Page 82 of The MC's Surprise
The owner’s eyes widened, a big grin on his his face. “I might start prayin’ it takes longer, then. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could care for the space anyway. It’s not like many people need to rent business space around here.”
I thought that was one of the reasons the guy wasn’t too upset. The window that had been broken was for an empty building. The rental information was taped to the front door, and looked a little aged. If I was the same person as I had been before I had Melanie, I would’ve been coming up with a dozenideas on how to use the space. It was a good area, right on the main street, and the bones were good. It just needed some maintenance.
I sighed internally and silently berated myself. I had a baby to care for now. No more big ideas for me. It wasn’t worth the risk.
48
Vegas
Sierra didn't know I’d overheard the conversation she’d been having with the building owner. I saw the look that flashed over her face. A hint of longing, like she could see all the possibilities, before she shut down hard and went back to damage control. And while I understood her caution, it made me sad to think she would never get to achieve her dreams. She was too afraid of failing.
Good thing for her, I wasn’t willing to give up just yet.
Jogging over to the booth where Prez was talking to an older guy about the club rules, I slowed to listen.
“So you really aren’t like those other gangs…”
Prez shook his head, his smile patient. “We’re not a gang. We’re a crew. We came together because we all have something in common; we love riding. We stick together because we’re friends and we like to watch each other’s backs. I don’t allow drug use in my club, nor would I keep a member who was causing trouble for our community. We require a year of prospecting at minimum to ensure each new person joining fitsin with our values. I’m aware of the issues being caused by that other crew in town, but I promise you, that’s not us.”
The older man, who looked kind of uptight, his bulldog expression pensive, nodded slowly as he looked around. “I thought coming here, I’d get some proof that you all are just like the rest. But it’s just like the county fair, only with more motorcycles.”
Prez chuckled, shifting slightly and putting his hands out. Zoey hurried past me, launching herself into her daddy’s arms with a big smile. Prez took it all in stride, letting her get comfortable while continuing his conversation with the man.
“That was the goal. We wanted to show the community why we love our lifestyle so much, but we don’t want to force it on anyone else. The woman who planned this, Sierra Martin, made sure there was a balance so we could all get to know each other better.”
“Well, she’s one smart cookie,” the man nodded. “I’m going to look around a bit more. I heard there was a show happening today?”
“One of our crew members is a professional stuntman. He can do things on his bike I would never be brave enough to pull off. He should be starting in about an hour at the far end of the rally. I hope you enjoy it.” He pointed the man in the direction of where Circus would be showing off his skills later in the afternoon. I already spoke to my mom and Sierra’s to watch Melanie so Sierra could enjoy the show and we wouldn’t have to bring our daughter near the loud noises. I just needed to tell Sierra.
“Please tell me there’s nothing else that needs my attention,” Prez said when he noticed me.
I chuckled, shaking my head. “No trouble so far, Prez. I was hoping to talk something out with you. I’m not sure if I’d be overstepping by bringing it up to Sierra.”
He relaxed a little, gesturing to the empty chair next to him. While I sat, he pulled out some coloring stuff for Zoey, who was sure to be a little artist in the future. The four year old drew better than I did.
“What are you thinking?” he asked.
Leaning back in my chair, I crossed my arms, thinking about it. “Honestly, I’m not one hundred percent sure. Her dream was always to start her own business. She even got one off the ground back in California.”
“What happened with that?”
I hoped Sierra would forgive me for talking to Prez about it, but he was my friend and when I wasn’t sure what move to make, he was always willing to be my sounding board. When it came to something as important as this, I wanted his input.
“She hired an accountant who turned out to be a scammer. He stole from her, trashed her reputation, and left her to clean up the mess. In the end, she had to give it up because she couldn’t afford to keep it going.”
He let out a low whistle. “Damn. Did she file a police report? Call a lawyer?”
“Not sure,” I admitted. “She doesn’t like to talk about it.”
He nodded in understanding. “Okay, so what’s your goal? Do you want me to look into it for you?” He paused, a flash of apprehension crossing his face. “You’re not thinking of leaving, are you?”
“No,” I grinned. “But I love how much it looks like the idea would bother you. Do you secretly love me, Prez? Would you be heartbroken without me?”
He rolled his eyes at my teasing. “A little less every day. But seriously, if I can help somehow, just ask. After everything Sierra has done for my crew, I owe her.”
That was true. We all did. And from what I could tell, Sierra had no intention of stopping any time soon. She was amazing at what she did.
“What kind of business did she run before that asshole got ahold of it?” Prez quieried curiously.
