It's business as usual at the Viking Den tonight. They should cancel parties until the others get back. Then again, this isn’t a party like last night. It’s more like going out to drink with your friends. Okay. It’s that kicked up about five notches and biker style.
Somehow, we managed to keep Harley’s disappearance from spreading around Willow Creek. Only the patched members know. Church was held this afternoon via Zoom. Nick had to talk Hendrix through how to set things up on this end.
“This should be the last of it.” Nana brings two trays of sandwiches from the cooler and sets them on the prep table.
Lauren decided to help out in the kitchen again tonight since Nanny wasn’t here. I didn’t want to be alone, so I came with her. With everyone’s nerves a mess, Nana greatly appreciated the extra help.
“I’ll carry them out.” I carry the trays to the tables along the wall next to the doors for Church.
We aren’t cooking tonight. We’re just setting out the leftovers from last night’s Valentine’s Day party. No one has complained about it being the same food or that the desserts still have hearts on them. I pause and look around the Den. It’s almost eleven. The ole’ ladies with small children left a few hours ago.
“Who are you?” a squeaky little voice asks.
I turn and come face-to-face with a woman wearing way too much makeup and nowhere near enough clothes. Bunny. Ugh. I know most motorcycle clubs have them. I just hate having to deal with them.
I don’t know this woman. Her blonde hair is pulled up into a high ponytail. Her makeup makes her eyes look bigger than they actually are. She’s wearing a tank top that’s about two sizes too small. The hem doesn’t reach the top of her little shorts with hearts all over them. Those show off more than her thighs. Guess she’s still in the holiday spirit, or something anyway. She lifts her chin.
“Who are you?” I shoot back. Lauren told me years ago not to give these women the upper hand with anything.
“Jenny.” She looks me up and down. “I haven’t seen you around.”
“I don’t come here often.” It’s true. I’m here all the time, just not in this building. I don’t think I like this woman. She sure doesn’t need to know anything more about my life. I turn to go back to the kitchen.
Jenny grabs my arm. “I was talking to you.”
“Don’t touch me.” I jerk my arm away.
At the same time, an elderly man from the bar steps between us. “She’s done talking to you.” He points to the corner where the pool tables are. “Back to your corner, bunny.”
Jenny wiggles and bats her eyes as she steps closer. “Ah, Pops. Why are you protecting the newbie?”
“Stop harassing decent women.” Pops flicks his hand like he’s shooing her away. “Now go.”
“Problems, Pops?” Coty Micheals walks in from the backyard.
“Not if this bunny remembers her place.”
“Jenny, go back to the prospects, or I’ll send Nana out here.” Coty crosses his arms.
“Whatever.” Jenny turns her nose up and glares at me over her shoulder. “Skank,” she mumbles as she walks away.
Kayla, Coty’s ole lady, shoots daggers with her eyes into Jenny as she goes back to the guys around the pool tables. Kayla and Parker are bartending tonight. Coty isn’t happy about being left behind. He’s still healing, so Jack refused to let him tag along this time.
Pops turns to face me. “You okay, lil lady?”
“I can handle her.”
Pops grins. “I’m sure you can, but if a patched member doesn’t step in, the bunnies think they can do as they please.”
“Especially that one.” Coty huffs. He glances at the bar and shakes his head at Kayla before she goes after Jenny.
Wait. Jenny? Oh my. She’s the bunny who tried to cause trouble between Lily and Jack. Now, I’m mad. Why didn’t I put it together sooner? I’d love to give that skank a piece of my mind.Oh, well. The bunny is handled for now. If she ever speaks to me again, though, I’ll be far from nice.
“Let’s get you back to the kitchen. Let Nana bring the food out. The bunnies know better than to test her.” Pops walks beside me to the kitchen door.
“You’re Darin’s dad.” I remember him. He was here the night the club rescued me. His hair and beard are mostly gray now. He’s no pushover, though. He’s actually kind of scary. Well, to the bunny, not me.
“I am,” he proudly admits.
