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Inside, we find Landry, Rosemary, and Irina. The first one is a pretty blonde who shows off pictures of her five kids. I’m a little shocked by the sheer number. She’s married to an imposing biker named Nomad. He’s in several of the pictures and far less menacing when covered with happy children.
Rosemary is a hippie brunette who helps run Nomad’s property along with her husband, Woodrow.
Irina has brown hair, blue eyes, and a new baby named Clementine. I’ve seen the girl’s picture around the Pigsty since the lodge was her first home.
The first hour at the salon is spent talking kids. I see pictures of Wynonna’s two children, son Ralph Junior, and daughter Esther.
Bored of the child-heavy conversations, Callie and Rosemary peel off from the main group. Coco seems more interested in their conversation than the kid one. She’s never found children to be interesting.
Meanwhile, I’m elated over the prospect of having Walla Walla’s child. I’ve craved motherhood for years. A part of me hoped I’d somehow get my dream man. Now, he’s mine, and we’re in a rush to make our dreams a reality.
“Was it difficult to live at the Pigsty with a baby?” I ask Irina.
Shaking her head, she explains, “The guys loved helping out. Kids are really fun when you only have to deal with them for short bits. They also liked the idea of being uncles. During the rowdy Friday parties, Eagle and I stayed in our room with Clementine. I really loved living there.”
As my hair is wrapped in a hydrating mask, I explain, “We’re not using birth control. If a baby happens right away, our house won’t be ready.”
“The Pigsty is a terrible name for such a warm place,” Irina says, sharing my smile.
For most of my life, Coco’s been my only real friend. However, I know she’ll only be interested in my future kids because they’re mine. Otherwise, they’re just little noise makers.
After today, I have mom friends. Xenia also seems open to having a baby with Hobo. Selene has a young son with Ruin, and they raise his fourteen-year-old daughter. Yazmin and Armor took in Dice’s son when the boy was an infant. This group of women enjoys regular playdates and mom parties. If things go right for Walla Walla and me, I’ll be the newest member of this little clique.
The second hour at the salon involves picking a place to eat. Coco and I sit back and let the women hash out our choices.
“I shouldn’t get tipsy,” Selene tells Wynonna. “Hoyt says day drinking is a sign of weakness.”
“Is that a dig at me?” Callie asks and frowns at Selene who shrinks immediately.
Suddenly, Selene sits up straight and says, “I’m not scared of you.”
Callie grins. “Of course, you aren’t.”
“I was a little terrified when you got all crazy looking,” Rosemary teases, winning a grin from Callie. “But we probably shouldn’t drink our first time out after the attack. Can’t imagine the menfolk will approve.”
Wynonna dramatically rolls her eyes. “God forbid, we let them furrow their brows or tsk-tsk our behavior.”
“They’re just worried,” Yazmin says in a soft tone.
Everyone looks at Wynonna who tugs free of her salon apron and stands straight. “I will not live in fear. I shall go forth into my town and do as I please.”
“Okay, it’s settled,” Landry says. “Wynonna is getting sloshed, but the rest of us will stay sober and carry her home.”
Wynonna smiles at her friends. “Landry gets it.”
After the salon, our SUV convoy makes its way to McMurdo Gorge Dining. I recall visiting this upscale restaurant with Urick. I stand in the parking lot, looking out at the untouched beauty of McMurdo Valley. Xenia joins me, also seeming mesmerized by our surroundings.
“This view is what enticed me to move to McMurdo Valley,” she explains. “Without it, I never would have found Hobo.”
I smile at way she swoons over her man. Back in Banta City, I never spent time around people lost in love. Suzanne didn’t date seriously. Hunter rarely dated at all. Coco bounced from one unsuccessful relationship to another. Falling in love seemed like an impossible task.
Now, with Walla Walla, I always feel him on my skin. His scent is on my clothes. His presence is intoxicating. My dream guy proved to be far better in reality than in my best fantasies.
“This life is new,” Xenia says quietly, seeming a little nervous. “I barely know these women. Or Hobo, for that matter. I don’t feel strong enough to deal with his dangerous life, yet I can’t walk away. No one has ever made me feel like he does.”
“I hope you’ll learn to lean on me. I think that’s how people survive in life. They find good friends who become family. That’s likely how the Steel Berserkers survived when they were young and facing threats. Now, being strong and depending on each other is second nature. One day, I hope we’ll be like that, too.”
Xenia offers me a warm smile. I sense she hides a lot in her head like I tend to do. We’re not so different. Maybe that’s why we both fell hard for seemingly unattainable men.
