Recovery (Satan's Cubs Motorcycle Club Book 3)

by Sophia Hampton

  Andy was glad when Jack led him to the door with a promise to call him within a week. He wanted to get out of there. As he climbed on his bike he felt his phone buzz in his pocket. He smiled thinking it must have been Melanie checking in on her break to see how the interview went, but he saw it was Frank. He hadn’t heard from Frank in a week. They’d cut off most communication for everyone’s safety. Andy was curious as to why he was calling.

  “Hey, Frank, what’s going on?”

  “Not a whole lot, buddy. I just wanted to check in and see how you were. It’s hell here without you. Though, I’m sure it would be hell right now, anyway.”

  Andy sighed, hating to hear how bad it was. He felt so guilty not being there, but it was the best thing for him and for them at the moment. “How bad is it, Frank? Be honest with me. I can handle it.” The funny thing was he was pretty sure he couldn’t handle it.

  “We’ve been getting hell and threats from the Colombians left and right, and all runs have been suspended for now. The president is actually leaving tonight to head down there and talk directly with the cartel leaders. He’s going to try and see if there’s a way we can work something out. We’ve been hurting for money, all out searching for some other deals. We’ve been considering getting in on the fire arms black market. We’re desperate man. Be glad that you’re out there somewhere with Melanie and have other things you’re doing. You have the perfect out, and you should run with it, buddy.”

  Andy wasn’t sure how to take the news. It seemed like it was all his fault for allowing cocaine to get to him again. If he had been sober he would have known what was going on, known that there was a traitor in their midst. That still confused him. “Did you ever figure out who it really was?”

  “No, we’re stumped. No one has come forward, and there are no suspects even. For all we know the Colombians are full of shit and just want to bitch for no reason. Hopefully the prez will get it straightened out and he’ll be giving you a call letting you know you can come back.”

  “How is Rebecca taking all of this?” He felt the worst about leaving her and Charmaine behind.

  “Buddy, it’s bad. She and I have been on the rocks lately. She’s talking about quitting and everything, has everyone up in arms. I don’t know what to do for her. I’m afraid something’s gonna happen to her. She’s lost it or something.”

  Andy held back a gasp. Frank and Rebecca were the most stable and cooperative couple he’d ever seen. It must be even worse than the picture Frank was painting if it was going to break them up. Maybe he could have Melanie contact Rebecca to see what she could find out.

  “Well, I’ve gotta go, man. I just left an appointment. But my thoughts are with you, and I really hope you and that old lady of yours work it out. It would be a shame if you two ever broke up. It would mean there’s no hope for any of us.”

  “Yep, I’m sure we’ll get over this bump. May peace be with you buddy.” Andy hung up the phone feeling down. He was going to have to take Melanie up on her offer to talk to her about anything whenever he needed to. He felt like he could cry. His world was falling apart, crumbling before his eyes. It was time to make a change, and he knew just where to start.

  He sped off to where he knew he would go after the interview no matter how much it hurt. He pulled up to the motorcycle shop that wasn’t too far from his house, his head down as he left his bike at the front and walked around back to find the owner. He knew that his bike was in great shape and could easily snatch a pretty penny that he could use to pay rent for several months even if he didn’t find a job. It was a sacrifice he was making for his life with Melanie. As far as he was concerned, his life with Satan’s Cubs MC was over until further notice, which he had a bad feeling would never come.

  “Hey, Andy, how you doing?” Of course the owner knew who he was.

  “I’m alright, just came from a job interview.”

  “Oh, man, no wonder you’re all spiffed up. I was worrying you’d gone straight edge. What brings you here today? Does your bike need a tune up? Do you want to get a second one for your old lady? I heard you found a chick with a pretty smoking body from Charmaine a few months back.”

  Andy smiled to himself at the mention of Melanie. She was an amazing catch for sure, and her body was pretty smoking. “I wish that’s why I was here, dude, but it’s not.”

  “Oh, man, don’t tell me you already fucked it up with her!”

  “No, no worries there. She’s living with me and everything. It’s pretty serious.”

  “It sounds like it. So, what can I help you with, then?”

  “I’d like to know how much you’re willing to pay for my lady friend out there. She’s been real good to me, and I’ve been good right back to her. “

  “Oh, man, the legendary Andy is whipped! I can’t believe this. Alright, take me to her. I bet she’s a sight for sore eyes.”

  Andy led the owner around to his bike and ended up surrendering the keys for an even $5,000. It was going to be a long walk home.

  CHAPTER THREE

  “Hey girl!” Caleb squealed as Melanie walked into his house. For some reason he had the itch to have a sleepover when he found out Andy as well as Irene’s boyfriend were going to be pretty busy that night.

  Melanie walked in to find Irene already sitting on a big mattress in front of the television wearing her hair in pigtails. All three of them were in pajamas that looked like they belonged to young children. It reminded her of middle school. She gave Caleb a hug and went to sit next to Irene and saw that there was candy and popcorn set out in front of the mattress as well as a plethora of DVDs.

