Page 5 of Stella
I steel myself and take a couple of deep breaths, all while keeping a mechanical smile on my face.
I do not get nervous.
Anxiety can suck my balls.
I am Stella Angelique Theriot. I can fucking do this!
Cash cocks his head. “Stella, are you okay?”
I nod, a half-eaten cinnamon roll in one hand, and the unused paper bag in the other. “Uh, huh, I’m fine. I was just grabbing some, uh, food before the, uh, meeting.”
“If you’re not feelin’ well?—”
“No!” I practically lunge at him.
Calm the fuck down you lunatic!
He takes a step back. I mean, he’s used to dealing with slightly ‘spirited’ women, look at his ol’ lady, Deanna. She’s one of my best friends, and she gives him a run for his money. Deanna used to be pretty wild until she got with Cash, now they’re all loved up with a gorgeous little girl called Caprice, who I love to bits. So, I know that wild-eyed look. He thinks I’m unhinged. I know how to fix this immediately.
“Stella?” Cash begins.
I clear my throat, standing up a little taller. “I’m on my period.”
Silence.
Manny facepalms himself, and Cash just looks like a deer caught in headlights. He clears his throat, never one to argue with a hormonal woman. “Okay, well, thanks for sharing. We’re ready for you in church.”
I nod, still smiling like a child of the corn, as he gives Manny a ‘what the fuck’ side-eye and leaves. As soon as he’s gone, Manny turns to me.
“Have you lost your ever lovin’ mind?”
“Shit! I’ve ballsed this up already!” I cry.
He takes me by the shoulders, a little more forcefully this time. “Stella Angelique!” He all but shakes me. “Get your shit together, honey. This is gonna be okay. I’ll make you a calming cup of herbal tea to take with you, but for Christ's sake, take a beat, you’re starting to make me sweat!”
He’s right. I know that. But my whole life has been leading up to this point, and it’s all hitting me now.
“I’m sorry.” I let out a breath. “Oh, shit, my bag…” I glance around, then remember I dumped it on the bar as I walked through to the kitchen. It has all my notes in there, and an entire file for my presentation. Yes, my presentation.
If the men of the NOLA Rebels MC thought I came to play, they can think again. I’m prepared. Hell, I’ve been preparing for this for most of my life, not really daring to believe it would come, and I think I have all bases covered.
“You good?”
“Yeah.” I smile. “Sorry, I’m just a nervous wreck. I don’t know how I’ll face everyone if this goes wrong. The other prospects will laugh in my face.”
“Since when did you care about what other people think?”
I hold up a finger. “That’s very true.”
I watch as he pours me a hot cup of chamomile tea, passing it to me as I down the rest of the roll. “Thanks.”
“Better not keep everyone waiting. I’ll come in to deliver the cinnamon rolls. Give me one blink if you’re all good, two for get me the fuck outta here.”
I snort a laugh. “Okay.”
He pinches my chin. “Break a leg, honey. Just remember to breathe. Nobody in that room is better than you, dollface. You’re a strong, capable woman.”
“I’m a strong, capable woman,” I mimic as I turn on my heel and head out of the kitchen. “Thanks, Manny.”
