Heavy Hogs MC

by Elias Taylor

  Beth’s voice was low and dangerous. Tisha should not have mentioned her father, not in the way she had.

  “But if my father was alive to see you today, to see what you’ve become.” Beth looked down at Tisha with a snarled lip. “He would be disappointed.”

  Tisha was speechless with her mouth hanging open. Beth didn’t need a response. She turned on her heel and walked away. Christian followed her, his heart racing with excitement.

  Beth had stood up to Tisha. Who knew how long Tisha had been pushing Beth around and putting her down? Probably years. Beth had stood by her because she was loyal and kind, but today had been a breaking point. Beth finally spoke her mind, and it hadn’t been pretty, but a small piece of Christian was ecstatic that it had been about him. She had been defending him and the night he had shared with her.

  Once they had turned the corner, Beth turned back to him. Her eyes were alight with a wicked gleam, and a smile hovered at the corner of her lips.

  “That was amazing,” Christian said. Beth needed to know how spectacular she had been. She took a deep breath and shook her head.

  “I can’t believe I just did that,” she said.

  “I can.” Christian’s smile grew. “And let me tell you, it was a pleasure to witness.”

  Beth laughed, and the sound of her giggle, clear and joyous, made Christian’s entire body tingle with excitement.

  “Well.” Beth looked up at Christian with clear eyes that rocked him to his core. She had avoided eye contact with him the morning after they had slept together. Now she looked him full in the face as she spoke. “This is as good a time as ever to take me out to lunch.”

  Chapter Fifteen: Beth

  Without missing a beat, Christian grabbed Beth’s hand and led her out of the mall. She liked how confident he could be, even right after facing down the wrath of Tisha.

  Tisha had definitely been mad. She covered it with her laughter and nasty commentary, but Beth knew Tisha was seething. Tisha’s reaction wasn’t fair. Christian didn’t belong to Tisha anymore. He hadn’t for a long time. Beth wasn’t sure he belonged to her, either, but that was a conversation for later.

  “There’s a cool Italian bistro down this way,” he said.

  “Great.” She was still reeling over what she had said to Tisha. Of course, Beth had daydreamed about one day telling Tisha to cut it out, but she had never imagined it would happen.

  Beth wasn’t the confrontational type, and she definitely wasn’t the type of person who automatically knew the perfect words to use when standing up for herself, but she had done it. Every word she uttered had been true, especially the part about her dad. He would have been disappointed in Tisha, and if Tisha was going to reference him to try and make Beth feel bad, then Beth was going to tell Tisha the truth. She never knew telling the truth could feel so good.

  She glanced at Christian, and her heart gave a flutter. He gave her a strength that she never knew she was capable of having. He stood beside her and dismissed Tisha. He didn’t do it for Tisha, Beth realized, he had done it for her. Tisha could try and reassert her hold on him, but he was a free man, and he chose Beth.

  He smiled at her as he pointed at the bistro up ahead. Beth still couldn’t believe she asked him out to lunch. After all the time and effort she spent convincing herself they shouldn’t date, here they were. She supposed she had Tisha to thank for that. Seeing how Tisha treated both her and Christian made Beth realize Tisha didn’t deserve the respect Beth gave her by keeping away from Christian.

  They settled down at a table in the corner, and Beth breathed a sigh of relief. She looked up at Christian and shook her head. “I cannot believe her. She is so out of line talking about you the way she does.”

  “Me?” Christian said. “I was appalled by how she talked to you.”

  Beth shrugged. She looked up at Christian. His face lit with excitement. He had enjoyed her showdown with Tisha, but Beth suspected it wasn’t because he got to see Tisha humiliated. He looked at Beth with something akin to pride in his eyes. Beth flush with pleasure. It had been a long time since someone other than her parents had been proud of her.

  “My friendship with Tisha has been complicated for a while,” Beth said.

  “That seems like an understatement,” Christian said.

