I had to think about it for a moment. “I think it’s been twelve years since it happened.”
“I’m glad things turned out well for you and your mom,” she said.
“Me, too. It took a long time for us to get there, and it wasn’t easy, but we met some great people along the way.”
“It’s funny how that works—meeting the best people during the worst times,” she said and got up to start clearing the table.
“Yeah, it is,” I agreed, hoping her statement included me. I took my plate to the sink and helped her with the dishes. She’d cleaned as she cooked, so there wasn’t much to do where the kitchen was concerned.
It didn’t take long to finish the dishes, and I found myself disappointed that our evening was coming to an end. “What are your plans for the rest of the weekend?”
“I don’t have any. I was supposed to work tomorrow, but I traded with a girl who needed another day off.”
“We’re having a cookout at the clubhouse tomorrow. Would you like to come?” I asked.
“Sure. That sounds great. What time?”
“Two o’clock. Do you know where the clubhouse is?”
“Not a clue.”
“Text me your phone number so I can send you the address. When you arrive at the gate, tell the guy your name, and he’ll let you in. Park wherever you can find a spot and come in through the front doors.”
“If I text you when I get there, can you meet me at the front? I’m not sure how I feel about walking into an MC clubhouse by myself, no matter how nice you all have been.”
I grinned. “Yeah, I can do that. Thanks again for dinner.” Before I could stop myself, I leaned in and kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” With that, I turned and walked to my truck without waiting to see her reaction.
Once I was on the road, I started making the necessary phone calls, beginning with Ember.
“Ink?” she answered, sounding concerned.
“Everything’s fine,” I assured her. “But I need some help.”
“With what?”
“I invited Presley to a cookout at the clubhouse tomorrow.”
“We’re not having a cookout tomorrow.”
“Yeah, I know. That’s what I need help with.”
She laughed. “You can’t be serious.”
“I am. What do I need to do to make this happen?” I asked hopefully. I don’t know what I was thinking. I wanted to see her again, and a cookout at the clubhouse was the only thing I could think of without it sounding like a date. A date would have been fine with me, but I couldn’t tell if that was something she was interested in, and I didn’t want to ruin any chance I might have had with her by jumping in too quickly.
Ember sighed and switched to planning mode. “We need food—everything for hamburgers and hot dogs—and snacks. We’re probably okay on drinks. If I place an order online, can you pick it up in the morning?”
“Yes. Just let me know where and what time. What else?”
“We need to let everyone know. I’ll send out a group text when we get off the phone. What time did you tell Presley?”
“Two o’clock.”
“I’ll tell everyone to be there between twelve and one. I’m sure some won’t be able to make it on such short notice, but we hardly have everyone show up anyway. So, that takes care of the food and people. We already have drinks and entertainment. And I think that’s it,” she chuckled. “That was easier than I thought it would be.”
It really was. “All you need me to do is pick up the food in the morning?” I clarified.
“Yes. I’ll text you with the time and pickup details.”
