“Her brother has epilepsy,” as we put Red down for the charity auction for epilepsy research.
“Tank is from a military family,” as we put him down for Friday’s veteran support event, Heroes Ride.
“Lucy’s favorite aunt is a breast cancer survivor.”
Bev tells me to put Hawk’s name down for the BACA ride and the ride to the Grand Canyon organized by the RezRiders to benefit the Native American scholarship fund, but, to my great disappointment, she doesn’t volunteer any additional info about him.
“I think this is more than enough for today,” she says around 3:15, right as we hear DJ stirring through the baby monitor. “I see someone agrees with me.”
I get DJ’s diaper bag and buckle him into the stroller, and we head out. Bev told me earlier that I needed to fill out some payroll-related paperwork, so she drops me off in front of Cash’s office ten minutes before the club meeting is scheduled to begin.
I knock, and after being given permission, I enter.
“What is it?”
I’ve only seen Cash once in my life. He looked annoyed then, and he looks annoyed now, so I’m starting to suspect that’s his default mood.
“Hi, um, Bev told me you wanted to see me?”
“I don’t want to see you. I need documents and information from you.”
“Of course, right.” I feel flustered as I walk deeper into his office.
He hands me a piece of paper without looking at me.
I scan the paper and frown. “What do you need my son’s social security number for?”
“I need it for everyone living inside Rat Park,” he says matter-of-factly.
“Fine,” I reply impatiently, “I’ll bring these by tomorrow.”
Someone knocks, and he yells out, “Come in,” then turns to me and says, “My email is at the bottom; email me instead of coming over.”
Red walks into the tiny office, and upon seeing my face, she presses her lips together like she’s trying not to laugh. “Cash, are you done? You know we have a meeting?”
Cash waves her away, presumably to indicate yes, and continues to peer at his screen.
“We’re waiting for you, moneyboy,” Red tells him on our way out, but he doesn’t respond.
“Does he not like me?” I ask in a whisper.
“He’s like that with everyone,” she tells me.
I sincerely doubt it.
“Do you know your work hours yet?” Red asks.
“Bev said nine to one until I pick a workplace and sort out permanent childcare, then nine to five like everyone else.”
“Sounds good, let’s hope you click with the babysitter,” she tells me as she scans her ID to open the meeting room door.
Dylan always called it ‘church’ and made it sound like a big deal. Members only. Back then, I never imagined myself as a club member. Even now, it doesn’t fully register. I’m more like Hawk’s plus one. Not like a date, but… Whatever.
Everyone but Cash is already here, in what looks like a fancy conference room, with a projector and a long table with comfortable-looking leather chairs. No windows, though. I don’t like that.
Hawk is standing at the front, typing on his laptop. After giving him a small wave, I find a place at the very end of the table, where I can accommodate the stroller next to my chair.
“Is he coming?” Hawk asks Red, and she rolls her eyes.
