Page 136 of Love, Lies, and Whiskey

“The same colors it is now,” Lucas said proudly.

Doc cocked a brow. “You sure you don’t want something different?”

“I thought I might, but black and silver are cool, and I like that it’ll be the same as it was for you and Tiny.”

“Black and silver it is.” Doc heard more motorcycles rolling in.

“Good choice. Keep it classic,” Rebel said. “I hear your old man and Dare are going to show you how to fix ’er up.”

“They are,” Lucas said excitedly.

“Dare knows what he’s doing.” He hiked a thumb at Doc. “He’s better with horses than cars, but he won’t steer you wrong.”

Doc scoffed, and Lucas smiled.

“I suggest we wait to paint it until you’re done with your overhaul,” Rebel said. “You don’t want to accidentally nick your new paint job.”

“Good idea,” Lucas said.

“Let me know when you’re ready, and I’ll get the paint ordered,” Rebel suggested.

“Sounds good.” Doc put a hand on Lucas’s shoulder. “Let’s see what’s going on next door.”

They headed outside and over to the entrance to the clubhouse. As Rebel reached for the door, Lucas said, “I guess I’ll wait out here.”

“Nah. You’re coming in with us,” Doc said.

Lucas looked confused. “But you said you don’t let kids in the clubhouse, and Kenny said only hangarounds or prospects are allowed inside.”

“He’s right.” Doc put his arm around Lucas’s shoulder. “But you’re the reason we’re here.”

“What do you mean?” Lucas asked.

“You’ll see,” Doc said, and they followed Rebel inside.

Nearly every seat was taken by Dark Knights wearing black leather cuts, and they all turned to look as Doc and Lucas walked in. Tiny, Cowboy, and Dare stood at the front of the room, arms crossed, Tiny’s fingers drumming.

As Rebel went to take a seat, Lucas whispered, “Am I in trouble?”

“No. Just be respectful.”

Lucas stood a little taller, drawing his shoulders back.

Tiny looked at Doc, giving him a single curt nod.

“Let’s go,” Doc said quietly, keeping his arm around Lucas’s shoulder as they made their way to the front of the room. He could tell by how rigid Lucas was that he was nervous, but that was okay. Learning respect for the club started now.

When they reached the front of the room, he slipped his arm off Lucas, and they both faced Tiny.

“Doc, Rodeo,” Tiny said with a nod to each.

Doc nodded. “Tiny.”

Lucas mimicked the motion and said, “Sir.”

Tiny’s beard twitched, and Doc knew he was suppressing a smile, as Doc was. His father set a serious stare on Lucas and said, “Doc tells me you’re starting to lose your hair, and you don’t like it.”

“Yes, sir. I hate it.”