Jay’s truck is already in the parking lot. Since we were going from shop to shop toward the restaurant, he moved the truck earlier while Darin kept an eye on us. We walk right on by Miss High Tootie’s shop. We’re all calling Ms. Gibson that now. I grab Lauren’s hand and pull her towards Angie’s. It’s two o’clock andtime to meet the others. Plus, I need to get my loud sister off the street.
Darin opens the door for us. I smile as I step inside. He winks. Jay punches his arm. These two have been going at it all day.
Angie hurries to greet us the moment we step inside. “Lauren, it’s good to see you.”
“It’s good to see you, too.” Lauren hugs her. “This is…” She looks between Angie and me.
“I know who she is.” Angie hugs me just like she did when Darin and I had lunch here. “Happy Birthday, sweet girl.”
“Thank you.”
“The rest of your group is already here.” Angie leads us to tables near the far corner of the back dining room. We can’t see the front door from here.
The McLeod ladies and Emily Powell are here. So are birthday decorations and a cake with purple roses. I’m really not surprised to see Lil Mama here, too. She’s going to be wherever Nanny is. Each of the ladies takes turns hugging me and wishing me a happy birthday.
“Happy Birthday.” Everly squeezes me tightly. This girl gives the best hugs.
“Thank you, sweetie.” I kiss the top of her head.
Darin and Jay join Mack, Hendrix, Jack, and Bankz at a table halfway across the room. Wow. Bikers are a bit more protective of their women than I first thought. It amazes me how these women sit here and pretend their men aren’t here. It’s kinda like Lauren and I have done all day with Darin and Jay. It’s good to see Bankz out. The fight at the Roadhouse left him with a couple of broken ribs, a black eye, a busted nose, and a concussion. He’s probably another reason Lil Mama is here. Oh, that feisty little woman wants justice for her son. She’s threatened to go after the Mavericks herself if the cops don’t do something soon.
“You sit here, Aunt Nina.” Everly pulls me to the backside of the table to the middle chair. I can see the entire dining room from here. However, my eyes remain on her for a moment. “Is it okay if I call you Aunt?”
“If your family doesn’t mind, then neither do I.”
“We don’t mind. You’re part of our family.” Nanny settles the matter.
Well, okay then. I’m not about to argue with the club Queen. Only a fool would.
No sooner than we sit, Angie and a couple of servers begin to bring out our food. Apparently, everyone loves the fried chicken here, even the men. After my first bite, I understand why. This is even better than Lauren’s. I will never say those words out loud.
We talk, laugh, and have one of the best meals of my life. I don’t know why I was so nervous about doing this. My fear of a large crowd is subsiding, too. I’m not opposed to more girls’ day out.
We’re going to need to-go plates. None of us can finish our meals. Besides, we need to save room for cake. Of course, Everly insists that everyone sings "Happy Birthday " to me. She stands and leads the song.
Emily takes the dessert plates from Angie and reaches for the knife. Before she cuts the first slice, I glance at Darin. The men aren’t talking and laughing anymore. The other ladies notice the quietness and look at them, too. They’re staring at the end counter where customers pick up to-go orders. We follow their gaze.
A pretty young woman waits by the counter. She watches the men as they do her. Her eyes are soft and caring, not filled with judgment or ridicule like Miss High Tootie.
“It’s not right,” Everly whispers.
“No, it’s not,” Maci agrees.
The woman’s eyes move to us. She smiles. No one moves or says anything for a long moment. I swear she’s holding back tears.
“It’s beyond wrong.” Nanny stands and faces the woman.
Mack is quickly on his feet. “Ev.”
The other men stand as well.
“How are you?” Nanny asks.
She shrugs one shoulder. “Okay, I guess.”
What’s happening? Who is she?
Nanny holds her arms out to her sides. “I want to, but I can’t.”
