Page 24 of Coty

Yeah. I knew that was coming. Kindness always leads to conversations.

“We shouldn’t.”

He takes a step closer. “Come on, Sparky. We can’t keep going like this.”

We can, but he’s determined. Honestly, I’m a little tired of it and highly emotional tonight. “Okay. Tomorrow afternoon.”

He looks away again and rubs the back of his neck. “Can’t. We have Church tomorrow afternoon.”

“Right.” I nod and smack my lips. He doesn’t know I overheard the guys talking about it at the clubhouse. “Club’s always first.”

His eyes lock with mine. “For most things, it is.”

Ole’ ladies, children, and family members get special privileges. The entire club will fight to protect them and show up when they need help. I’m not an ole’ lady or any club member’s family. His eyes hold a look of determination. The moment they soften, my heart does, too.

“Okay.” I look away and nod. “We’ll figure out something next weekend. The McLeods need us right now.”

His shoulders drop as he releases a long breath. “You’re right. They do. Next weekend.” His eyes move back to mine. “But I’ll call, text, and check on you in the meantime.”

“That’s fine.” It’s not like he’s not already doing those things.

We look toward the bathroom door when the shower turns off. Emily moves around loudly again.

“I’ll check the neighborhood one more time.”

“Thank you.”

He’s a liar. He won’t leave this neighborhood. His eyes will be on Emily’s apartment all night.

“I appreciate that.” And I do. Knowing he’s watching over us makes me feel safe. I haven’t felt safe in a long time.

“Night, Sparky.” He lifts his hand to touch my face, but drops it to his side.

“Night, Coty.”

I close the door and lock it. I turn to find Emily standing in the living room in the same clothes she had on earlier.

“You really should give him a chance.” She doesn’t wait for a reply and starts the coffee.

I should give Coty a chance. My problems aren’t really his fault. Sadly, I’m too scared to try.

Chapter 12

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Coty

The clubhouse isn’t as quiet as it was last night. We’re not back to normal yet, though. The gloomy feeling isn’t as heavy today. Our patched members are here, and a few of their ole’ ladies. The ones with children stayed home. A couple of bunnies are here with the prospects at the pool tables.

Pops is at the bar as usual. He looks lost without Granddad. Dobbs is the only bartender here today. He’s trying to keep Pops entertained. It would be nice to see Kayla behind the bar. She’s better off staying with Emily today. Thankfully, they're still together since the bakery is closed on Sundays.

Worley finishes his beer and slaps Pops on the back. Dobbs will watch over his dad while we have our meeting. Our patched members follow Worley into Church. He closes the doors behind the last Viking before joining Mack and the rest of the officers down front. Mack sits in the center. Our President looks exhausted. I slide into the front row with Jack and Jay. They’re the only three members of the McLeod family we’ve seen today.

“Vikings!” Mack calls out and taps the gavel. “Time for Church.” The room immediately goes quiet. “We have a few things to discuss.”

Worley takes over. “Last night was horrible. Nick and his computer friends have worked around the clock to take down as much as they can.”

Nick sits at the edge of the officer's table with his laptop open. He glances up while still typing. “We expect the worst of the social media attack against us to last two or three weeks. The wonderful citizens of Willow Creek who hate us resubmit the videos and pictures within an hour of us taking them down. Hopefully, most will give up or get bored soon.”

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