Everywhere I turned now, it felt like I’d found a place I belonged, not just somewhere I’d decided to grow roots. And I’d been in touch with Bit. She also finally found a place she felt she belonged. She was so happy with Sawyer, and she was happy for me.
Neither of us were too excited to talk to the rest of the family about our decisions. I told my parents I’d relocated for the job at the CDC. I couldn’t leave them completely in the dark about such a big move, and I’d explain Rooster soon enough. I was an adult. It wasn’t like they could really protest, but I also didn’t want to worry them, so one big chunk of life change at a time.
“Girls, I could use some help,” Mama Hen said as he poked her head into the rec room that we had turned into wedding central.
We all jumped up, slamming binders and magazines closed before filing out to help. The wedding was mostly all handled, but we still enjoyed flipping through the different details and all the new editions of the hottest wedding magazines.
We headed into the industrial kitchen and I said, “Wow. We got the meat!”
Mama Hen laughed. “Yeah, their new buddy, Sawyer, sent a ton.” She looked up, her eyes wide. “No shit, I think it’s an actual ton of beef.”
There were steaks, ground beef, ribs, you name it.
“We’ll grill some steaks tonight but I need help packing the rest up for the freezer.”
After an hour of all of us wrapping, bagging, and labeling pounds and pounds of fresh beef products, we all grabbed a drink at the bar.
Mama Hen and a member carried a hefty amount of steaks, plus some chicken for Shiv, outside. Once they hit the grill, the scent wafted inside, and my mouth was watering. “Oh my God, that smells amazing.”
Daisy stood and stuck her hand out. “Let’s go. It’s not too chilly outside. We can make a fire and get drunk while they cook.”
Grabbing my drink, I asked, “Have you seen Rooster?”
Lacy shrugged. “Hmm, maybe earlier. He’s probably helping with the grills. It’s one thing if they overcook a burger. Nobody wants an overcooked steak.”
Shiv said, “Enjoy your raw food. I’ll have my chicken cooked through, thank you very much.”
Between the few drinks from earlier and the one I managed to down after our manual labor, my insides were already warm.
As we stepped outside, I said, “Wow. Haven’t had this many visitors in a while.”
Mama Hen walked past just as I’d said that. “Yeah, Hawk invited a few friends. It’s not every day you get a free load of steaks. Hey, Kristie, will you come hold the door?”
Mama Hen was holding some kind of box, so I said, “Sure.”
“Hey, finish that drink,” Daisy said.
Thinking they were both being curious, I downed my drink anyway and set it down, then followed Mama Hen.
I grabbed the door for her, then there was a tap on my shoulder.
When I turned, Hawk was standing there. I didn’t speak to him often, usually only in passing. He was the president, and even though I didn’t always understand this place, anyone with common sense understood what president meant.
“Can I help you, sir?” I asked.
He raised his brows. “Sir. Wow.” He chuckled and looked over. I followed his eyes and he was looking at my friends. “I think you’re the first to address me that way. I like it.”
A man cleared their throat behind me. I thought it was Rooster, but when I went to turn, Hawk grabbed my shoulder, keeping me turned in his direction.
“I digress. Kristie, I have something very important to discuss with you. Is that okay?” Hawk asked.
My heart sped up, but I tried to keep my face calm. “Yes, sir.”
He chuckled again but quickly continued. “You’ve made an impression on everyone here. The ladies love you, the guys respect you, and you even had a little adventure and took it like a champ.”
“I don’t know if I’d call that an adventure, but I appreciate the vote of confidence.”
Hawk grinned. “Funny you said vote. Because the thing is, there was a vote presented and it was unanimous.”
