Page 46 of Truck

“The cuts are here, so you get the three of them here for church on Sunday morning. We have a bit to cover, so you get them here and I’ll have the prospects cover the gas station. Ian will be in charge because you’ve said already, you’ll be pleased to have him once his time is up and he makes full brother.” Tracker is waiting for me to reply.

“Great. I’ll get Rum to stay around too, so if anything happens, he’ll be on hand to decide what needs to be done. But Ian I think should work at least one day a week with us, so he’ll be ready when he graduates from prospect status.” I say the last with a grin because I’m not sure anyone has ever said it’s a graduation.

Tracker nods. “I’m okay with Ian working at the gas station one day a week. He’s a good prospect and will make a hell of a good brother. Do what is needed to make sure the three of them make church and we can get them involved in the club fully after that point.”

“Will do, Pres.”

“Is Rory okay with all that’s happening in her life right now? I heard she threw a fit over the Seer knowing shit,” Tracker smirks, then chuckles. “She’s gonna see and hear a lot more shit in her time here. Make sure you bring her around to get to know everyone. If you are serious lock her down, Truck, before someone else does.”

“Yeah, Pres. I will. Not sure about the Seer thing, but I’m going to talk to her about it. See if I can knock the edge off her fear. Let’s hope some little fucker doesn’t start throwing shit around or she’ll never come back.”

Tracker throws his head back laughing, “Just tell her to throw that fucker back at them. I would.”

Chapter 24

RORY

Imade the call to Jill when Grady was asleep, and I knew he’d not hear what I would be discussing. He’d taken his mother's death better than both Jill and I expected. Things he said made us realize he noticed that his mother wasn’t the best she could be as a parent. It’s not that he didn’t love her. He just isn’t as torn up as we expected him to be.

“Jill, how are you?” I ask as soon as Jill takes my call.

“I’m keeping busy and not thinking too hard. I have spoken to the funeral home and everything my mother wanted is now being organized. She wanted simplicity, and that’s what she’ll get. It’s like she never existed in some ways because nobody is going to turn up for the funeral. It makes my heart break, but it is what it is.”

“How are you, really? Because you sound like you are telling me what you think I need to hear, and not what you are really feeling.”

Jill sighs. “Honestly, I’m okay. Like Grady, I suppose. We are both so used to her not being around that we are not going to miss her as much as you would expect. In so many ways, I have been Grady’s sister and mother, and that will never change. I feel like he’s mine in more ways than just a brother. I want what is best for him, and I’ll work my ass off, Rory, to make sure he gets that.”

“Well, you have another sibling now. I know I’m not official, but I am here. Whatever you need I’ll give you, get you, or help you. That’s what family is all about, and Jill I’ve not had a family for a while so don’t think I don’t cherish what Grady and you have given me.”

More sniffling from Jill before she replies. “I always wanted a sister, and I don’t think I could have chosen a better one than you, Rory. Grady loves you so much already. You know he talks about you all the time. In fact, I’m sick of hearing, Rory this, Rory that, Rory, Rory.” I would think she was annoyed, but she laughed, taking me a little by surprise. “You can take him to the places I don’t want to, like ice skating, ice hockey, you know all the cold places.”

I laugh at her comment. “I can do that, Jill.”

“I’m going to ask you to stand with Grady and me at the funeral, Rory. If one of us is on each side of him I don’t think it will hit him as hard. Would you be okay with doing that?” Jill asks me tentatively.

“You don’t have to ask. I will be there with you both, and for you. Do you need anything for after the funeral?”

“No, I’m not doing anything except taking Grady home and getting his life back to normal as fast as I can.”

I can understand how she wants to get things back to normal. It took me quite some time after Terrence. I think I’m finding a new normal amongst the people I work with, the MC brothers I’ve met and Truck who I now admit to myself I see as more than just a single date. “Okay. Let me know when the funeral is, and I’ll make sure Grady is ready for it.”

“Thanks, Rory. I’ve got to go now, but I’ll speak to you again later today. I’d like Grady to come home on Friday if that is okay with you. I’d like to have a night with him where I can feel normal for a minute.”

“No problem, Jill. Are you alright for money? Do you need any payments made? I only ask because I missed a payment right after Terrence died. I was just so dazed that I never realized until I got a letter,” I put the question the best way I can without it making Jill feel awkward.

“I have enough money for the moment. I’ll pick Grady up from school on Friday, Rory. That will give you an evening where it’s quiet.” Jill laughs and I snort, which makes both of us laugh more.

“Okay, Friday you collect Grady, and I’ll see you when you bring him back. It is okay any time to come to me, Jill.”

“Thanks, Rory. I’ve gotta go, talk soon.”

Jill cuts the call and is gone before I can say goodbye, but I’ve noticed that the people I’ve met here don’t always say goodbye and just cut the call. It’s odd to me, but I don’t find it offensive either.

I’m going to guess that the funeral will more than likely be late next week. Plenty of time for me to get Grady ready if Jill doesn’t have time. I know Jill is busy with financial things she has to get organized, and she mentioned something about the house, which I thought was rented, but with something she said I’m not sure it was!

Truck collected Grady after he’d eaten at the diner with me, then took him home. I’m grateful that Truck is good with Grady and they seem to have an easy relationship. From what I’ve heard Grady say, he enjoyed being at the clubhouse and everyone was kind to him. The only thing I’m worried about is this ghost thing I keep hearing about.

The evening meal service is running smoothly. Our regulars are enjoying their meals and companionship. We have quite a few older diners who come regularly, and not just for the meal. They enjoy the socializing that happens in an evening at the diner.