Page 37 of Stella
I dive out of bed, careening over my own feet because they’re trapped in the sheets. When I finally untangle myself, I hop in the shower and wash myself quickly. I sent Anshaul a quick text after screwing up the earlier texts to Cale last night, letting her know I was home safe. No doubt I’ll be getting a lot of questions from my friends about my police escort.
Why the fuck didn’t my alarm go off? I literally race around like a maniac getting dressed, skip coffee and breakfast, and jump onto my Harley as I start the engine. My bike purrs like a pussy cat. I freaking love this ride and feel like a bad ass when I ride her.
I’m not crazy enough to drive like a bat out of hell, but even I know I’m going to be late. And I don’t want any black marks onmy record. I do not want the MC having anything to pin on me. My list from Cash yesterday was clear:
Clean the clubhouse, including the windows. Vacuum. Mop the floors. Help Amber set up the bar, and report to Tag when I’m done.
I don’t see the other prospects cleaning. That could also be because they’re completely useless, and let’s face it, most men do a pretty shitty job of cleaning.
It won’t be spotless like when I do it. I can’t really blame Cash for that.
When I arrive, I park, hurrying inside as fast as my legs will carry me. I rush inside and smack right into my dad.
“Stella?” Dad holds me by the shoulders as he peers down at me. His frown deepens. “Are you okay? You look… unwell.”
I don’t want to admit to my dad I had too much to drink, he’ll just give me a lecture. So I bend the truth a little. “I had a late night; it was Cait’s Bachelorette party last night.” I leave it at that. No need to go into details about XXL. Nope. Not needed.
He smiles, but the crease still remains between his brows. “So you’re all good?”
“Yup.” I pique a brow. “Why, did you think I’d quit already?”
“I know you better than anyone, so no, I didn’t think that, but I’ll admit I didn’t believe you’d stick it out this long. Prospectin’ is shitty, but necessary.”
I need coffee before I have this conversation. “Well, I don’t find it that bad, and it isn’t because anyone is going easy on me. I’m resilient.”
“Long as you’re not just doin’ this to prove a point. You’re like your old man like that. Stubborn to the bitter end.”
“It’s okay, Dad. I’m a big girl now. I wouldn’t waste my time if I didn’t really have my heart in it. You taught me that.”
His face softens. “You know I just want what’s best for you, right?”
Dad has been the most vocal about me not joining the club, but I know it’s because he loves me. He doesn’t want to see me doing manual labor, and basically at Cash’s beck and call, but I know it’ll be worth it. I’ve had shittier jobs.
“Of course I do,” I say. “And I appreciate it. I know how hard it was raising us on your own. Me and Kai are both lucky to have a Dad like you. I get it’s hard to let go, but I’ll always be your daughter no matter what, and clearly the favorite.”
Kai has started college and lives on campus, but he comes home every other weekend because he just can’t stay away. We’ve always been close, and he’s always supported me with my ambition of joining the MC. My brother has never looked down on me, or said I can’t do anything.
Dad’s smile turns into a grin. “I can’t help if you’re the apple of my eye, ever since you were first born and I held you in these two hands.” It’s a familiar story that Dad loves to tell on the regular, just in case I forget.
“Dad, it’s early and you’re gonna make me cry.”
He pulls me into a one-armed hug. “I’m proud of you, no matter what.”
I swallow hard, the lump in my throat bringing tears to my eyes. “Thanks, Dad. Now, if you don’t mind, I’ve got a clubhouse to clean, and I’m already running late.”
He holds his hands up in surrender. “Oh, don’t forget about tonight.” His eyes twinkle.
I narrow my eyes as I back away toward the bar. “What’s going on with the two of you?”
“Nothin’, can’t your old man just enjoy a family dinner with all the trimmings?”
They’re up to something, and I have a pretty good clue what it is. I also can’t wait to see Kai, it’s been so long since we’ve had a proper catch up.
“Fine, but there better be pie.”
“Would your old man let you down?”
“Later, Dad.”
