“Your endless quest for riches, wasting time digging up parking lots,” Carlita chimed in.
Mercedes leaned to the side. “Which one is Reyna?” she whispered. “I want to make sure I target the right person, seeing how I won’t get a second chance.”
“At the end of the table, on the left. The skinny one with short hair,” Dernice whispered back.
The milkshakes and other drinks arrived first. Ellie carefully placed the chocolate shake in front of Mercedes. “Made this one myself.”
“Thank you, Ellie.” Mercedes twirled the straw around and slurped loudly. “It's perfect, nice and creamy.”
“The triple chocolate is my fave. Enjoy.” She finished emptying her tray, assuring them that the food would be out shortly.
Mercedes took another sip, casually eyeing the bikers at the other end of the long table. “I suppose I had better get to work.”
“Break a leg,” Elvira said.
“Dump a shake,” Carlita mumbled.
Mercedes shoved her chair back, grabbed her milkshake, and walked to the other end of the table. “My Ma and I wanted to thank you for letting us tag along.”
A seductive smile spread across Creed’s face. “You can ride with me anytime, babe.”
“Uh. Thank you, Creed.” Mercedes motioned to Reyna, who was sitting next to him. “I was admiring your leather jacket,thinking if I take up riding, I probably need to invest in one that offers better protection.”
“This is top of the line,” Reyna said. “Lucky Brand classic leather. See how it zips? It’s super soft. The downside is it’s dry clean only.”
“Do you mind?” Mercedes reached out with her free hand. “I have sensitive skin.”
“I bet you do,” Paul flirted.
Courtney kicked him under the table. “Watch it, clown. You’re treading on thin ice.”
“Your claws are showing, love.” Paul sneaked in a kiss.
Courtney’s frown softened. “I guess I deserved that.”
“After the Sonny mess,” he said. “God rest his soul.”
Mercedes ran a light hand across the lower sleeve. “This would be perfect. What brand is it again?”
“Lucky Brand.”
“We look like we’re about the same size,” Mercedes hinted.
“I would love to let you try it.” Reyna shivered. “But it’s cold in here.”
“No problem.” Mercedes had hoped to avoid the spill. Unfortunately, Reyna left her no choice. “Thanks for the tip.” She turned to go, clumsily bumping the corner of Creed’s chair. The milkshake slipped from her hand, spilling onto the sleeve of the woman’s leather jacket.
“What the…” Reyna sprang to her feet. It was too late; the damage was done. The cold, wet chocolate shake dripped down her sleeve and onto the floor. She cursed loudly. “You dumped the shake on purpose.”
“I-I’m so sorry,” Mercedes stammered. “Let me help you.” She grabbed a napkin off the table and dabbed at the sticky liquid, only making matters worse by spreading it.
“If you wipe it off with water, it should be okay.” Courtney started to stand.
Mercedes stopped her. “This is my fault. Let me help Reyna.”
Swearing under her breath, Reyna stomped off with Mercedes hurrying after her.
Carlita sprang from her chair. “Is everything all right?”
