“Thanks. I’ll have to sit with him. I’ve got remote access to the computer files, so we can sign in at the clubhouse and look over everything. We’ll pull the running totals before the dinner rush, and again at the end of the night. I want to monitor the numbers and see if anything changes too drastically from the month prior. Plus, I gained access before the old owner turned over the keys. Had a service weigh all the liquor bottles. After the weekend, I’ll have them come back, and we’ll see how much they’re over pouring. Heads might roll. Let’s go.”
“Mind if we swing by Gypsy Soul?” TJ asks. “I want to check in with Gigi.”
Cole nods, and we mount up and head out.
The tattoo shop has diagonal parking in front of it, and we back our bikes to the curb. Cole and TJ head inside, and the rest of us hang out at the bikes.
I watch through the plate glass as first TJ hugs his ol’ lady, and then Cole hugs his daughter-in-law.
Billy leans against a pole and folds his arms.
“How’s Melissa?” I ask.
“Good. She’s planning another one of those parties. All the ol’ ladies are invited.”
“Yeah, my ma said she was goin’.” I already know he’s talking about a painting party. “Apparently they’re all into it now.”
“I think it’s just an excuse to get together, drink wine, and gab,” he says.
“So what?” I shrug. “We watch football; they paint.”
“At least they’re having it at TJ’s place this time, since he’s got all that room.”
“So, beer and poker at your place?” I ask with a grin.
“Maybe.”
I lift my chin to Gypsy Soul. “This place doin’ well?”
“TJ says so. Gigi’s happy, that’s all he cares about.”
“Yeah, I get that,” I say.
“You don’t get shit, Cody. You won’t until you’ve got an ol’ lady of your own.”
“Bullshit. He gets it,” Shane says. “It’s not like he’s never had a girl, Billy.”
“Not one who matters.”
“You don’t fucking know that. Maybe they did matter,” Shane snaps.
“Then where the fuck are they?” Billy asks.
“Maybe not every woman wants to be a part of this. Not everyone is married to a club princess like you.” Shane takes a step toward him.
Billy lifts his palms. “Fine.”
“What’s the bug up your ass?” Crash asks Billy.
“Nothing. Just drop it.”
There’s something there, and we all know it, but Billy refuses to talk about it.
TJ and Cole come out, their faces tight with worry.
“What’s up?” Crash asks, frowning.
We all step closer.
