I have this itching feeling under my skin. It’s like I am jonesing, but only one thing will make it better.
I haven’t seen Aspen in two days.
It is by design. I have been keeping my distance to give her space. As much as I want to be the one she is seeking comfort from, I know if I push too hard, I will push her away.
So instead, I’ve kept myself busy and away from the clubhouse as much as possible. I have been dying to ask how she is, but I don’t want to come off as too strong. Prospecting here is a delicate balance. One wrong move could see me kicked out and never able to see Aspen again.
That might just kill me.
“Everyone here?” Panther asks.
“Why is the prospect here?” Yak asks.
I guard the gate with him most, but even with the small amount of respect I have earned, they are still wary of me.
“This pertains to him. First item on the agenda is the carnival. Magpie, Kim, Lisa, and Rain are organizing our booth. They have not decided what they will be doing, but all proceeds will go to the charity fund. After the event, I have some ideas onwhat we can do for the community, but we can go over that when we get there. I want everyone to make themselves available for the women. If they need help, you give it,” Panther starts.
“We will set up a group of guys to set the booth up and take it down, so they don’t have to lift anything. I also think it would be a good idea to have a group of us circling the carnival in case of any trouble. One guy can stay at the tent and be on call in case anyone needs backup,” Eagle adds.
“I will be on cameras. You can’t pay me enough money to willingly go into that cesspool.” Meek shivers as if he is truly horrified.
“That is where your skills are best suited. If anyone needs to step away, Meek will keep an eye on the girls.” Panther nods in his direction.
“Is everything arranged with the carnies?” Ridge asks.
“Josh said they will plan to be here and set up on Monday morning. They will be up and ready to operate by Thursday and stay until the following Monday. Meek is running background checks on all workers. If any don’t pass our test, they will be asked to skip this one,” Eagle informs the group.
“Good. We don’t need to bring any danger into our city,” Yak adds.
Dove is next to speak. “I would like to go out on Thursday morning and bless the site. Please inform Josh I will be there early and that anyone is welcome to tag along.”
“I will,” Panther tells him. “Anything else regarding the carnival?”
When no one responds, he nods to everyone.
“Moving on. The last run was successful, thanks in part to our prospect. His keen eye saved us from a disaster. So while we normally do not give prospects a cut of the run, I would like to vote to give him a small cut. Five percent. Would anyone like to oppose?” Panther asks.
No one speaks up.
“Everyone in agreement?”
“Aye,” rings out.
“Done. Talon, please disperse the cuts.”
I watch as Talon pulls out a stack of envelopes. The ones going to the members actually on the ride are thicker than the others. Mine is the smallest of them all, but the money doesn’t matter to me.
I take the envelope from Talon and set it on the table.
“I would like to donate my cut to the charity,” I tell the table.
“You don’t need to. We already donate a percentage to the charity.”
I nod. “I know, but I don’t need much to survive. The club provides for me, so the money is inconsequential to me. I would rather it go to a good cause.”
Panther stares me down for several moments before he nods. “Keep three hundred of it. For anything you might need. The rest we will accept as a donation.”
I want to argue, but I don’t. I nod my thanks instead, doing as he asks before handing the envelope back to Talon.
