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“Noodles, so how did you make out? Sorry, told you there probably wasn’t any tickets left. What are you guys going to do because we are going in, no matter what. Didn’t come all this way and go through all that bullshit for nothing.”
He smiles my way but doesn’t say a word. When he reaches into his back pocket and pulls out tickets, I can’t frigging believe it. No way, how did he do it? So being the Nosy Nellie I am, I ask.
“How the heck did you pull that off, Noodles? Really, you got to tell me, it’s going to drive me crazy.”
Maggie starts laughing as does Presley. Noodles smiles again then spills.
“Hannah, one of little faith. When we walked up to the registration, I guess the woman who’s running this, what’s her name… Sapphire something, was there. I explained our situation, letting it slip that we had no idea how it worked with the purchasing of tickets and how fast they sell out. Kind of explained we were here to protect our little sister, and then I told her I was with two real motorcycle club members. Also explained how I was a former Navy SEAL and needed some help. She then explained how they might have a few tickets, but probably not six. That’s when I saw the table of donations for some Doberman rescue. So thought, why not try. Let’s just say, I made a very hefty donation to that rescue, and from what she said, Sapphire holds it close to her heart. Guess from what she told us, she has Dobermans at home. Also bought some raffle tickets. And here we are, six tickets later. She was way cool, both her and her husband. Looks awesome in there and hate to say it, but even I’m a little bit excited now.”
I look at Maggie, who’s watching Noodles closely. When she sees whatever it is, a smile appears on her face as he pulls her even closer to him. The look they share is something I hope one day in my life I get to share with my someone special. With that thought, I glance to Presley, who’s also watching the couple with such a look of longing it shocks me. Maybe he’s not a player or dawg after all. As if he knows what I was thinking, his eyes find mine and, damn, the look he gives me has my entire body on fire. Though we aren’t even touching, I feel like his arms are around me, holding me tightly. When he gives me his beautiful smile, I light up from inside. I give him one back just as Noodles lets his hand go to Presley’s neck squeezing lightly. Then he comes to me immediately and grabs my hand, squeezing tightly.
Yeah, Noodles is right. I’m so excited right now and not just for the signing. And that in itself scares the hell out of me because again, in a few days, Presley will be gone and once again I’ll be all alone.
TWENTY-SEVEN
‘HANNAH’
SQUIRT/ITTY BITTY
After getting through the entry doors, I see some of the raffle baskets which are all awesome. All different sizes with books, mugs, koozies, and shit in them. I go over and buy some tickets, even though Noodles has probably one whole damn ream of tickets.
Walking in, I immediately see Darlene Tallman as she has two tables filled with all of her books. I can’t believe it when I look at her that she’s written all of those books. My favorite is her Roanoke VA Chapter of the RBMC. Also love the Poseidon Warriors MC. I pull Dani with me as I approach her area and get it line. Dani leans into me, whispering in my ear.
“Hannah, she writes about MCs, right? I mean by herself and then with other authors, right? I looked her up so if you had to pick one book to start with, which one would you recommend?”
Before I can reply, a girl in front of us turns around.
“Oh, girl, you have to start with Brick and Rayleigh inBrick’s House. My favorite one of hers. But it’s not for the weak of heart, just saying. I can promise you’ll love it.”
As we slowly move forward, we get to talking and Becky, Stella, and Tally are hilarious. We actually exchange numbers to keep in touch. Dani promised to let her know what she thought after she reads the book. It was so cool to just chat with like-minded people who love to read like we do. When it’s our turn, I freeze. Dani turns to look at me with big eyes. Not sure why, but I can’t move. All of sudden everything that’s happened hits me. What a stupid fucking idea to travel halfway across the country, just four young women. We’re lucky as fuck nothing really bad happened, though we pushed the limit many times.
Then right before my eyes, Darlene stands and walks around the table, right toward me. Holy shit, no way.
“Hey, sweetie, you okay? If you don’t want to come to me, I’ll come to you. What’s your name?”
As she talks to both Dani and me, I feel my nerves calm down. She must feel it because she walks me to the table then goes and sits back down. This is my first signing and I’ll never forget Darlene Tallman. She never rushes us. Talks to us about everything and anything. Her co-writer Liberty Parker is also so very nice. I buy her bookBrick’s Houseand she signs it and then gives me a cool gift for purchasing one of her books. Also throws in a bunch of swag. I don’t want to leave but her line is growing longer by the minute. I tell her goodbye and she stands, reaching across the table and hugs me. She tells me to check out her readers group on Facebook and to stay in touch.
Dani and I walk away, both of us in awe of our first interaction with an author at a signing.
* * *
My back is killing me and I’ve had both Noodles and Presley run bags back to the cabins numerous times. We are in line for Penny Anglene. I’ve read so many of her books and she seems so nice on social media. I am beyond excited to meet her. Dani just started to read her books, but she likes what she’s read. Dottie is with us as well as Kitty, Maggie along with Celestina. When it’s our turn, my God, Penny is like everyone’s mom or grandma. She even has Celestina smiling and giggling. Probably because she has penises all over her table. Small, medium, and large, take your pick. Dildos and vibrators. Holy shit, some shit don’t even know what it is. She is so welcoming and again takes her time to explain her books. She recommends to me her Bitter Root MC so in my bag isThe Truth Will Set You FreeandSpider. When Presley sees the cover forSpider, he rolls his eyes then flexes his arms. We all start laughing like idiots. Noodles just shakes his head with a smile on his face.
Everyone is chilling and enjoying the day. To my utter surprise, Maggie seems to be having fun too. I love her so much, but we seem to be water and oil most of the time lately. But she surprised the shit out of me and bought a few romantic suspense books herself. Watching all of the women having a good time and Noodles, Dingo, and Presley being so cool about hanging with us really made my day. Maybe everyone is right, I need to knock the chip off my shoulder. I have a family now and really good friends all around me. And I’m making more friends all the time.
Next up is MariaLisa deMora. I really like her, not only because she writes some kick-ass books, but she also rides a motorcycle. And she’s like between Maggie’s and Momma Diane’s age not being a brat, but she’s older than me. She is kind of shy when our bunch approaches but warms up to us in no time at all. She is teasing both Dingo and Presley for hanging around us at the signing. Noodles jumps in, asking why she doesn’t include him. MariaLisa looks at him then Maggie, then back at Noodles grinning.
“I’ve got eyes in my head, handsome, and I see it written all over you. No way in hell would you ever leave that one by herself. Even with that ring on and being at a huge event with mainly women, you aren’t taking any chances, are you?”
Everyone’s mouths drop open, except Maggie. She starts laughing, holding her sides. How did she know how hooked Noodles is to Maggie? Now, that’s a little unsettling.
“Child, when you get to be my age, you watch every person who comes into your space. He hovers, never letting her out of his sight. And together they look magnificent. Like you and your boo.”
My head jerks when I see her eyes looking to Presley. Oh no, she’s going down the wrong road.
“Um, MariaLisa, you’re so wrong. Actually, we just met. He’s kind of been my guardian angel until my family could get here. For some reason, I tend to have no luck and it seems like bad things find me.”
She chuckles while giving me a hug.
