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“Want a dick for the road?” Trista offered Marissa a rather large blue pop, which she immediately took.
“Yes, I do.” Marissa smiled over at Vada. “Do you have the list for the caterer?”
“Yes. Let me get it.” Vada grabbed the binder from the living room, and brought it back to the kitchen table. She pulled out the menu and handed it to Marissa who smiled as she glanced over it.
“You missed the final head count.” Marissa leaned over the table and grabbed a pen. “How many guests?”
Vada bit her lip and peeked over at Trista. Their earlier conversation was coming back to haunt her. But Trista remained quiet and circled around Vada, taking a seat at the table.
“I’ve gotten one hundred and forty-two responses.”
Marissa smiled and glanced between her and Trista. It was impossible for anyone to not pick up on the tension. True to who she was, sweet and kind, she didn’t mention it. Marissa scribbled the number on the paper and dropped the pen on the table.
“Alright. I’ll drop it off first thing tomorrow morning. And if you think of anything else you need, call me.”
“Thank you,” Vada said.
As Marissa started to the door, Trista reached out, grabbing her arm. “Can I have the list? Need to change something.”
Marissa glanced up at Vada, clearly confused. I’m glad I’m not the only one. Trista had helped with a lot for the wedding but not the menu.
“Sure,” Marissa handed her the list. Trista leaned across the table, grabbing the pen. Vada arched her neck to get a better view, but it was hard to figure out what she was changing. Trista handed the list back to Marissa and looked over at Vada.
“The headcount is one forty-four.”
An extra two. My mom and dad.
Vada’s chest tightened, and her lips twitched. Trista was keeping her sliver of hope alive. Even if she didn’t believe in it the way Vada did, she was standing by her. A true best friend.
****
Hades had only stopped at the clubhouse for a meeting, and he was eager to get home. He’d done double duty at the parts store in the morning and another eight hours at the garage.
Over the last year, he’d been helping out at Rourke and Trax’s garage. They’d been building their business since they’d arrived in Ghosttown. While it wasn’t a central location for many, there had been quite a few specialty jobs that had come in, and Rourke asked for Hades' help. He’d always had a gift for working on cars. Trax and Rourke were trying to convince him to come on board full-time. They even offered to bring him in as a partner. Hades was still weighing the option.
When he walked into the clubhouse, Gage, Rourke, Dobbs, and Trax were gathered around a table, and a few other brothers were seated at the bar. He clocked Trista, Macy, and Ivy in the mix. It wasn’t unusual to have old ladies at the club. He wouldn’t have thought much of it, except all three women seemed to take a particular interest when he walked in.
“Hades, man, have a seat,” Gage said, pulling out the chair beside him.
He scanned the group, noticing the women moving closer to the table. It was suspicious, to say the least. Why does this feel like an ambush?
“Thought Kase called a meeting?”
Trista smiled. “No, that’s what I had Gage tell you to get you here.”
Hades furrowed his brows, swiftly aiming his glare at Gage.
“She’s lying. Meeting’s in a half hour, but Tris and the girls wanted to talk to you.”
Hades had a decent relationship with all the women but wasn’t particularly close with any of them aside from Bailey. Hades took a seat and lifted his chin to the new prospect, Luke, standing a few feet away. It was universal code for “get me a fucking beer.” They had a new crop of prospects, and this one in particular annoyed the fuck out of him. As his old lady, Vada was entitled to respect, but this specific guy seemed to enjoy the sight of his woman a little too much. In his rational headspace, Hades understood the prospect’s attraction. Vada was beautiful. She was kind and friendly. There was a warmth about her that not many people had in this life. And she’s mine, motherfucker. Hades made no excuses or apologies for his possessiveness over his woman. But for her part, Vada seemed clueless.
Luke rushed over, placing the bottle on the table. Hades expected him to leave, but the prospect stood a few feet away, staring at him.
“What?”
Luke shrugged with a small smile on his lips. “How’s Vada?”
You motherfucker! Hades slowly turned in his seat, sending a harsh glare. It was enough to get Luke to back up. But not quick enough for Hades’ liking. “Walk the fuck away, asshole.”
