January 31
Riley
I’m eighteen today. I had an early dinner with my Gram last night and I could barely sit still. My mind going a hundred miles an hour and my body humming, thinking of Gunner and trying to pay attention to the conversation at hand.
I cannot believe the gift she gave me! Well, I have to run by her place today to sign and date the contract, but she’s gifting me a small building close to the shopping district. Gram owns several buildings in this town and the next one over; mostly storefronts with apartments above them. As of tomorrow, I will have access to a two bedroom apartment! I can move out of my parents’ house!
The “you’re an adult and I expect you to be responsible now” part came in next. I have to find and vet a small business to move into the empty storefront. Gram let me know the average rent prices for that area, but from that I have to pay property taxes and maintain the property. I know she’ll guide me and even though I have no idea what I’m doing; I am so excited to have the opportunity to try.
But more than anything, today I can reach out to Gunner. I know he had said he would next see me on February first but I refuse to wait one more day to see him or touch him. Besides, he must have thought I would have plans with my parents today, right? They are a continent away, so rather than sit around and wait for what I want, I’m going after it.
After showering and trying on thirty combinations of jeans and t-shirts, I end up in the first set I tried on, a simple black V-neck tee and skinny jeans. Not wanting to look like I’m trying too hard, I forgo knee-high boots for my old standby; my red Converse Chuck Taylors.
I’m too anxious to eat, but don’t know what is going to happen today so I scramble up some eggs with cheddar. Leaving shortly before nine, I head to Grams and sign my first legal document.
“Well, here is your copy, Dear,” she says handing me a set. “Now let’s go and check over the space and then let’s get some coffee and croissants.
“What?” I squeak. I have someplace I want to be.
“Dear, surely you want to see your new property?” Gram looks expectantly at me as I’m standing in her foyer ready to run. “You don’t have plans I’m keeping you from, what with Ann & Bill out of the country?”
I feel like a deer in headlights, but also like she’s mocking me. Standing there with my jaw open, I know I have to agree to her unexpected plans but there’s this glint in her eyes. I quickly agree to her proposed outing; there’s no way to really explain I am about to run out and throw myself at a thirty-something biker. There’s no way that anyone who has ever met me would think that.
The next two hours of my life are torture. The building is adorable, some parking in back, a nice area for the business I need to recruit; then a newly renovated two bedroom apartment. I cannot believe every detail Gram thought of for me, and feel miserable that I want to run off. Gram starts talking about items like getting the electric, gas, water, and garbage services all transferred to me and that’s when it really occurs to me to get my head out of the clouds and pay attention. Suddenly, having a million questions to ask about these things, I shake off what I want to do and get down to business with Gram. Day one of adulting, I guess.
Dropping Gram off at the salon, and shaking nearly as hard as the day I met Gunner, I head out to the Grizzlies’ clubhouse. Pulling into the lot, I take a deep breath and get out of my truck. There are a few guys hanging around outside, two with leather vests like Gunner had on when we met. They’re smoking and stop to watch me approach; I have to get around them to get inside.
The heaviest of the three immediately makes a suggestion, which will just never happen. The guy without the vest tells me he doesn’t mind sloppy seconds, which he’s calling unless I want to start with a DP. Before I can gather myself to say anything, the third guy, who is tall and slim, tells me to get lost.
“No.” I am beet red and seriously rethinking my surprise visit, but also see Gunner’s bike parked off to the side. That spurs me on.
Tall, scary guy steps towards me, “No? The fuck you say, this is my house, Princess, you don’t belong.”
“No. Gunner. I’m here for Gunner.” Becoming more angry than scared, I seriously question my sanity.
He laughs and turns back to the others, who are still blocking my way inside. I step towards them when the sound of more bikes coming into the lot makes me turn.
Yes! I have an in. There are five of them, but in the middle of the pack, I spot Connal riding without a helmet.
I stay where I am as they secure their bikes, then just as I’m about to call out to Connal, the tall guy grabs my shoulder pushing me back towards my truck.
“Get the fuck outta here, Princess, or you won’t like what happens next.” He growls. Meanwhile, the heavy guy strokes his penis and starts talking about running a train on me.
“Connal,” I yell out, not that we haven’t garnered everyone’s attention already. “Connal, can you let Gunner know I’m here.”
Even Connal is staring at me like I’m nuts. “Jailbait? You’re Jailbait, right?” He asks, getting everyone laughing.
“Not anymore.” I grimace at the reminder.
“Well then, come on in, Sugar, and let’s see what Gunner’s gonna give you for your birthday.” He says smirking at me, the other men go into overdrive making comments and volunteering shoulders to cry on.
I’ve come this far, why not follow him into the Grizzlies’ den?