  Beth laughed at his wry tone. He had a point. “Well, we don’t see each other very often, and we haven’t for years. Ever since she went to college and started modeling, she’s been hard to be around. We drifted apart a long time ago. I still hang out with her when she’s in town because, well, we were friends for so long.”

  Beth paused. Surely Christian wasn’t interested in all this? She looked at him, but he was riveted. And she had to admit it felt good to vent.

  “Every time I see her, it’s frustrating because she’s gotten so vapid and judgmental and mean.” Beth continued since Christian seemed interested. “I guess I’ve gotten used to her nasty comments, but I cannot believe her audacity in talking about you like that. She treated you so badly all those years ago, but she feels like she can diss you now. It’s absurd!”

  Christian shrugged and smiled at her. He seemed truly unbothered by Tisha’s cruelty.

  “I mean, she clearly just wants the whole world to revolve around her,” Beth said. “And she can’t stand that you’ve moved on with your life. I hate feeling like a bad friend, but she hasn’t been there for me in a long time, and I just couldn’t do it anymore.”

  Beth collapsed against the back of her chair with a sigh. She had never expressed her feelings about Tisha to such an extent. She had always bottled up her frustrations and buried them away. But with Christian, she felt safe. She knew he wouldn’t judge her, and she wanted him to understand what she had been through with Tisha.

  Beth chewed her lip and looked at Christian. Maybe she had said too much. He probably thought she was crazy.

  “Is there someplace you can advertise for a new best friend?” Christian asked. “Because after putting up with that for years, I feel like you deserve someone else.”

  A smile spread across her face, and her insides began to melt. His handsome features were enhanced when he smiled, and the nice way he treated caused her cheeks to warm. She hoped her face didn’t give away her response to him.

  “Seriously, I’ll help you find someone,” Christian said. “I only lasted a few years with Tisha as my girlfriend, but you’ve put in, what, a decade of your life?”

  “Try two decades.” Beth dropped her head. Even she was embarrassed by how long she tolerated Tisha. “We met in kindergarten.”

  She laughed at herself. She desperately clung to a toxic friendship for years just because she had been five when she met Tisha. Her five-year-old self couldn’t have known what Tisha would become. Christian laughed as well, and they both relaxed. Beth felt quite content after finally letting her true feelings about Tisha come out.

  They ordered food and sat in companionable silence for a moment. Christian kept his gaze fixed on Beth, which normally would have made her uncomfortable, but she found that she liked being at the center of his attention. If she had been Tisha, she never would have let him get away from her. It was a wild thought, but Beth didn’t regret it. It was the truth. Christian was special.

  His face fell into a more somber expression.

  “I really am sorry about the other night,” he said. “I wish we had connected under better circumstances.”

  “You don’t need to apologize. You did the right thing.” Beth could tell he meant what he said.

  “Nah, I shouldn’t have started a fight.”

  “They were harassing women at a party, and they got what they deserved,” Beth said. “I only wish I could have gotten a punch in myself.”

  Christian laughed and shook his head. “You more than made up for it by taking down Tisha just now.”

  “Thanks,” Beth said.

  The food arrived, and she dug in. Dealing with Tisha had made her hungry. She watched Christian eat
across from her. It was nice telling him about her life. She wanted to get to know him better, as well. As they ate, silence descended over the table. Christian didn’t look angry or anything, but he was clearly waiting for something. Whatever it was, he wasn’t going to bring it up. Was he waiting on her to address the elephant in the room? They had slept together. They had enjoyed it. He had asked her out, and she had said no.

  Where did that put them?

  Beth stayed quiet. She could outlast him. Maybe. But after he had remained quiet for several more minutes, she gave in.

  “Fine, I’ll go out with you,” she said.

  The smile that lit up Christian’s face made Beth’s knees tremble. He leaned forward. “Excellent. I’m really excited.”

  “Okay, just try not to pick any fights with three different bike clubs at once,” Beth said.

  “Oh, I promise.” His tone was serious, but he winked at Beth as she said it.

  She couldn’t help but smile.

