The older lady comes across to us. “This is Maggie, but the men all refer to her as Mumma Bear. She’s Drifter’s mum. She’s been part of this club for years.”
I reach across the table, offering my hand, but Maggie frowns at it. “You’re not at a job interview, my love. Get your ass round this table and give me a hug.” I grin, standing and giving her a hug. “We’re all a family here,” she adds as she holds me at arm’s length, as if inspecting me. “You need feeding, you’re all skin and bones. The room’s ready. Go get some rest, then come eat. We’ll fatten you up.”
I offer her a weak smile as tears threaten to fall. Their kindness has me speechless, and I swallow hard, trying to compose myself. Reaching down for my change bag, I pass it over the table to Rochelle. “There’re fresh nappies in here along with a couple bottles.” I fidget nervously. I’ve never really left Meli with anyone. “And if she doesn’t settle, please come get me.”
“Go,” Rochelle orders. “She will be fine. We’ve got this covered.”
ROCK
Rochelle bounces Melion her hip, pacing back and forth in the bar, but she just doesn’t seem to want to settle. Meli has spent the last hour and a half unsettled, and nothing Rochelle can do will settle her. Red was right—she really doesn’t want anyone but her mum.
I place my drink on the bar and make my way over to Rochelle, who’s looking a little restless herself. “Pass her here,” I offer.
Rochelle frowns at me but hands over Meli. She settles almost instantly, snuggling into my kutte.
Rochelle stares at me in shock. “What the fuck, Rock?”
I grin at her. “Must have the magic touch. Pass me her bottle, I’ll see if she’ll take it.” Rochelle hands me the bottle, and I walk over to the booth by the windows before placing it into her mouth. She suckles gently on the bottle, resting her tiny hand over the top of mine, and my heart swells, making me wonder how her dad could walk away.
“It suits you,” Rochelle whispers as she sits beside me. I offer her a smile, not wanting to speak in case I disturb Meli. “Dinner will be ready soon. I’ll go get Lizzy.”
I arch a brow. “Who?” I whisper, and a small laugh escapes her.
“Meli’s mum.” She smirks at me. “You know, the woman you picked up on the side of the motorway.”
Then it dawns on me she’s talking about Red and I realise I didn’t get her name. “Red?”
“You’ve already given her a pet name, Rock?” She laughs as she stands. “You’re fallin’ hard.” I can’t fall for her. I don’t even know the woman, and she’ll be on her way before I know it.
She gives me a knowing smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll get her.”
After giving Meli her bottle, she sleeps soundly in my arms, so I make my way up to Red’s room. I knock faintly, and when there’s no answer, I push the door open. She’s fast asleep in the centre of the bed, the sheets falling from her form showing the slight swell of her breasts. I move across the room quietly and pull the sheets up around her before sitting in the little lounge chair in the corner. Resting Meli on my shoulder, I softly tap her on the back as she nuzzles into my neck. “Let’s let your mum get some more rest, princess. I think she needs it.”
I sit quietly, watching her sleep. Her little bundle rests on me, and for the first time ever, I feel at peace.
I startleawake and look around the room, trying to get my bearings. The room is in darkness, and I realise I must have fallen asleep watching Red. Meli stirs then snuggles back into my chest when I place my hand on her back.
I look over to the bed, now illuminated by the moonlight glaring through the window, to find Red thrashing around. She’s muttering in her sleep, but I can’t make out what she’s saying. The sheets are twisted around her, and suddenly, she lets out the loudest scream, startling Meli, who then begins to wail.
The door bursts open and Drifter and Rochelle stand in the doorway, looking alarmed.
“What the fuck?” Drifter shouts, setting off another round of wails from Meli.
Rochelle rushes over to the bed, shaking Red gently. “Lizzy. Lizzy, wake up. It’s just a dream.”
I get to my feet, bouncing Meli calmly until her cries subside. Red’s eyes dart open, surveying the room as she runs her hands through her hair.
“Lizzy, you okay?” Rochelle asks, rubbing her back.
“Oh my god,” she covers her face with her hands, “I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t worry, we all have nightmares,” Rochelle reassures her while reaching and turning on the bedside light.
“Not that wake the entire fucking clubhouse, we don’t,” Drifter grunts before turning and leaving.
“Don’t mind him, he’s just a miserable fucker when he doesn’t get his beauty sleep.” Rochelle laughs. Red looks across at me and her eyes soften when she finds Meli settled in my arms, then she throws herself back on the bed.
“What time is it?” she asks, her voice gravelly from sleep.
