“Seriously,” I pick up the fresh drink and raise it in thanks, “I promise, I’m good.”
My phone vibrates across the table.
Beauty to my beast: Appreciated
Something so simple, yet it means she’s softening to me.
“See, told you, Pres. He’s just chasing some pussy,” Joker teases.
“Is he right?” Drifter looks across at me.
There’s no way I can deny it. She’s stunning, but that’s not my intention. “Nah, just someone who needs a bit of support. You guys were here for me when I needed it and she has no one.”
Drifter nods in acknowledgement, taking a sip of his drink.
"That’s an easy fix,” Joker announces. “Women always talk about that shit with each other, get one of the girls to help out.”
“Considering you have no idea about women, that’s not a bad shout,” Drifter adds.
“I just know that my sister would never talk about shit with anyone apart from one of her closest friends,” Joker replies.
I sit and think on it for a moment and realise they’re right, she doesn’t know me, she’s never going to trust me enough to talk about her secrets. But women, they have this magical way of getting to the root cause of issues.
“But who do I ask? I mean, Rochelle has been through the ringer recently.”
Drifter interrupts me instantly. “No chance, not yet, we are still fighting for IVF treatment. She doesn’t need the extra stress.”
Red walks past the table, chasing Meli, and we exchange a knowing look. I couldn’t think of anyone better, given everything she has been through lately.
“Red,” I shout, following her up the stairs.
“I need to take Meli to bed, Clay. What’s up?”
“I need a favour.”
Rock appears. I knew he wouldn’t be far behind. “What’re you harassing my ol’ lady for?”
“Calm down, Rock.” I laugh. “I need her expertise.”
“Too right, you do. You need to get that dick wet soon before it falls off.”
Red slaps him around the back of the head. “Ow, what was that for?” he demands.
“Meli!” She gestures to the little girl, reminding him that he’s in the presence of a toddler who is absorbing everything. “You have to watch your mouth.”
He rubs the back of his head. “I’ll take her up. You sort Clay out,” he replies, lifting Meli up in the air as she squeals in delight.
“One story,” she shouts after them as they disappear up the stairs.
“Yeah, yeah, Mummy.” He then whisper-shouts, “Shhh, two stories,” and Meli giggles loudly.
“I heard that,” Red calls up. “Come on, Mister Casanova, let’s see if I can help.” She links arms with me, guiding me back into the main bar area.
She’s taken to being an ol’ lady better than any of us ever would have anticipated after meeting her that first day. She takes her responsibility seriously and has become like a sister to all the brothers.
“Okay, the brothers don’t know this,” I say quietly, “but the other night, I came across this woman. Her name’s Bella, and she attempted to jump off a bridge. I only just managed to catch her.”
She puts her hand to her mouth in complete shock. “Shit, Clay.”