  Chapter Sixteen: Christian

  Christian had been thinking about the date with Beth for two whole days, ever since the impromptu lunch. He hadn’t been nervous before a date in a long time. Truth be told, he had not gone on a date in a long time.

  In recent years, he had only flirted with girls at bars, hooked up with them, and then split. It was simple and easy, and no one got hurt that way. Or at least, Christian didn’t get hurt. He figured he had endured enough pain at the hands of Tisha. He was unused to the ritual of picking a time and a restaurant, dressing up, and planning to pick the girl up. In his car, too, not with his bike, since she would be wearing a nice outfit.

  It felt like someone else had inhabited his body as he showered and shaved in preparation. When he emerged from his bathroom, he jumped in surprise to see both Anthony and Tyler sitting in the living room. They wore their black leather jackets and were grinning up at him like fools.

  “What the hell?” Christian yelped.

  “We came over to give you a send-off!” Tyler said.

  Christian clutched his towel around his waist and shook his head. Maybe he should’ve reconsidered giving his brothers spare keys to his home. He already regretted telling them about the date. He had just been so nervous about planning the night. Tyler and Anthony knew how to date. He needed their input on restaurants.

  Clearly, they had taken their roles as advisors too seriously.

  “Dude, whatever you do, please don’t wear that red shirt with the hole in it,” Anthony said.

  “Oh, yeah, that’s a bad look,” Tyler said.

  Christian grumbled as he headed into his room. He loved his red shirt, and the hole was small. Anyway, that was a t-shirt, and he knew enough to not wear a t-shirt on a first date. Not with a girl like Beth.

  With his door closed, Christian pulled on jeans and a green button-down shirt. His mom had given it to him for Christmas a few years ago. He never really wore it, but it was better than a raggedy t-shirt. Both Tyler and Anthony applauded and whooped as Christian came out into the living room. Christian noted with a grim shake of his head that they had helped themselves to some of the beer in his fridge. Brothers were the worst.

  “Seriously, you guys, you’re acting like I’m sixteen, and this is prom,” Christian said.

  Anthony just smiled and shrugged.

  “This is a big deal,” Tyler said. “You haven’t gone out with a girl in forever.”

  “I’ve been with girls,” Christian grumbled.

  “There’s a difference, and we all know it,” Tyler said.

  Christian rolled his eyes and helped himself to a beer, too. His brothers had already taken one each, so he might as well join them before they drank it all. Plus, he needed something to take the edge off. Was it normal for a twenty-seven-year-old man to get this nervous before a first date?

  His brothers read his mind.

  “No matter what, it’ll be better than your prom,” Anthony said.

  Christian couldn’t help but crack a smile. Tisha had been his prom date. She had taken control of everything, including his tuxedo.

  “Beth is cool,” Tyler said.

  Anthony nodded. “She’s always been chill at biker events.”

  For Anthony and Tyler, nearly everything came back to the Road Warriors. Beth may have been friends with Tisha, but as far as his brothers were concerned, if Beth was a biker, she was all right.

  Christian shrugged. His brothers’ thoughts echoed his own, only he wasn’t so ecstatic about it. When Beth agreed to go out with him, he had been over the moon, but the more he thought about it, the more he worried. Maybe Tisha was right. Christian knew he had a direction in life, but he also knew that not everyone saw that. He had a job that only allowed him to live paycheck to paycheck, he hooked up with an endless line of random girls, and he was bitter and angry after Tisha had dumped him.

  Maybe people would tell Beth that she could do better. Way better.

  Despite having some setbacks, she was so together. She had a good job and a plan to grow her own business. She was amazing, smart, and kind. She deserved someone who was on her level, someone who could commit to her.

  “I dunno,” Christian said. “Maybe she’s out of my league.”

  “No fucking way,” Tyler said. “Just because Tisha didn’t see it doesn’t mean you’re not a catch.”

  “Seriously, it’s fucked up what that bitch did to you,” Anthony said.

  Christian raised his brows. His oldest brother, despite his unkempt beard and scruffy appearance, was usually pretty mild and even-tempered. It was unlike him to curse out a woman, even one like Tisha.

