Page 50 of Damascus & The Wildfire
I managed a weak smile before grabbing my bag and heading for my car, the sunglasses still shielding my eyes from the unforgiving sun.
Chapter Nineteen
The yard vibrated with energy as the long-awaited anniversary party drew in club members, supporters, and curious neighbors alike. A large banner hung off the side of the clubhouse with a timeline of the club’s history, complete with blown-up versions of the photos I’d given Kenna. Another banner honored the men we’d lost over the years—on the road, in wars, and to their own personal demons.
Rhetta kicked off the event from a stage in front of the clubhouse. I watched the crowd from my spot near the back, scanning for threats out of habit.
“Welcome and thank you for coming to celebrate the Lone Star Mavericks Motorcycle Club’s fiftieth anniversary. I’m Rhetta Blackwell, tonight’s emcee and the wife of our fearless leader. Before we break for dinner, drinks, and a damn good time tonight”—she paused to allow the loud cheers from the crowd—“we have a short video to share about our history and community impact.”
She stepped aside as a video projected on a white screen. It told the story of our club through brief interview clips, photos, and videos. It wove in the ways we’d helped the community—from a playground built by Reaper’s construction company in a local park to the run thatraised tens of thousands of dollars for the women’s shelter. I’d known Kenna was a talented interviewer, but the way she stitched together the past, present, and future told our story better than I’d ever imagined.
I tensed when my voice filled the air: “The Lone Star Mavericks Motorcycle Club runs in my blood. It’s a part of my soul.” The screen faded to black with a childhood photo of me standing beside my father in front of the original rundown building.
Hatchet smacked me on the back, and Eva glanced at me with a grin.
“Sorry. I know you hate the attention, but Kenna insisted that this was the perfect way to end the video,” Eva said.
“Where is Kenna?” Hatchet asked, glancing around.
Eva frowned. “I had to send her home halfway through setup.”
My brow furrowed. “Why?”
Eva hesitated. “She’s not feeling well.”
“She’s sick?”
Eva patted my arm. “Not exactly. Her day started with a migraine, and then she got hit with cramps. I sent her home. She’ll be fine. She’s been texting me all afternoon. The woman doesn’t know how to rest.”
“That’s too bad. All she’s been talking about is this party and the damn cake,” Hatchet said, wandering away to the bar.
I hated the idea of Kenna in pain, home alone while we enjoyed the party she’d planned without her. The thought gnawed at me as I made an impulsive decision. I snuck to the back kitchen, cutting off a large piece of the espresso chocolate cake and carefully enclosing it in a plastic container.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Maisie said as she stormed up to me. “I expect this thievery from Dixon, but not you.”
“Calm down. I’m taking a piece to Kenna, since she’s missing out. Eva sent her home. Migraine and cramps.”
Maisie tilted her head. “Well, isn’t that sweet? Let me put together a goody bag for her before the heathens eat all thecinnamon rolls and donuts. How about I grab a to-go box from the buffet, too?”
I smiled. “Thanks, Mais.”
“Stop by the coffee shop and ask Lenora to make her a raspberry iced tea. Raspberry leaf helps with cramping. You might grab her some Advil and a heating pad from the drugstore next door while you’re at it.”
I raised my brows. “You sure that’s not too much?”
She smiled sweetly and patted my chest. “Not for someone you care about, dear.”
I nixed the plan to take my bike, carrying the canvas bag filled with sweet treats and a generous sampling of the buffet to my truck. Gravel crunched behind me, and I turned to see Fuse.
“Calling it a night already?” he asked.
“Just taking some dinner and cake to Kenna. She had to leave early. Knocked down by a migraine and cramps, according to Eva.”
A slow smile spread across Fuse’s face. “That woman is exactly what you need.”
I scowled. “She’s a friend.”
“Pretend all you want. I’ve known you for a long time, brother. I’ve seen you with her. You don’t look at anyone else the way you look at Kenna. Not even Rose.”
