Her chair screeches across the floor as she stands quickly. She starts to leave the room.
“Don’t walk away from me,” I call to her.
She stops dead but doesn’t turn around.
“If you give up on Wire before you have tried to be there for him, not only as his brother but now as his President, then you’re not the man I thought you were. Did the club vote on your little ultimatum?”
“Yes, and it has been agreed.”
“Then none of you are the men I thought you were, and I’m ashamed to be connected to the club. Sleep in the spare room tonight.”
Her voice is so small and sad. Her words hit me in the gut as I watch her walk upstairs. I’m not sure how long I stand there watching the empty space where she was earlier. No way am I sleeping in the spare room. I’m doing what is right for the club and my family. Surely, she can see that.
Heading upstairs, I reach for the bedroom door to find it locked.
She has locked me out of our bedroom. Fuck it if she can’t understand where I’m coming from. I head back down the hall to our spare room. On the bed are my bathroom things, phone charger, and clean clothes. My shoulders slump. Tomorrow is going to be a hard day.
CHAPTERTHREE
Wire
As I slowly wake up, my head feels like a full brass band is playing inside it, and my mouth feels like the Sahara Desert has taken up residence. My body is slow to move to my commands, but I stumble like a newborn foal toward the bathroom, tripping over the empty bottle of Jack Daniels on my way. I start the shower, giving it a chance to warm up while I strip out of my clothes, throwing them in the hamper. I brush my teeth and then step under the hot spray. Instantly the hot water on my muscles makes me start to feel more human.
Once I’m finished in the shower, I dry and get dressed. My drawers are starting to look a little empty, so I know I need to do some laundry today. But it will have to wait as today we see BJ and Pip off on their travels.
I’m happy for them. BJ has dedicated a lot of time to the club, and Pip has stood beside him, supporting him. She has taken each brother on as if we were her sons. Making sure we were okay, cooking for us, and mothering us in general. BJ has been an amazing President. Fair but stern when needed. Thinks everything through from all angles before making a decision. Joker is more of a hot head. Not sure how that is going to work with him as President, but Tank makes a good VP. Hopefully, he will even him out.
Making my way downstairs and into the kitchen, I hunt for coffee.
“Looking for this?” Pip says, holding the coffee jug.
“Yes, please,” I beg.
She grabs a mug, chuckling at me.
I take a seat at the island while she pours me a mug and slides it to me. She then takes a seat across from me.
“You excited for your travels?” I ask after my first mouthful.
“Excited to see the world, yes. Excited to leave here and what we know, no. I love you boys, and the thought of not seeing you every day is making me sad.” A tear slowly runs down her cheek.
Instantly I’m up and gathering her in my arms.
“We will miss you too. But it’s not forever. Go, explore and reconnect with Prez. You deserve it. You both do.”
She sniffs and hugs me back tighter.
“Wire, you making my woman cry,” Prez says, coming into the kitchen.
“No, Prez, just letting her know we will be here when you get back.”
“Oh, leave him alone, BJ. I’m just being an emotional wreck.”
“Come here, woman.” He takes Pip from me and wraps her up in his arms.
“Thanks, Wire, and I’m not Prez anymore.” He gives me a chin lift and walks Pip out of the kitchen through the back door.
I finish my coffee and head back into the main room.