  “I’m sorry, but it’s been hard as hell to watch you feel so down about yourself these past few years,” Anthony said. “And now you’re finally feeling good and going after what you want. I’m not gonna let that snake bring you down.”

  “Hell yeah!” Tyler added.

  Christian smiled at his brothers. “Thanks,” he said.

  He cleared his throat and took a sip of beer. His brothers didn’t often say it, but Christian knew they had been concerned about him. He had taken his breakup with Tisha hard, and he had been a pain to be around. He was grateful they had stuck with him through it all.

  “Okay, is my outfit date-appropriate?” Christian asked.

  “Yup,” Anthony said. “Beth is a lucky girl.”

  Tyler glanced at his watch.

  “What time are you picking her up?” Tyler asked.

  “Five,” Christian said. “Then we’re heading down the art festival in town, maybe watch a movie.”

  “Art festival?” Anthony asked.

  “Yeah, I mentioned it had some of my photos, and she wanted to go,” Christian said.

  “See, she’s already appreciating you and seeing how cool you are,” Anthony said. “When did Tisha ever show that she cared about your photography?”

  Christian had no answer. For all the time he dated Tisha, it had been all about her and her goals. She used to call Christian’s photography a hobby. Even when he took pictures of her, she was usually uninterested.

  “Fuck Tisha,” Tyler said.

  “Okay, I agree, but let’s stop talking about Tisha,” Christian said. “Beth shouldn’t be compared to her, and tonight is about Beth.”

  His brothers beamed up at him. They were clearly overjoyed at the idea of never discussing Tisha again. Christian was as well.

  “Make sure you’re on time,” Anthony said.

  “And make sure you open the car door for her,” Tyler said.

  “Tell her how good she looks,” Anthony said. “Not in a creepy way, but make sure she knows you notice.”

  “Okay, okay, I got it,” Christian said. “I’m not completely devoid of social skills.”

  He was smiling, though. Something about his brother’s confidence in him was banishing his nerves. Beth was a really great girl, and he deserved someone great. She would see him for who he was. He could tell based on their prior conversations that she had a firm
grip on reality. She wasn’t like Tisha, constantly twisting and manipulating things.

  Christian was done thinking about Tisha. He meant what he said to his brothers—Beth didn’t deserve to be compared to an ex, especially one like Tisha.

  He stood up. It was about time to go.

  “All right, I’m headed out,” Christian said.

  Both his brothers stood up to give him quick high-fives.

  “You got this,” Tyler said.

  “I’m proud of you,” Anthony said.

  Christian rolled his eyes at Anthony being so sappy, but he was touched deep down. He knew he hadn’t done much to make Anthony proud in a long time. That was going to end, though. Christian was going to be a better man. For Beth and for his brothers.

  He was going to try, anyway.

  On his way to Beth’s place, Christian stopped at a grocery store to pick up some flowers. He picked a small bouquet with an array of different flowers. Maybe during the date, she would share her favorite flowers and next time—if there was a next time—he would get her those.

  God, he hoped there was a next time.

  He needed to show her the best version of himself. He couldn’t sink into the drunk and reckless side of Christian. He couldn’t be the guy who only wanted to hook up. He wanted more than that with Beth. He wasn’t sure what he wanted, but this was different, and he was determined not to screw up.

  Chapter Seventeen: Beth

  “Okay, not jeans,” Mel said. “You look great in jeans, but you need something extra special.”

  “It can’t be too fancy, though,” Beth moaned. “It’s an outdoor festival.”

  Beth wrung her hands and flopped onto her bed. She was still in her fuzzy bathrobe. She had spent all day trying to figure out what to wear, and thankfully, Mel came over to help.

  Beth didn’t know why she felt like such a teenager. It wasn’t like this was her first date. She had gone on plenty of dates over the years. Although, she had never been this invested. She never had a serious relationship because she hadn’t looked for one. All her dates had been fun and low-stakes. She’d had long term relationships, but her heart always remained locked up.