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Suddenly, the sound of a blender at full blasts cuts through the mood and I turn around, ready to frown, when I see Moose mixing up a gigantic batch of margaritas. Strawberry margaritas.
"If it's time for hugs, it's time for margs," he says with a gleeful laugh that shakes his whole belly and makes the Hindenburg tattoo on his chest look like it’s flying through a storm.
"Is he drunk?" I whisper to Morgan.
She shakes her head. "He hasn't had a drink yet. He just showed up that way. Like he’s decided that today his vibe is 'six strawberry margaritas by the pool.'"
"I can get behind that," I say, as she and I make our way to the table, where we grab the first two glasses and tip them together. They’re delicious.
Riley, carrying little baby Luca, comes to join us. The baby seems to grow a bunch every day. He must be twice the size since I saw him a few days ago.
"Made one special virgin strawberry margarita just for you, Riley," Moose says, handing her a glass.
"Thank you," Riley says, taking a sip. "Oh, it's delicious. How do you make it so good?"
"Extra lime, and a bit of chili in the mix. The tiniest amount. The heat really wakes up your tastebuds. I can put some Tajin on the rim, too, if you'd like."
"Next time, please," Riley says. Then, noticing Morgan and I watching her in surprise, she smiles shyly. "It's been five days that I'm clean. It's not easy, and every day feels so hard that I don't know how I'm going to make it, but then, all I have to do is look at Luca and I just know. He's my reason."
"Oh my god, Riley," I say, hugging her. "I'm so proud of you."
"Sis, I don't know what to say..." Morgan says. She's shaking, tearful. "You are so strong. I’m proud of you."
"Just say you love me... and maybe agree to babysit Luca every once in a while," she replies.
"Watch that little sweetheart? Done and done whenever you need it."
I look at Luca, who has a little grin on his sweet, chubby face. He is loving being the center of attention. A sudden movement draws my eyes away from his face, and I see Owen watching me with a knowing smile.Maybe,his look says.
Maybe, I nod.
"Before we get any deeper into our drinks, I think it's time I say a few words," Bullet says. With Madison at his side, he raises his glass.
Moose raises his, and his voice. "Thanks, Bullet. You know, I learned this recipe while I was on a vacation in Acapulco with thisvaquerowho owned a few cattle ranches. We were soaking up some rays on the beach, when suddenly this giant shark came thrashing up on the sand and..."
"Later, Moose," Bullet says.
"I vote we let Moose finish his story first," Rook says.
"Honey, quiet down. You can talk to your friend after Bullet makes his toast," Eliza says.
Rook’s eyes go wide in a huff. "Friend? No, no way, I don't make friends..."
"I'll be your buddy, Rookie-boy," Moose says. "Like Shakira says: ‘Whenever, wherever.’"
Bullet clears his throat loudly, and all eyes turn to him.
"We've been through a lot together. We've survived our share of trials. But it's brought us together in a way that's closer than friendship. Just like Rook says, we're not friends here. We're a family. And we're throwing this party not only to welcome Striker back to the MC, but to announce that our club will be growing by three new members, as Smokey, Ghost, and Hawk have all announced their intentions to join."
There's a loud round of applause, of people raising their drinks and clashing their cups together; strawberry margarita spills everywhere, and Moose immediately begins putting together the ingredients to make another batch. Thank god. These things are life in a glass.
Then Bullet looks at me.
Owen puts his arm around me and gives me a sideways hug.
I note with surprise that everyone else — Morgan included — starts looking at me, too, and my heart begins to beat faster, even though I have no idea why. It's got to be good. She has a smile on her face, but I'm unnerved by all the unexpected, smiling attention. Even Moose seems to know what's coming, which worries me even more.
"There's one more thing," Bullet says. "The club isn't just expanding in numbers. We're expanding in other ways, too. More bodies means there's a need for more space."
