“Nah, Prez. Just the opposite.” He clapped me on the back. “Now let’s get a fucking beer, yeah?”
Chapter 16
GRACE
“So, about how long do I have to wait before it’s appropriate to ask for you to cut my hair?” Dallas asked as I lounged with her, Lanie, and Ava by the pool table, sipping beers.
I’d learned that Lanie and Ava had met at school when Ava had moved to Bishop to finish high school. And Dallas had come into the club when she’d met Tank several years ago.
Though of course I missed my family and friends, the Bloods women had gone out of their way to make me feel welcome.
I laughed. “Are you kidding? I’d do it right now if I had my supplies. Come over tomorrow, and I’ll do it for you,” I offered, already itching to get my hands on her dark hair. It was long and thick and would be fun to put some layers in.
She beamed. “That would be awesome. There’s nowhere decent in town to get it done. But don’t tell Joanie,” she whisper-yelled.
“Who’s Joanie?” I asked.
“Joanie is Vic’s old lady.” Lanie gestured to the older man sitting at the bar talking to Lincoln. “She’s kind of like the unofficial grandmother of the club and owns the salon in town.” Lanie’s eyes lit up. “You should go see her. She desperately needs the help.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” I protested. I wasn’t even sure what my plans were yet.
“Just go see her. If anything, you two can talk beauty. Joanie’s great,” Ava supplied. “Plus, the salon is right next to Ike’s, which has the best coffee in town.”
“That definitely puts it higher on my priority list,” I agreed, making them laugh. “Now I just either have to convince Ruston to give me my car back or shop for something new. I need my own set of wheels.”
“What’s wrong with your car?” Dallas wanted to know.
I rolled my eyes. “According to Ruston, it’s a ‘death trap.’” I used air quotations for emphasis.
Ava snorted. “Been there, babe. But he means well,” she continued gently. “After our parents died, he didn’t hesitate to take care of me. I knew he’d planned to reenlist, but he didn’t. Instead, he became my legal guardian, moved me here to finish school as he was starting the club, but even before all that, he’s been looking after me since as long as I can remember.”
I smiled, reaching over to grab her hand for a quick squeeze. “I’m so sorry about your parents, Ava. And I know he is. I wouldn’t be considering giving up my entire life if I didn’t.”
“You’re just creating a new one.” Dallas winked. “With us involved, and we’re fun. Trust.”
“But in all seriousness,” Ava interjected. “We met your girls back home. We know from experience the Knights MC is one badass club. And I know all your family’s there. I know it can’t be an easy decision. Aside from Ruston, who I know will move hell and high water for you to stay, I just want you to know we’re here too.”
“I appreciate it,” I murmured as I felt familiar hands grasp my shoulders from behind. I tipped my head up, beaming at Ruston as he stood over me. “Hey, you.”
“Hey, baby. Doing okay?” he asked as he came to sit beside me, throwing an arm around me and pulling me into his side.
“Great,” I replied just as four boys who must have been the ones Ruston mentioned caught my eye as they made their way toward the kitchen. “You figure out what to do with them?”
He shrugged. “Not sure how it’ll play out. My gut and the background Cason ran tells me they’re just kids who haven’t had much aside from each other. I don’t think many choices have been thrown their way, so I gave them some: prospect, military, or head home. We’ll see what they decide.”
I snuggled closer, proud of my man. “I’m guessing door number one has its appeal,” I mused.
“You’re not wrong,” he agreed.
“Dallas is gonna come by tomorrow so I can cut her hair,” I shared.
“Sounds good, as long as I get my morning with you.” He leaned in to scent my neck. “I have to head out in the afternoon for a bit. Gotta look at a property with Cason.”
“Works for me.” I nodded as Tank appeared at Dallas’s side.
“Ready to go, babe?” he asked gruffly, though his eyes were soft. It was evident despite his tough exterior that he adored his wife.
Dallas nodded. “Did you hear that Grace is cutting my hair tomorrow?” She beamed at her man.