  Caleb joined them as they went through the stack to pick one out they wanted to watch. “So, how is Andy doing?” Melanie knew it was Irene’s way of subtly trying to check on her wellbeing. If Andy was fine it probably meant that she was fine and not drinking again.

  Melanie resisted rolling her eyes. “He’s alright, just a little depressed I think. He’s backed off on his profession and is trying to find a legit job. I think he feels a little out of place and lonely. I mean, he hasn’t spoken to his best friend in a week.” Melanie dipped her hand in the popcorn and pulled out a fistful.

  “Is he still using?” Caleb asked, bluntly, warranting a slap from Irene.

  “No, it’s okay to ask that. He is one month sober, and I am almost 60 days sober, thanks. He’s doing really well.”

  “Oh, is he now?” Caleb raised an eyebrow seductively, giving his question a whole new meaning. Now it was exactly like middle school as they were about to delve into giggling and sexual gossip. Melanie sat there in silence, hoping it was a rhetorical question.

  “C’mon, Melanie. I’ll share about mine if you share about yours,” Irene offered seeming awfully curious. Caleb must have been gossiping about how hot Andy was before she got there. Irene still hadn’t met him, after all. She’d have to fix that someday soon.

  “Fine. He’s great -- excellent, actually. He’s really strong so he can do things like hold me up against a wall and throw me down on the bed. He’s a bit of a rough one, though, and pretty alpha. I usually just let him take the reins.“ Melanie blushed sharing the information but shrugged it off and gave the floor to Irene.

  “No, ma’am, you’re not getting off that easy! You’ve got to give more details. What is his moan like? How big is he? I’ve got to live vicariously through you while I’m single, hon.” Caleb snapped his fingers in Melanie’s face trying to force her to go on. He could be so bossy, sometimes. Maybe that was why he was single, but Melanie decided not to bring up that subject lest he kick her out on her ass.

  “Okay, well, he sounds a bit like an animal sometimes. He growls and grunts a lot. It’s very manly. Sometimes, he’ll make a face like a wolf or something, showing his teeth.” Hopefully none of this would ever be mentioned to Andy or she’d die of embarrassment, and he’d probably dump her for sharing such private information. “As far as length, he’s a little longer than average. If I had to guess I’d s
ay seven or so inches.” Melanie couldn’t believe she was telling them that, but Caleb wouldn’t take no for an answer, and she knew it. “He’s super thick, though.”

  “Mmmm, nice and juicy!” exclaimed Caleb, making them all break out in a hysterical but bashful laughter. Caleb was definitely not lacking in the confidence department. “Okay, Irene, it’s your turn, missy. You agreed.”

  Melanie noticed that Irene looked like she was choking on her own spit as Caleb tried to convince her to spill the details of her own love life. A love life that was severely lacking over the last decade. “Well, I’ve always thought it’s not so much about size. It’s more about how he uses it.”

  “That means he’s tiny,” Caleb whispered, interrupting her. Irene glared daggers at him. “Well, exactly how does he use it honey?” Caleb challenged her.

  Irene began to turn a dark shade of red, looking a lot like some sort of vegetable. “Well, he’s got some pretty nice hips. You’ve seen him dance, haven’t you Caleb?”

  “Wait, Caleb, you’ve met this guy?” Melanie slapped him playfully on the shoulder. She had yet to really meet the elusive man that had changed Irene’s mind about dating. It was a big deal.

  “Guilty as charged, but it was only once and not for very long. He came to Jude’s with us a couple weeks ago, just for a few minutes before he took this one home. He got caught up in the music and man that boy can dance. I’ll give him all the credit in the world for that. He reminded me of a better looking Marc Anthony.” Melanie couldn’t believe she’d missed it, but it was probably for the best. She had her life straight and didn’t plan on jumping out of the bandwagon just to see Irene’s boyfriend shake his stuff on the dance floor.

  Irene was still blushing ten shades of red, but she was also smiling at the thought. Melanie couldn’t believe how much things had changed with her friends in the past few months. She felt like she was losing touch with them or something. Maybe that’s why Caleb was insisting on the sleepover, so they could really catch up.

  “He absolutely loves Caleb, though. He’s even thinking of replacing his personal assistant and personal decorator with him,” Irene announced. Melanie’s eyes went wide at the mention of personal decorator. She knew Irene had mentioned a few times the guy had some money, but that must mean he had a ton of money. What did the guy do for a living?

  “I would totally go for it just to see what his place looks like. I bet it’s like heaven and huge. Although, I bet Irene knows all about it considering she spends most of her nights there now.” The way Caleb said it made it sound more like Irene had moved in or there was some kind of news she hadn’t readily shared. Melanie was beginning to feel a little out of the loop.

  “Okay, I admit that I have news, but I wanted to wait until all of us were here.” Irene smiled and grabbed Melanie’s hand in a show of friendship. It made Melanie feel better that she hadn’t exactly told Caleb either, just hinted at whatever it was. Melanie waved her hand in the air to get Irene to come out with it. “We’re engaged, and I’m moving in next month. He’s having the place redone for me.” Irene flashed her hand which glinted in the light. On her ring finger shined a large diamond which looked like it must have been weighing her finger down. It was the ultimate engagement ring.

