Page 22 of Poker
“All in favor of Poker asking Meri to let Esteban into the game, thump twice,” Crow instructs, putting it to a vote.
I’m the only one who hesitates, but I pound the table twice when I see I’m outnumbered.
“That’s settled then,” Crow says and looks at me. “Talk to her as soon as you can.”
“I will.”
Pres focuses on Stunner. “Give us a quick financial rundown.”
“Things are good across the board,” he reports. “And we got a lovely fruit basket thanking us for our latest donation to the elementary school.”
“A fruit basket?” Journey asks.
Stunner shrugs. “They also invited us to attend the little graduation ceremony for the fifth graders on Friday. Apparently, some of the money was used to ramp up the celebration.”
“Jesus,” Journey mutters.
“What’d you tell them?” Crow asks, trying like hell not to laugh at Journey’s discomfort.
“I told them that we’d do our best to be there,” Stunner admits. “Wasn’t sure if you’d want me to commit to it or not.”
“We’ll be there,” Crow says. “At least patched members and old ladies.”
“I’d like to bring Meri,” I blurt. When all eyes turn to me, my muscles bunch. “What? We’re able to make a lot of these contributions because of the game she hosts. She deserves to see the good that comes of it.”
“He’s got a point,” Screamer says, always having my back.
Crow sighs. “Fine. But I’m telling you now, brother… If you want her to attend club functions other than parties open to the public, you better lock it down.”
“I’m working on it,” I mutter.
“Work faster,” Journey taunts.
I glare at my VP. “Right, because you, Crow, and Ghost didn’t have your women all up in our business before youlocked it down.”
“Enough!” Crow shouts. “This isn’t up for debate. Not only does Meri associate with potential enemies, but you are way past liking her. Just do what you need to do.”
“You kidnapped our enemy,” I counter. “Or have you forgotten that Addison is a cop?”
“Keep my old lady out of this,” he snarls.
I heave a sigh. “Yeah, fine.”
“Anything else?” Crow asks. When no one speaks, he continues. “Church dismissed. And Poker, this is your one free pass. Bring Addi into shit again, and I’ll feed you your dick.”
Huffing out a laugh, I nod. “Got it, Pres.”
My brothers file out of the room, but a hand lands on my shoulder before I can cross the threshold. I turn around to see Crow standing there with a grin.
“You know I’m only doing this because I see how much you like her, right?”
“Okay.”
“You’ve had it bad for her since the first time you saw her. Do yourself, and the rest of us, a favor and claim her.”
With that, he moves past me, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
I’m fucking trying, Pres. I’m fucking trying.
