He turned to leave, and I panicked. I didn’t know if I was supposed to stay in the room the whole time or make myself at home. At some point, I would need to eat, but I didn’t know where the food was. And it wasn’t like I could go get something because I didn’t have my car. “Wait!” I blurted. “You can’t just leave me here.”
Dice’s eyes softened. “I wasn’t. I was just going to let Phoenix know we were here. He’ll want to meet you.”
“Who’s Phoenix?”
“He’s our president.”
“Did I hear my name?” a man asked as he appeared in the doorway. Diablo moved in front of me and stared at the man.
“Oh, hello there. I sure hope you’re friendlier than you look.”
“He is,” I said. “You’re Phoenix, I presume?”
“I am.”
I introduced Diablo to Phoenix the same way I introduced him to Dice. Phoenix laughed. “That’s impressive.” Then he extended his hand to me. “Phoenix Black.”
“Daphne Clark,” I replied and shook his hand. “Thank you for letting us stay here.”
“You’re welcome. How are you feeling?”
“Not too bad, all things considered. I’m a little sore, but the doctor assured me it would be worse tomorrow and the next day. So that’s something to look forward to.”
“If you need anything while you’re here, let one of the guys know,” he said.
“I will. Thanks again.”
“There you are,” a woman said from down the hall. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”
Phoenix smiled proudly. “The welcome wagon’s here.”
Before I could ask what he meant, a beautiful blonde woman appeared at his side. “Hi. I’m Ember Lawson. You must be Daphne.”
“I am. And this is my dog, Diablo.”
“Well, aren’t you a handsome boy?” Without an ounce of hesitation, she reached out and rubbed Diablo’s head. He leaned into her and relished in the attention. “We’ll have to introduce you to Shadow so you two can play together. Shadow is Gabby’s dog. He’s a pit bull, and he’s super sweet.”
“How did you know he wouldn’t snap your hand off?” Dice asked Ember.
“Because he looks like he wants to eat you and Dad, not me.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s only because he can sense their trepidation.”
Ember laughed. “You heard her, guys. He can smell your fear.”
“I prefer to call it self-preservation,” Dice said.
“You can call it whatever you want, but that doesn’t change what it really is.”
“Are you here for a reason?”
“Actually, yes,” she said and turned her attention to me. “A long time ago, I was the girl who showed up at the clubhouse needing help. Luckily, I had my best friend with me.” She paused and looked down at Diablo. “Well, I guess you do too, in a way. Anyway, I’ll be around if you need anything. A few of the other old ladies are coming by for dinner and a movie tonight. You’re welcome to join us if you feel up to it.”
“Thank you. I think I’d like that.”
“Great. I’ll come get you around five-thirty.”
“Sounds good.”