“Thank goodness, Pyro. Can you help Bono get rid of this man? He has his freaking head hanging off. I don’t want to get involved. Find out what he wants, please.”
*Leave it with me*
I watch as Pyro saunters up to Bono and the man and starts speaking. I look around and take a breath of relief when I see nobody is watching what I’m doing. I hustle around the next aisle, throw a few items into my cart and look up to check what is going on now.
A full-blown argument is happening. Tank has appeared and all three of my boys are shouting at the man. Pyro must be fed up with it all as he sparks a flame and lights the sucker up. My mouth must have fallen open at the sight because it takes only a few moments for the headless man–yeah, headless because Tank rips that off his shoulders at the same time Pyro has set him alight. Oh my, the headless man is still talking. What the everlovin’…that’s me done! I rush down the aisles, grabbing what I need, not looking in the direction of the drama. I’ve paid for my groceries, and out of the store and into my truck in minutes.
Back home I sit at the kitchen table and hold my head in my hands. I’ve got to learn to block out people. This is getting tiring, and the dead people are popping up all the darn time.
Bono appears and gives me a sad look.
*It’s okay now, Cilla. He wanted you to fix his fuckin’ head. How he expected you to fix it I don’t know. Can you get the superglue or something! How about sewing it on? Stupid asshole, he was lit up and got rid of*
I sit staring at Bono with thoughts of how I was supposed to fix his head problem. Opening my mouth to ask how his head got in that state had me snapping my mouth shut. Honestly, I don’t want to know. It’s all too freaking weird for words.
The door opens and Finger strolls inside, carrying a rucksack, but he has a huge smile on his face when he sees me. Dropping the rucksack, he picks me up off the chair, takes the seat and plops me onto his thighs. Wrapping his arms around me he grins. “Okay, beauty, kiss me hello.”
You know what? I do, because it’s the best thing that has happened all day. I kiss Finger as if it is the last thing that will happen in my lifetime. Of course, one thing leads to another, and that kitchen table has its legs tested for strength and endurance. I’m thankful that Bono knew well enough to skedaddle, too.
The evening is pleasant. We eat and settle in front of the TV before retiring to bed. But I have to admit the shower is interesting and takes far longer than normal. Normally I would not have Finger in the shower with me though.
The next morning, I am in the diner enjoying working once more. Regulars welcome me back, and most know what has been happening because of me helping the MC.
Shelby is behind the counter, and I am serving meals and filling coffee cups. Stopping for a moment at the counter I tell Shelby about the headless man, and we laugh at ideas of how to stick his head back onto his neck.
For the first time in my life, I feel welcomed and accepted. Not just at the clubhouse by the brothers, but here by Shelby and the staff. Brian, one of the cooks, keeps asking if I do requests, which has everyone else laughing. He wants to speak to his father so much, but as I told him I can’t call the dead as they just appear.
Turning to serve I notice it is Avery and give her a bright smile. “Hi, Avery, are you good this morning?” I ask as I place a caramel latte in front of her. We all know that is her favorite drink when she comes into the diner.
“I am, thank you, Cilla.”
“Mind if I sit with you during my break?” I ask. Taking her by surprise, I’m sure.
Avery smiles. “That is great, Cilla. I’m very happy to sit with you.”
This is what makes me feel accepted. I’m sure everyone in town knows I’m the one that some call crazy, yet it doesn’t bother them, or stop them being kind to me.
We talk about things in general, and she tells me she’s taking a break from legal proofreading. “I’m needing a step back. I’ve not had a break for two years and I feel like I’ve nothing left to give. I know it wasn’t welcomed, but it was either the firm gave me the two months I needed to recharge, or I resigned. Well, I got the recharge time.”
“Everyone needs time out now and again, Avery. Two years is a long time not to have a break. There is no wonder you are tired.” I pat her hand, then look up when the door opens. Bull walks into the diner and promptly takes a seat next to me but opposite Avery.
“Hi, Avery, Cilla. I wanted to discuss something with you if you have a few minutes.” Bull directs this towards Avery.
“Do you need me to leave?” I ask while looking at Bull.
Bull shakes his head, “No, it’s fine. I want to ask you about your clothing store, Avery.”
“What about it?” Avery replies with a frown.
“The club has been interested in Lulu’s place. You know that Scribe has been using it as a tattoo shop. Well, she’s selling the place but asking far too much for it. We would like to rent your place and move the shop even if temporarily. We’ll do all the work, of course.”
Avery studies Bull for a moment, then smiles. “Do you deal with the financial side of this, Bull?”
“Well, no, that’s Coin’s job,” Bull replies, and I think I have an idea where this is going and decide to help Avery out.
“Avery, would you consider selling your building to the club?” I ask and see Bull stiffen at my question.
“That building has been standing empty for two years. I purchased it to create a legal editing and proofreading company, but after the purchase it was too much to do all the alterations. So, when Gianna asked me if she could rent it as a clothing store, I said yes. I’ve not recovered the cost of the building at this point. To answer your question, Cilla, yes, I would consider selling to the MC.”