Old Ladies Club 2

by Kayce Kyle

  I’m sitting here, listening to the banter and watching the guys as they all fuss over the right way to cook a damn hamburger. It’s hilarious to see them all argue over how long to keep it on one side before flipping. The girls are talking about kids, and I can’t help but rub my lower belly, I can’t believe with me being on birth control I still managed to get knocked up. It shouldn’t surprise me any though, because my man is insatiable in bed. All I have to be is present in the same room as Justice and he’s ready to jump my bones. He says it's my fault for being so sexy...whatever, I never felt sexy or beautiful until he came into my life. Honestly, considering how we started out, I feel exceptionally blessed that our relationship is the way it is at all. I get lost in thoughts about how he tackled me to the bed before we left as I was attempting to dress and a smile forms on my face.

  “Lizzie, hello, anybody home?” I hear, I look over and see all of the women staring at me.

  “Sorry, I was just thinking about something,” I say, waving my hand in the air, trying to get the blush that I’m sure covers my face to go away.

  “Uh-huh,” Sadie says, “and that’s why you’re beet red right now I take it.”

  “Yep,” I reply, “a lady has to have some secrets.”

  “Huh? I don’t see any ladies in present company,” Rainey says, and I playfully smack her arm. “What?” she asks, “seriously, we’re not. We’re hot badasses married to alphaholes.”

  “Alphaholes? Where on earth did you pick up that word?” Skylar asks, “and why didn’t I come up with that one on my own,” she ponders.

  “That’s what one of the women on the site calls her Ol’ men,” I tell them, “we loved it so much we had to start using it on our men as well.”

  “It’s a good word, describes all of our men to a ‘T’ that’s for sure,” Kori says.

  “When are they going to stop fighting over how to cook the perfect burger? I’m starving!” Ashton asks us. Several of us agree with her, life has been good for me since Ashton became a permanent fixture in my life. She even had the occasion when my father showed up, unannounced, to sweetly inform him he’s a shitty father. It was in one of those ways where you didn’t know for sure if you were being insulted. She has a way with words that’s for sure, and I couldn’t love her more if I wanted to. No one has ever stood up to my father when it comes to me besides Justice, and she got major kudo points in my book for caring enough about me to even say anything...even if it was in a kind way.

  “Go show them how it’s done, Mom,” Sadie says to Ashton.

  “I think I will do just that,” she says, getting up and sauntering away. Those guys have no idea what they’re in for when she gets this way. We all watch as she makes her way towards them and basically starts her inquisition, which has Tic handing over the spatula to her and before we know it, dinner is ready.

  “Wow, she’s good,” Rainey states.

  “Yes, she is,” I reply, getting up and running for the grill, I’ll be damned if my baby doesn’t get fed before these overgrown boys do.

  “Watch it, boys, you’ve kept us women waiting forever...I need food!” I holler out, elbowing my way between them. They all stand aside and let the women get their food first, not because they’re gentlemen, but because they know better than to keep food from us. We like our food!

  Rainey

  I always have a blast when all the women and men get together. The banter and closeness we all have is mind-blowing. I’ve never felt so comfortable in my own skin as I do around this group of people. My father, rest his soul, if he was still around would be so happy that Wasp has become a part of our lives. They were friends when he was still alive, best of friends if you want the truth. When Wasp left all those years ago, after his family had been taken from him, my father was lost for a bit, but they kept in touch throughout the years. My father even put up a reward for information on Ashton and Riley, they were just a town over, but with new identities and a new group of friends. I can’t believe that it took Skylar befriending the girls before everything came to light. I’m just happy he finally found his peace in his girls’ arms. He even got introduced to his daughter he didn’t know he had...Sadie, she’s an amazing person and so much fun to be around.

