I’m still not sure how I feel about the club. The Saint’s Outlaws MC.
You can’t miss them around town, not after spending any amount of time here. There are quite a few club owned businesses. Even Stan uses Hank’s Auto Shop, which is ownedand operated by the club. It’s where he takes Dolly’s old car; the one he insists I use.
After typing in the security code, I press my forehead against the door and let out a long breath. I realize it’s almost too quiet behind me which has me turning around slowly.
Lara is standing there, her apron already in place and her blonde hair twisted up on top of her head in something complicated, messy, and put together at the same time. She’s watching me closely. Too closely.
I have no intention of sharing my past with anyone. It’s for their own good. And mine. I’d like to be able to stay here which means keeping my head down as much as I can.
My best friend Opal, on the other hand, is determined to get me to open up and live. She’s starting to win parts of the battle.
“Are you okay?” Lara’s voice is filled with concern.
“Yeah,” I straighten up while keeping my voice even, “it’s just chilly this morning and I hate having to warm up again.”
Even though my gut is telling me she’s not buying it, she doesn’t call me out and grins. “Then you better get in near the ovens.”
“Or knead some dough.”
Lara groans, “What I wouldn’t give for this town to have a masseuse. Or I just need a man?” It comes out as more of a question and I already know what’s coming. “Naw,” she holds out the word, “that can’t be it.”
When she visibly shudders and winks at me, all I can do is shake my head and try to hide my smile.
“A man would just get in my way,” she grumbles. The scowl on her face makes me wonder if she has a particular man in mind. “I have more than enough going on.”
“When would you even have the time?” I ask her with wide eyes.
We grin at each other and laugh softly. I’m not really that funny, but we both know that the bakery and Vanessa, who is almost done with 5thgrade, take up all her time.
She’s an amazing mom and the love she has for her daughter is clear to see once you spend any time around them. Vanessa is also a great kid. She’ll be up soon and getting ready for school.
“Oh,” her finger punches the air in a personification of eureka, “I need to get that lemon toy. Have you seen it? I keep getting ads any time I scroll, like it’s telling me something.”
“Maybe it’s the books you read,” I tease her.
She eyes me as I start to knead the dough I’ll use to make cinnamon rolls. And they’re delicious.
“It wouldn’t hurt you to join the unofficial book club.”
My face heats, I can feel it creeping up my skin and I know I’m turning pink. “I don’t think that’s for me,” I murmur.
Even though I’m not ready to believe in love again, not yet, I don’t plan on advertising what I read. No, it’s better for me to fly under the radar as much as I can as Opal’s sidekick.
As far finding someone, Sylvester used devotion as a poison. I know it was never really love, but I’m not rushing myself.
I’m not sure I can trust a feeling that people use and twist so easily.
“Mm-hm,” Lara hums.
I clear my throat, hoping she lets it go. Still, it’s a conversation I’ve had with her before. Actually, it comes up most days at least once.
Opal is just as bad. She keeps trying to talk me into going to the SOMC clubhouse. Her brother is part of the club and Opal’s job is to manage the clubhouse and the club’s needs.
I’ve been able to put her off so far.
I’m not sure how much longer my streak is going to last.
“How’s Vanessa doing?”