Page 23 of Stella
My friends have been supportive, even if they have no desire to come to the clubhouse, because they believe in me. I do have a couple of friends though who are dying to come to the club, but I know for a fact they’re too prim and proper, and at the end of the day, it is my job now as a prospect to protect the club’s interests.
Me
I’d love to just get one guy, but go Lace!
Anshul
I’ll see you tonight
Me
Can’t wait!
I’ve been looking forward to Cait’s bachelorette party forever, even before I knew we were going to XXL.
I’m helping out at Indigo’s bakery today, painting the windows outside. I don’t mind helping Indi out as part of club duties, or otherwise. She’s been such an amazing support, and I suspect the main culprit at keeping my dad at bay, instead of interfering with what I’m doing every five seconds. The other prospects give me some shit, but I give it right back to them.
“It’s looking great,” Indi says, the door jingling as she steps out.
I glance up from my phone. “I think so. It’s amazing what paint can do.”
She smiles. “How are you doing with everything?”
Everythingbeing within the MC. “It’s going pretty good,” I say honestly. “I get a night off for my friend’s bachelorette party tonight, so that’ll be fun, it’s at XXL.”
Indi’s eyebrows raise. “One last hoorah?”
I snicker. “Something like that. It also wasn’t my idea, but I got a good deal from Cash, so that’s where I’ll be, keeping the girls in line.”
“God help them,” Indi laughs. “I do not know how you fit all of this in.”
“Aww, miss me?” I’ve missed Indi and the bakery, though I do still help out when I can, mainly on the weekends if she’s short staffed.
She wraps an arm around my shoulders. “You know I do.”
I live above the bakery, so I see Indi more than I see anyone else, though lately, she has taken a backseat and is concentrating more on private orders like birthday and wedding cakes. I was really pleased when Indi said I could stay living upstairs a while ago, it’s a great apartment, but I was willing to move aside for another staff member. Lucky for me, all the staff have housing, and Indi and my dad like me being exactly where they can find me, so it’s win-win.
I like having my own place. Living with other people is not something I’m sure I’m really cut out for, because as much as I love my friends, I like my alone time. I’m not afraid to admit I’m a tomboy at heart, but I also love being feminine. I’ve always loved motorcycles, and climbing trees, getting dirty rather than playing with dolls inside. Heck knows, I made Dad’s life hell growing up, but I tend to think I turned out okay.
“So what’s new with you guys?” I ask, sensing something she’s not telling me. I have a sixth sense for these things.
“Nothing,” she says innocently. “But your dad and I would love you to come to dinner tomorrow night. It’s been ages since we’ve all gotten together.”
Hmm, I smell a rat, but it’s true; we’ve all been so busy lately that family time has gotten away from us.
“Sounds like a plan, but I can’t promise I won’t be hungover.”
She chuckles. “Fine by me. Are you really okay?”
I give her a side-eye as I pick the paintbrush back up. “Is that your way of asking if I’m being treated fairly?”
“I know your father wouldn’t let you be treated unfairly, so I guess I’m asking how you’re feeling?”
This is why I love Indi. She gets to the nitty-gritty in her own kind, caring way.
“I’m honestly doing so good,” I say. “I admit, the first two weeks were tough. They had me doing all kinds of shitty jobs; one of them was emptying the grease trap at the Grill, have you ever smelled one of those? I am a vegetarian for a reason.”
She makes a face. “That’s disgusting.”