  I was young when it all happened, just a toddler, so I never knew that we ran in the same circle of friends. My sisters, Ariel and Emory, we sat and talked about it one night, and felt guilty that we never knew. The thing is, Ashton dyed her hair and looked completely different than that of the picture on the missing persons flyer we had, and Riley was just a baby when taken, so she obviously looked nothing like it either. No one ever saw Ashton at any of the games, or events the schools held, so none of the guys ever put two and two together. I’m just glad it had a happy ending for all those involved...just wish Dad had a chance to know. Damn rain storm caused our dad and uncle to pass away in a car accident. No one knows if he just lost control, or if something else happened. Mom told us he was needed for something more important from the big man above, and that’s how we all got through our grief of losing him. Being called home to take care of something is more important than the work you’re born to do. Mom says his work on earth was done, by bringing the three most important people into her lives. Anyways, enough of this down in the dumps shit, I’m here to have a good time and enjoy the company of some pretty amazing people.

  Bristol

  I watch as Rainey gets lost in her head, and by the look on her face it isn’t something good. I hope that she’s not thinking of all the Babes that caused so many problems for her and her men. I could’ve throttled them all, but Ashton and Kori took care of them, and we have never seen their faces since. I didn’t ask any questions, because honestly, they’re the VP and President’s women, and it’s not my place.

  “Rainey, are you okay?” I lean over, and whisper in her ear.

  “Yeah, I’m good. Just thinking of my dad and how happy he’d be.”

  “Sorry he’s not here, from what you and your sisters have shared, he sounds like he was an amazing person.”

  “Oh, he was the best man I’ve ever known, until my guys that is,” she replies.

  “My dad hated me from the day I was born. You’re lucky you had a good one, and at least you got to experience that kind of love and devotion,” I tell her. I don’t feel sorry for myself, Brady fixed that for me a long time ago when he made me his Ol’ lady and never gave up on me enjoying life.

  “Your mom’s still around though, right?” she asks me.

  “The only reason that bitch is still alive and kicking is because she was my pop’s sister,” Skylar says. My eyes widen, because I knew they hated her, I just didn’t realize how much until I heard the venom in my cousin’s voice just now. My mom was just as much of a snake as my dad. They were willing to trade me for Lila Rose to get one over on my uncle, but before that happened, my uncle was murdered at my parents’ hands, or better yet orders, and Lila and I were rescued by these men here.

  “Sorry,” I mumble, feeling the guilt of the situation, and hold my head down in shame.

  “The fuck are you sorry about? I hate the fact that my so-called aunt killed my father, I’ll hate her for that until my dying day. What I’m sorrowful from is the fact that I had a cousin out there suffering abuse, and I didn’t know and couldn’t do a damn thing about it,” Skylar states.

  “But we have each other now, and everyone has more than made up for all those years I suffered at my parents’ hands. The things I didn’t understand about family are now ingrained in me. Those years taught me to live life to the fullest and never take love for granted.” Skylar squeezes my knee, and looks to the side. We all still hold some guilt over the situation. I didn’t know I had any other family, or I would’ve found a way to reach out and warn them about my parents...then maybe King would still be alive and enjoying a beer with his family and friends. The family is still healing and I hope my uncle is looking down on us and is proud of all we’ve accomplished.

&nb
sp; Later that night, I’m laying in Brady’s arms and I can’t help but asks him, “Are you happy?”

  “The happiest I’ve ever been,” he says, rubbing my patch on my shoulder. It proudly states...Property of Ghost. At first, I was appalled that he wanted me to get that done...I mean, who gets branded like cattle? When I figured out how important it was to him, I jumped on it and had it done. Now, I don’t regret it and I show it off as frequently as the weather allows. My tank tops and sundresses get used quite a bit in the summer and fall months.

  “I love you, Brady. You’re the best thing that’s happened to me.”

  “I love you too, darlin’, and ditto,” he says, smiling brightly down at me. “Have I told you lately how fuckin’ sexy you are?”

  “Every single day,” I reply.

  “And I’ll keep tellin’ you, until we’re old and grey and are watching our grandkids play with the other club brats.”

