Chapter 11

 

Wednesday, December 19th

6:30 pm

Graham

 

 

“TANK AND RAPTOR are looking for you,” said Ice, AKA Cole, who was brushing a fresh layer of snow from his truck. I’d just pulled up to the clubhouse, after finishing some electrical work at Sal’s. Raina, Cole’s sister and Tank’s wife, was remodeling and wanted to turn the place into a family restaurant. Right now it was nothing but a hole-in-the-wall and there was still a shitload of work to be done. Fortunately, my part was finished and I also had the next few days off of work. A couple of guys in the club had invited me to go snowmobiling over the weekend and I was looking forward to relaxing and having fun.

“Yeah, Raptor sent me a message. Where you off to?”

“Christmas shopping,” he replied. “For Terin. Last year I waited until the last minute to buy her something and I’m not making that mistake again.”

“I don’t blame you. The weekend is going to be horrible with last-minute shoppers.”

“You doing any shopping?”

“Fuck no,” I replied, smiling. “I hate crowds, especially during the holidays. I ordered all of my shit online.” This year my list was much longer than usual. My family tree had grown substantially and it now it even included nieces and nephews.

“At least you don’t have a chick to buy for,” he replied, opening up the back door and tossing the snow brush inside. “I gave Terin a new vacuum last year for Christmas. You know…one of those Roombas that do the job for you? I thought it was as cool as shit, especially since she was always complaining about not having enough time to vacuum. You should have seen the look on her face when she opened it. I thought she was going to reach for her gun.”

I laughed. Terin, his wife, was a cop. “Dude, you don’t give your woman something like that for Christmas. Unless you’re going to follow it up with a pair of earrings or something sentimental.”

He grinned sheepishly. “Yeah, I should have known better. Another reason why I’m doing my shopping tonight. I’m thinking about getting her this ring she was eyeing at Adriana’s store. That’s where I’m heading now.”

Remembering the engagement ring I’d purchased for Bonnie the year before, took the smile off of my face. Fortunately, I’d been able to return it and buy my sled, but the memory of what had happened still stung like a son-of-a-bitch.

“Have fun,” I said, turning around and walking toward the doorway, shoving Bonnie’s memory out of my thoughts. I was done with commitments and, hell, women in general. Sure, I partied with them and had an occasional one-night stand. But frankly, I trusted a woman as much as I did a preacher living in Beverly Hills and driving a Beemer. Most of my time and respect went toward the club and my brothers. They were now my world and I was finally beginning to feel like I really fit in.

“Thanks. See you later.”

I waved at him over my shoulder and continued on my way.

“There he is,” Tank said when I walked inside of the clubhouse. “The man of the hour.”

I stomped the snow off of my boots and smirked. “Oh, shit. What do you need me to do now?”

I’d been a Prospect for the last ten months and they were always giving me shit to do that nobody else wanted. I didn’t mind, though. I’d become really close with everyone the last year, especially Raptor and Tank. Jordan was cool, too, but never around and when he was, he hardly said anything.  It was also his way and I was getting used to it.

Tank laughed. “Brother,” he said, putting his hand over his heart. “Can’t I just give you a warm welcome? Especially on this cold-assed blustery day?”

“You could, but then I’d have to drive you to the E.R. to find out what kind of head trauma you received and if they can fix it,” I said wryly.

“That’s definitely your brother,” he replied, smiling at Raptor.

“And he’s got your number,” Raptor replied.

“Mine? You’re the one who volunteered him.”

I looked at Raptor. “For what?”

He shifted in his chair and then smiled. “How do you feel about kids?”

I frowned. “I like yours.” I nodded toward Tank. “His, too. Jordan’s are pretty cool as well. Other than that, kids are great as long as they’re not in my way. Why?”

Tank started laughing and Raptor gave him a warning look.

“Okay. What the hell is going on?” I asked, smiling.

“Being a Prospect means that you have to commit yourself to tasks that you don’t always find… enjoyable,” Raptor said.

I walked over to where they were sitting, at one of the pub tables. “Yeah. I’ve figured that out. Especially last week when Tank asked me to help clean out the grease trap at Sal’s.”

“Oh, shit. That’s right. I’d forgotten about that,” Tank replied looking amused.

“Thanks, by the way. I don’t think that thing was ever cleaned,” I replied, remembering the smell and the mess.

“Raina was really grateful for all of your help,” he replied. “She says you’re doing an awesome job with the electrical stuff, too.”

“I’m glad she’s pleased,” I said truthfully. “Now, spill it. What did you sign me up for?”

“How’s your ‘ho, ho, ho’s?” Raptor asked with a mischievous grin.