"One what, darling?"
"A cook?"
"Who? You?"
"Yeah, me," I reply.
"Well hell, I don't know. It's never been something that we've considered, but we're always open to new ideas. Let me run it by Ice and see what he says."
"Really?"
"Yeah, we probably couldn't pay you much, but I bet the guys will tip well. And maybe we could offer you a place to live. We've got a few vacant rooms upstairs."
"Here at the clubhouse?"
"Well, yeah. I know it's not the Ritz, but it's clean and rent free."
"I like free," I reply. Suddenly, I am hopeful. I drove into town dreading it, but now I'm actually looking forward to being back. I can stay hidden away with the MC and I won't have to face my past, for now. It's the coward's way out, but that's exactly what I am.
Hawk gets up from the bar and steps away. I hope that he's going to talk to Ice now.
I sit and watch the other men who are milling about in the common area. I really could call this place home.
After about thirty minutes Hawk comes back. "I talked with Ice. He's open to the idea, but wants to talk to you first. Follow me."
I get up and follow him to a door that is off to the left of the common area. There are two other doors and a staircase. He knocks on the door and opens it without waiting for a response. "Here she is," he says as he gestures for me to walk in.
"Hey, Honey. Have a seat," Ice says. I sit down and he continues, "Hawk here tells me that you are looking for some work."
"Yes, I need a job."
"And you are willing to cook for us poor slobs?" he asks.
"I love to cook, yes."
"Well, this is what I propose. We'll take you on, in sort of a den mother role. You will live here at the clubhouse rent free, but you will not be treated as a sweetbutt. Keep up the bar, cook one meal a day, and ensure the clubhouse is cleaned on a regular basis. I'll pay you $200 a week plus room and board. It's not much, but it's all I can do for now."
I don't hesitate one bit and jump at his offer. "I'll take it." Not having to pay for food or rent would allow me the opportunity to save some money. And being here would keep me away from the shadows of my past. For some reason, this place makes me feel at home. And frankly, having this guy as my boss is a definite plus. "I've got one question, though." I know it's silly, but I just have to ask, "What is a sweetbutt?"
He and Hawk both laugh and Ice replies, "A pass-around. A woman that "services" the guys."
Mortified by his response, but also relieved, I reply, "Oh."
"Well, you did inform me before that you weren't gonna sleep with me, right?" he teases.
"Yes, I did," I reply proudly.Oh, baby, all you have to do is say the word and I'll be yours,I think to myself.But I would never tell him that.
"Wanna start today?"
"Yes, sir," I reply.
"Hawk, show her the vacant rooms on the other side of the building and let her pick one. Get the boys to help her move her stuff in." He turns to me and says, "I assume you don't have much in your car—unless you have a moving van coming in?"
I laugh and say, "No, just what's in my car. Clothes and shit, you know."
"Gotcha."
Hawk says, "Come on Honey, let's get you situated."
I am so happy I could burst! What started out as a shit day has actually turned around and just may be the best damn day of my life.