  “That’s a pretty picture you just painted me.”

  “It’s the truth, now, enough talkin’, give your man some love.” That’s code for, ‘fuck my brains out’ in true Brady fashion. We make love all night long, in between we talk about the future and what we both want. It’s something we’ve done since day one, and it’s a tradition I hope never changes.

  Chapter Nine

  Jenalyn

  Tess and I are getting the kids together for a playdate, but it looks like the weather is going to force us to make that happen inside. Leo is content underneath his little play gym as I hold Cami on my hip.

  Looking outside at the dark clouds beginning to form and circle around my house makes me nervous, especially when Justice isn’t home. Grabbing my phone, I call Tess to tell her about the change in plans.

  “Hey,” Tess answers.

  “Looks like this weather’s going to decide the day for us. The guys are having an important meeting today, so I’m sure they won’t be home anytime soon. Honestly, though, I hate being alone in this weather, so if you still want to get the kids together, I’m definitely down for the company,” I tell her.

  “Yeah, this weather lately has been crazy. California doesn’t get this shit. I’ve almost got all of Carter’s stuff packed, and I’ll be over. Need me to bring anything?”

  “You’re my bestie, so I can say this honestly without you getting all butthurt...but, are you new? You know we have enough food and drink for an apocalypse, right? I have an entire room dedicated and stocked with just about anything a baby or small child could want or need too.”

  Tess laughs on the other end of the phone. “Yes, I realize this. Our fortress should be ready in less than two months,” she tells me.

  Excitement overcomes me. “Oh, girl, you know what that means?”

  “That you want to take over decorating the inside of our new home?” she replies.

  Rolling my eyes, I tell her, “No, I was thinking housewarming party. But, now that you mention it, we could do some online ‘window’ shopping when the kids take a nap. If you want, of course.”

  “You totally just rolled your fucking eyes, didn’t you? Is my bestie feeling butthurt?” she asks through a giggle. “As long as the power doesn’t go out on us, I’m up for some online shopping,” she finishes.

  “One word. Generator,” I remind her.

  “So true! Okay, we’ll be there in about twenty minutes. Love ya!”

  “Love ya back!”

  Hitting the end button on my phone, I tuck it away in the back of my jeans pocket.

  Cami just finished lunch, and I normally let her play for about an hour before she starts to get cranky for a nap. Today however, she’s already beginning to fuss, so I grab her sippy cup, and make a failed attempt at trying to get her to go potty before I change her pull-up and lay her down. Great, it must be the weather throwing her mood off because she doesn’t feel warm, so I know a fever isn’t to blame. Closing her door, I flip on the camera monitor to see that she’s already fallen asleep. Damn, that girl is her father’s daughter. Head hits the pillow, and she’s out.

  Moments later Tess arrives and it’s already beginning to pour down rain. Leo’s in my arms, but I help her with all the stuff she has. Traveling with a child is no easy feat, you basically have to pack half your house. At least that’s what it feels like.

  “Thanks,” she tells me after I grab Carter’s diaper bag and a brown paper bag.

  Carrying them both over to the counter, I set them both down. “What’s in the brown sack?”

  Closing my front door, she toes her shoes off because, yes, I’m picky about that. She looks up at me and says, “That’s my wine. You’ve got your vodka and shit, and since I’ve cut way back on the hard stuff, wine is how I treat myself.”

  “Spoken like a true housewife. Sure you haven’t turned into one of those stepford wives?” I tease her.

  “I can see it now. The Real Housewives of Sundown,” she says jokingly.

  “Oh, we’re no ordinary wives, we’re ‘Ol ladies. That’s a whole new level of crazy I’m not sure the world is ready for. Hell, could you imagine? We barely got the men to agree to the site. Plus, that is just a no-brainer anyway. Too much exposure would put a target smack dab on our backs, and not just from enemies, if ya catch my drift?”

  “I know. But a Cali girl can dream, right?” Tess replies, obviously still joking. “Where’s Cami?” she asks me, looking around the living room.

