amanda what she wants.”

Owen replies insistently. “Ask her.”

“And what if she doesn’t want a future with me?”

“She does.” I don’t know how the fuck Owen can sound so sure of himself.

“You don’t know her.”

“She’s had chances to leave, hasn’t she? But she keeps coming back to you. Sleeping in your bed. Talking to you. Has she said… you know… anything?”

“Yes. We discussed… basic emotions. But marriage is… something more.”

“Exactly,” Owen replies. “Women need more to explore their emotions more deeply. If you want this woman to be yours forever, get her a ring, give her a baby and start planning your wedding.”

“And what about her life? Her future?”

“Get down on one knee and promise to give it to her.”

He seems sosure.

But how can Owen know this will work? Vickie had every reason to stay with him when they got together finally. He turned his life around from the first tragic night in Las Vegas when he met her. I haven't had time to turn my life around. All I can do is promise Amanda that I'll do better when she just watched me wager her best friend's life on a game of blackjack.

Owen pats me on the back, and changes the subject to other important matters.

"Just make sure you get it done before the next club meeting."

"When is that again?"

The last thing I need to worry about right now is more club business. I want to throw myself into Amanda. And getting better. But... I can't let the club down when they've never let me down.

"Six weeks. Exactly why you need to lock down Amanda right away."

"Fuck. That's soon."

Owen nods, becoming more animated as his head likely dances with the potential opportunities for gambling and drinking at our next meeting.

"We have three recruits ready to pass initiation and Ruger brought up a proposal about changing some of our rules."

I don't know which of Owen's statements will yield a more interesting response. Probably the new recruits, since I can't imagine Ruger Blackwood coming up with anything that might grab my attention.

"Who are the recruits?"

"Zeb Blackwood might get his cut. Reed. And one other. Not sure I recall the name."

"Great. Sounds like a blast. I'm sure Amanda will love hearing about my trashy redneck club obligations."

"You are hung up on her," Owen says. "This is different. I thought you were switching teams for a while there."

"Sorry I don't pass my dick out to every woman who comes around."

"Hey, neither do I," Owen says. "I'm just saying you were giving off a vibe there."

---