He nods.
I briefly peer at the ground. “Do I have to organize a club meeting? I’ve got a favor to ask the club.”
He raises a brow. “What is it?”
I stand up straight. “Rose feels safe with me. Can she stay at the clubhouse with me?”
His lips curve into a slow smile. “She’s more than welcome. I’ll run it by the men, but there shouldn’t be any issues. When’s she coming?” He pauses. “You better tell Ava. She likes to make sure she has everything here and ready to make other people feel welcome.”
A deep sense of relief settles in. “I can pick Rose up now or tonight, if it’s all okay with everyone.”
His face turns serious. “As long as you talk to Dolly first,” he says firmly.
“I’ll go talk to her now.” I look around. “Do you know where she is?”
He shrugs. “I have no idea. Go check the living room. That would be my guess.”
“Thanks, I’ll go check.” I was too excited to talk to the men about Rose; I was oblivious to my surroundings.
I go back inside, past the kitchen and into the living room. I spot Dolly and Trixie on the couch in front of a laptop. I take a seat beside them, and they both smile at me.
“What’re you guys looking at?” I peek at the computer, surprised to see a house for rent.
“It’s time for us to leave the club,” Trixie admits.
I frown. These two women have helped out and been great while they’ve been here. “Why are you leaving?”
“Everyone’s finding their own partners,” Trixie replies, “and it has made us think about the future and what we want, so we’ve decided to pursue that. And it’s starting to get a bit cramped.”
She’s right. Everyone has found an ol’ lady but me and Cash. I peer at Dolly. “I’ll be sad to see you guys go.” We’re friends. We play stupid games like strip poker, and we have drinks and joke around a lot. It’s always been a fun time with them.
She offers me a bittersweet smile. “Leaving will be hard,” she says softly. “I heard you’ve been there for someone, and it sounds like she’s lucky to have you. You’re a good man, Rage. You deserve someone amazing. But... I think it’s time I find someone special for myself too.”
I reach over and give her a hug. “I’ve asked the club if Rose can come here because she’s still scared and she trusts me. Is that going to be all okay with you?”
She waves her hand. “You have nothing to worry about. I’m not going to chuck a Mercedez and threaten to kill myself.”
Trixie and I both flinch. That whole drama was crazy! Poor Twitch.
“Too soon?” Dolly says in a teasing voice, a smirk on her face.
It’s like a load has been lifted. Reaper is okay, Dolly is okay with Rose coming. So far, so good.
Ava walks by with Hope, so I get up and go to her. “I think I’m going to pick up Rose now.”
Ava smiles. “I’ll see if Elena can watch Hope, and I’ll get everything ready. I’ll leave a bathroom towel and toiletries upstairs in your room to give to her. We’re having a late lunch, early dinner—chicken and vegetables.” She averts her gaze, lost in thought. “I hope she likes that. Maybe I’ll cook something else too, in case she doesn’t like it. I’d hate for her to go hungry.”
“It’s all okay, Ava.” I pat her on the shoulder. “I’m sure she’ll love anything you cook. Thanks for your help.”
I hear her muttering, “I have to check the spare room is clean and put new sheets on the bed.”
She’s great and I know she’s going to make good friends with Rose, but I hope Rose wants to stay in my bed with me.
I go out on the porch and send Rose a message.
It’s all okay with the club, if you’d still like to stay here.
I’ll pack my bag. I spoke to Zara and she’s reassured me everything will be fine and if I don’t feel comfortable, I can always come back to the shelter.
