“You haven’t seen a mirror, but you look rough. I’m worried that you’ll keel over at any minute.”
I smirk. “Thanks. Just what every girl dreams of hearing.”
Sonny rushes up to us and gives me a once-over. “Hey, girl. How are you doing? We’ve all heard what’s up. I’m so sorry. This is bullshit.”
“I think I’m in shock. I’m scared.”
She pats my arm and hands me a hot cup of coffee.
“It’ll be okay. You’re new around here, but when any of our people get arrested, they’re usually back the same day. It’s been a long time since Jack has been in any trouble, but he’ll be fine. Most of these other clowns can’t help themselves from getting into bar fights every other weekend.”
I fidget with my hands. “It was my fault.”
“No. I’m sure that if Jack felt the need to get involved, it wasn’t your fault. He’s levelheaded these days.”
My phone vibrates in my pocket.
Becky
Hey! I have a flight that takes off in two hours. Are you at the house?
Me
Shoot, no. I’m at the club. I can get a ride back to wait for you.
Becky
No, I’ll have the Uber bring me to the club. Wait for me.
I sit at the bar,peeking at my phone every couple of minutes.Maybe I have a missed call or text.
One of the women Sonny introduced me to fills the seat next to me. “Honey, I can see you trembling across the room. If you’re going to be Jack’s old lady, you need to toughen that skin of yours.”
“What the heck is an old lady? I’m not sure I like the sound of that.”
The club veteran continues, “It’s the equivalent to a wife—the highest commitment a member makes to a woman. No one messes with an old lady, unless they want backlash. The biker bunnies push their luck, but us old ladies stick together and put them in their place.”
I focus and pick at my chipped nails. “Oh, Jack and I . . . I don’t know what Jack and I are, but nothing like that.”
I feel her laser-focused attention, and I raise my eyes to her. A quirked smile is plastered on her face. “Honey, youareJack’s old lady, andeveryoneknows it. Especially after the othernight. Like I said, thicken that skin. Our men see and do some unspeakable things, so there’s no room for weakness. We are their safe landing. We hold the space for them to be vulnerable. You’re new, but after seeing you send Natasha out the door with her tail between her legs, you can handle it. When Jack walks in—and he will—show confidence in him. Trust in him to handle it, even if you have to fake it ‘til you make it.”
I tip my head in silent understanding before she leaves me to mull over her words.
I can do that. I will do that . . . I hope.
Several long hours later,everyone starts cheering. My heart leaps to my throat.Is it Jack?
I follow the commotion and see people lining up outside to hug someone. My chest tightens then deflates.
The person is a woman.
Her dark wavy hair is full of highlights that make it more blonde than brown. I bet it air-dries beautifully. She doesn’t wear much makeup, but she’s fully accessorized. She looks like she’d be an artist. Everyone around her seems to know who she is, so she must be important.
Then it hits me. Becky.
She spots me and heads right toward me. As soon as we’re within grabbing distance, she drags me into a bear hug. “Jessi! It’s nice to officially meet you. I’ve seen you checking out my brother.”
Warmth spreads over my cheeks. “Was I that obvious?”