  “Crashed as soon as we hung up. Must be the weather,” I tell her and she nods, accepting what I just told her.

  We both lay out baby blankets and place our boys on their bellies. They’re roughly six months old now, so tummy time it is, at least several time per day as the pediatrician suggests. It’s so cute to watch the both of them roll over and get up on their knees while holding themselves up as they rock back and forth. Any Day now, they’ll be crawling all over the place and getting into everything. Oh, the joy of parenthood that Tess is about to experience. It’s both a milestone, and maddening at the same time. We place several toys around them and sit down on the floor next to them.

  The ping of our security alarm is set off and I look up at one of the cameras and see Clara running up to the front door. “What the hell? She has the day off,” I say out loud and puzzled before I jog to the front door and open it before she scans her eyes for recognition.

  The wind nearly pushes me back with the door as I open it. “Come in, hurry,” I tell her.

  Poor woman is drenched. “Justice called and asked if I’d come over and help, you know, because of the weather,” she tells me.

  “I’m going to go ahead and open this wine,” Tess says from across the room.

  “I mean, Christ almighty. Does he not think I’m capable of caring for our children during a storm? I’m insulted actually,” I blurt out.

  Clara just shrugs. “I don’t know, sweetie. I do what I’m paid to do.”

  Again, the sound of the alarm goes off, alerting me to the security camera. It’s a Mercedes SUV, which tells me it’s Sidney. Out of her vehicle climb Vanna and Stormie as well.

  “Guess we’re having a ladies day!” I say out loud as I open the door for them. “Hello, come on in, and let me go get some towels for y’all. Don’t forget, shoes off by the front door.”

  As I head into the hallway to grab some of the extra towels we keep in there, my phone rings. Looking down, I notice it’s Justice. Perfect timing I suppose for my own personal babysitter.

  “Yes, warden?” I answer. “What crime have I committed now? Am I getting put in solitary confinement later?”

  His deep serious tone greets me on the other end and he doesn’t sound impressed with my humor as per usual. “First, stop calling me that. Second, never, and I repeat never, again ask me if you’re getting the hole later. That entire image makes me cringe, and the only one getting any hole later will be me, but only if you behave yourself today.”

  “Don’t threaten me, Paine, or I’ll withhold every available hole on my body until further notice,”
I warn him, as I stack dry towels in my arms, holding the phone between my cheek and shoulder.

  “We’ll see about that, Jen. Anyway, you need to listen to me. The weather’s bad, so I asked the guys and everyone agreed our house is safer given the fact that we’re under a tornado watch. It might be nothing, but I need you to take this weather seriously. You know how crazy this Texas weather can get and fast. If you hear the sirens, or get an alert on your phone, y’all go into the master closet. It’s big enough for everyone. We’re trying to finish up here so we can all go home. Ty, Vault and Joker will come with me, but we’re gonna have to bring one of the SUV’s for obvious reasons. Look, I’ve gotta go, but please, Jen, keep a close eye on the weather. Oh, and kiss my mini’s for me,” he tells me.

  “Fine,” I huff out. “We’re fine. Just do your meeting stuff and get home. Love you.”

  “Love you, too,” he replies before ending the call.

  Savanna

  Jenalyn comes around the corner with fresh towels for us to help speed along the process of us drying off.

  Stormie doesn’t seem to mind and plops herself down on the leather sofa.

  Jenalyn scoffs. “Storm, I know, Lord knows I can relate to how tired and miserable pregnancy can make you, especially toward the end...but you know how obsessive I am about my furniture and house,” she says, extending a towel to Stormie.

  “Okay,” Stormie replies, as she momentarily stands before she places the towel underneath her ass and sits right back down. “Better?”

  “I forgot to mention moody,” Jenalyn says while rolling her eyes.

  “Looks like we’re all going to be here a while, so, how about I make us some snacks?” I offer. “I know my way around this place well enough.”