But then, out of nowhere, he asked me if I wanted to go on a date. I froze. My heart started pounding and my breathing became erratic. I was in total shock. I stumbled over my words, stuttering like an idiot. My throat was dry, and I finally managed to say, “I’ll get back to you with an answer soon.” It’s been on my mind ever since. I’m torn because he’s a great guy, but I can’t deny my feelings for Twitch.
I push the thoughts to the back of my mind as I cautiously walk into the clubhouse. My heart is thumping in my chest until I see two of my close friends, Ava and Ivy. They rush toward me, and Ivy squeals as they hug me. I’m sandwiched between them.
“I’ve missed you,” Ivy says, and my chest warms. It’s nice to be missed and cared for.
Ava inches back. “Me too. I know it hasn’t been long, but it feels like ages since I’ve spoken to you. Is everything okay?”
No, it’s not, but I smile. “Yes, sure. Sorry I’ve been quiet. I’ve been so busy with work.” I swallow down the lump in my throat. The lies keep piling up, and I hate it. I’m not a person who deceives others, especially my friends, but I feel as though I’m backed into a corner with no way out.
Ivy’s face softens. At least she knows what I’m going through. I need one friend to talk to. The whole situation is driving me crazy.
“Do you need any help in the kitchen?” I ask Ava, desperate to change the subject.
“Oh, no, it’s all sorted. The sweet butts are helping.”
I cringe at the thought of Mercedez. Today is going to be interesting...
“I’d better go back and make sure everything is ready. The men are outside by the barbecue. Go grab a drink and relax.”
I smile at Ava. She’s so lovely, and I’m grateful my brother met someone as sweet as her. She’s tried to make this clubhouse feel like home.
Once Ava leaves, Ivy turns to me, her expression serious. “Okay... what’s really going on?”
I glance about, seeing no one close by. It seems everyone is out in the backyard. “Mercedez told Twitch she’d kill herself if he decided to be with me, so I left the clubhouse. I didn’t want to cause any more trouble, and even though I hate what Mercedez has caused, I don’t want to make the situation worse. I can see she’s in pain, but...” My voice trails off as dark emotions settle over me like a shadow, a heaviness I can’t seem to shake.
Ivy places a comforting hand on my arm, silently encouraging me to continue.
“It’s been so hard at home.” I take a deep breath, trying to calm the flood of emotions rushing to the surface. “I didn’t realize how much I missed being here. Twitch was there when I had nightmares, and I got to see friendly faces all the time. My house is too quiet. I’m not big on socializing, but it feels right here.” I glance around the clubhouse. “At home, I’m lonely.” The admission sends a ripple through my body.
I’ve never been someone with a lot of friends. I’ve always tried to be kind, but I didn’t forge real friendships until I met the women at the clubhouse. And now, with my new friends, I don’t feel welcome here because of Mercedez. Any mistake could be catastrophic for me and Twitch.
Ivy gives me another tight hug. “Mercedez seems like nothing happened, to be honest.”
Goosebumps erupt on my arms. “What do you mean?” My breath seizes. “Are Twitch and her back to what they used to be like?”
She shakes her head. “Not back to that. He still doesn’t allow her into his room. He spends most of his time in the office or in his bedroom. I overhead Axle say he’s hiding from Mercedez in there. I’ve been watching Twitch. He flinches when she gets too close or puts a hand on his arm, but he’s not exactly telling her off for it. I think he’s trying to keep the peace. He’s in a terrible position.”
My gut drops. I rub my aching chest, trying to ease the pain. “It’s not fair.” He’s trying to do the right thing, but it doesn’t make it hurt any less.
Ivy links her arm in mine. “Try to ignore it. We’ve missed you, and I want you to have a good day. You’re always welcome here, and, hopefully, Mercedez will grow up and come to her senses.”
I give Ivy a small smile. I very much doubt it.
We walk through the clubhouse and out the back door. The smell of barbecuing meat greets my nostrils. The beat of heavy metal thumps in the background. A few of the men’s heads turn our way, and a smile spreads across my brother’s face. He strides over and pulls me into a bear hug. “It’s good to see you back,” he says warmly.
I chuckle. It hasn’t been long at all, but it’s nice to see everyone again.
All the ol’ ladies are gathered around the large wooden table, so I take a seat next to Zara and Ivy. Twitch and Rage are also there. I give everyone a tight smile, but I refuse to look at Twitch for too long, afraid of what I might see—or feel. Zara smiles, though she looks a little pale.
“It’s good to see you again,” I say. “How’s the pregnancy going?”
Her smile falls. “I’m still really sick and lethargic all the time, but I think it’s part of being pregnant.”
“Did the doctor give you any nausea tablets?”
She nods. “They work if I can keep them down and not throw up that day.”
She’s responsible, but I reply with, “Just don’t miss any of your prenatal appointments.”