  Melanie reached out to give Irene a big hug. “Congratulations, that’s amazing!”

  “Oh, I’m sure you’ll be next sometime soon, Melanie. Your situation is just unique. You guys were starting over. You’ll be my bridesmaid, and I’ll be yours for sure.” Irene’s eyes sparkled with happiness. She certainly wasn’t wasting any time now that she’d found a guy. Melanie couldn’t help think about what Irene said, though. She hadn’t really brought up marriage or a future with Andy. She was just enjoying their life together. She didn’t even know if it’s something she wanted to consider in their current situation.

  Her stomach felt a little queasy thinking about him. She knew he was out and about trying to sort some things out with his life, and she’d told him the day before she had a bad feeling about what was on the horizon. Just because he’d distanced himself from the motorcycle club didn’t mean he was safe from the wrath of the Colombians. She promised herself she’d send him a text and check on him as soon as everyone settled down for the night.

  “You’re going to make a beautiful bride, Irene. I’m so happy for the two of you, that you found each other!” Melanie felt a tear come to her eye. She felt silly getting emotional over the wedding hype. Maybe she was getting a little old.

  “I better be a beautiful bride! I’m counting on this dufus to make me up and the both of you to help me pick out my dress.” Irene hit Caleb playfully again. Of course, he would do her makeup and hair. There was no one better that Melanie could think of. “Isn’t it funny that we both have rich boyfriends now? I mean, I know they’re like polar opposites, but who would have thought we’d end up with these guys?”

  “Oh yeah, you should see Andy’s place. It’s pretty awesome,” Caleb commented. It looked like the spotlight was back on Melanie.

  They both looked at her waiting for her to tell them about it. “Well, we live in this snazzy apartment complex, like luxury townhomes. It’s huge, like the biggest apartment I’ve ever seen in my life. But trust me; the inside was ridiculous when I first got there. He had like a bunch of thrift store furniture mismatched and old everywhere. He barely had anything at all, no décor. I took it upon myself to fix that though. My dining room set is there, and I just went off of that and added. I think we own half of Pottery Barn now.” They all laughed at that.

  “Oh my gosh, Mel, I just got the best idea ever!” Caleb exclaimed, jumping up and down like a teenage girl who just got her first car.

  “What, you want me to see if my fiancée has a brother or something?” Irene joked.

  “Well that too, though I might just go out of my comfort zone and see who Andy knows. I think I’d look pretty good in leather, don’t you? Anyway, no, that wasn’t my idea, thanks. Though I’ll keep it in mind.” He smirked at Irene before continuing. “Actually, I was thinking about the fact that both Melanie and I seem to have an eye for design. We could totally start up our own design firm and decorate houses for the rich and famous. We could eventually quit our day jobs if we wanted. Wouldn’t that be awesome? Then, I would be the rich boyfriend.”

  “That doesn’t sound like that bad of an idea, Caleb. It’s brilliant. I bet my man would help you get started, use his place -- our place -- for advertising purposes.” Irene seemed to latch onto the idea immediately, but Melanie felt unsure, like she was with everything in her life now that Andy was practically in hiding. But she couldn’t deny there was a certain pull to the thought. It would be great to be a success like that, a fun career instead of just a well-paying job.

  “I guess we can take a shot at it. What would we call ourselves?”

  “Well, Veratti and Jones of course. It sounds luxurious to me.”

  “Well, then let’s tack on Luxury Home Décor,” Melanie suggested.

  “Oh, yes! That’s perfect!” Irene shouted.

  Melanie felt like the laughter and good mood was becoming infectious and she tried to wipe her mind clean of the worry she had for Andy. That was a thought for a later time. Right now, she needed to enjoy being with great friends and planning for what sounded like a promising future. Being in business together would keep them close for a good long while. It made her smile thinking about it.

  “You guys are great. You know that, right?” Melanie looked to the both of her best friends and grinned.

  “Let’s get one of these movies in before sappy over here makes us cry, okay?” Caleb joked, popping one of the DVDs into the player. Melanie felt Irene squeeze her knee as they all settled in next to each other.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  “I swear this is like reading a foreign language!” Melanie called out from the kitchen. Andy couldn’t help but smile at her difficulties. It was actually cute. She had insisted on trying to make them both a meal
since he always did all the cooking. Apparently, being a chef was not in her future. Although she would make a pretty sexy chef indeed.

  He had just gotten back from all the errands he had run. His bike was gone, but he had yet to mention that to Melanie. He hadn’t been one hundred percent sure he was going to sell it until he got to that shop. He’d had two job interviews, and he applied for many more up and down the coast. He felt exhausted, but he was also too tense to get any rest. Frank’s words had lingered with him long after they were spoken.

  “I told you that you didn’t have to do this, babe. You could just order out, you know? I’m fine with Chinese or something.” He tried to coax her into giving up on her cooking endeavor because as much as he loved her, he had a feeling they’d be ordering out either way. Her talents were in a completely different department. But he also wanted to make her happy, which was why he was trying not to interfere too much.