Page 61 of Stella
“They’ve been pretty good. Of course, I have to put up with Tag every single freaking day, but that’s a trade-off.”
“Proud of you,” she says. “In fact, you’ve inspired Rawlings.”
My eyes grow wide. “I have?”
“Well, she’s always loved the MC, she was the first kid to grow up around the lifestyle. She’s the apple of her dad’s eye, like yours, so that may take some convincing, but she’s strong-willed.”
I laugh. “My dad says I came out kicking and screaming, not much has changed.”
“Just remember, Cash is a man who does everything with exact precision. He wouldn’t let you into his club unless he was a hundred percent sure you could handle it. Prospecting is shitty, but just keep your wits about you.”
“I’m trying,” I sigh. “The other prospects like to play pranks on me, and ‘supervise’ when I’m cleaning the men’s toilets because they think it’s funny,” I say. “But I haven’t let any of that deter me, I never want to give anyone the excuse to get rid of me because I didn’t want to do something, ya know?”
She puts a hand on my shoulder. “I get it. And can I say? The women in my club are deeply proud of you, as are the women here. And I can see from your strength and determination that you’ll be a wonderful patched in addition to the club once you earn your stripes.”
“Here’s hoping.” I smile. “I think I have a fair way to go yet, but I’m hanging in there.”
Rawlings sidles over and gives me a hug.
“You just keep growing!” I tell her. The last time she was here, she wasn’t much taller than me, now she’s rivaling her mom.
Rawlings smiles. “I’m a late bloomer. I was the shortest in my class until the last few years. Now Dad’s scared I’m gonna be taller than him.”
Angel laughs. “God, let’s hope not, or we’ll never hear the end of it.”
“So, what’s prospect life really like?” I can tell by the look in her eyes that she wants to hear all about it.
So, I tell her the truth. “I think at any other club, it might be shittier than this one. It helps that Dad is a big part of the club, but that’s also a downfall because everyone thinks you’re getting special privileges.”
She groans. “That would be annoying.”
“You have to fight for every single piece of recognition because you’re a girl, and there will be things you simply can’t do. I can’t lift a man over my shoulder and carry him, and I’ve seen a couple of the prospects do that when someone is reallydrunk.” I roll my eyes. “But I can whoop some ass, so that kinda makes up for it.”
Angel looks at her daughter. “Don’t tell me you’re getting ideas again?”
Rawlings waggles her eyebrows. “Maybe.”
I snort. “I’m sure you have it in you to be an amazing prospect, but word to the wise? Break it to your dad gently.”
She smirks. “Oh, you’ve no idea. My dad still thinks I’m a five-year-old with pig-tails.”
I lower my voice. “That’s not gonna change no matter how old you get.”
“She’s right,” Angel agrees. “Brock loved you from the moment he laid eyes on you, and that’s never gonna change, no matter what you do in life; you’re always gonna be his little girl.”
“Great,” she huffs. “I can’t wait forthatconversation.”
I’m obsessed with Angel’s tattoos, so I ask; “I’ve been thinking of getting some ink.”
“Yeah?”
I nod. “I asked Bronco, but he said no way was he tattooing me. He was afraid Dad would bury him.” I roll my eyes.
Angel and Rawlings laugh, then Angel says. “What were you thinking of getting?”
Angel is an amazing ink slinger and artist; she’s been featured in magazines, tattoo shows and on TV.
“I want the NOLA Rebels club emblem, and Ride or Die,” I say. “It’s no secret how much I love this club, and regardless of what happens with prospecting, I’ll always have a part of the club inside me. It’s in my blood.”
