Kenneth walks in carrying a tray and stops when he sees me. “Going somewhere?”
“Uh yeah, I was going to get a shower and fresh clothes. Why do I sound like a kid caught after curfew?”
A burst of laughter comes from deep in his throat. I don’t know what’s so funny about cleaning up. “You know you said that out loud?”
“Dammit. Why do I do that?”
“That one, too. Why are you jumpy?”
“I honestly didn’t know where I was. I had no clue whose bed I slept in or how I got in it.” I stammer out the words and watch as his smile gets bigger with every word. He is enjoying this. Why do men enjoy watching women squirm with embarrassment? It’s just cruel.
“I’m sorry, doll, I did leave a note on the pillow letting you know the answers to those questions and that I was going to bring coffee back. Must have fallen off somewhere.” He places the tray down on the dresser, handing me a coffee just the way I like it, and walks to the far side of the bed, bending down I see him pick up a paper then he hands it to me. He did leave me a note.
“Thank you. I was a little confused when I woke up. I don’t remember falling asleep. Was there a reason you brought me here?” I kind of want to know and I kind of want him to tell me it’s because he wanted me here.
“Well I had two reasons’ really. The first, your door was locked and I had no key.” Well that’s like a cold wet rag in the face. “And the second was I wanted to hold you for the night.”
Awe. “That’s sweet. Makes my heart do the pitter patter thing.” His burst of laughter sobers me right up and I cover my mouth with my hand realizing I'd said that to him.
“I don’t know why I do that around you. I can’t seem to control it. Words just spill right out without stopping. I’m so embarrassed.”
“I like it. Let’s me know you don’t keep up a wall between us. You have enough trust in me to keep it between us. I want that with you.” Oh my. He wants that? What does that mean? I need a minute to think.
“You have that “I need to run” look on your face. What’s going on in your brain?” I can’t tell him that I’m terrified of answering. I don’t even know what to say.
“Look at me, Elizabeth, I want to spend time with you. At your speed, with your rules.” I see a smirk forming and know something he's about to say will lighten the conversation and make me feel better. “It isn’t like I asked for marriage and babies.”
My gasp and wobble catches him off guard. He steadies me with his hands and leads me to sit on the bed. I feel a bit shaky. The thought of babies hurts my heart. I came to terms with being barren years ago, but the fresh memories of why I am, hurt. Squatting in front of me he holds my hand and lifts my chin with the other, “Doll, tell me how my words hurt you.”
“Jenni helped me to remember some stuff. It’s still a little painful yet and I need time to let those thoughts settle before I'm comfortable with certain words and phrases.” I see pity in his eyes and it cuts me. I don’t want it. I don’t like pity.
A knock on the door before it opens saves me from the rest of the conversation. Greg walks in smiling and whistling. With a look to me he asks, "Who do I need to kill?” I can’t help it. I fall back on the bed laughing.
“Do you learn that at Bounty Hunter school?”
Together they both answer “Yes.” I stay where I’m at. If I can laugh, then I’m living. If I’m living, then I can do and be anything I want. I want to be happy. These two make me happy.
“Do I need to leave so the two of you can talk?” An instant “No” is quick from them.
“I just came in to tell y’all that Mooki isn’t cooking lunch today and I thought we could ride and find something while we are out.” I see both of them pleading with their eyes, waiting for my answer.
“Oh yes, please.” I love riding the roads.
“Go change and meet us out back. You have ten minutes then we leave without you.” My eyes go big and I hear them laugh as I run out the room to get changed.
I made it in eight minutes flat. I would have come out nekkid if it meant I got to ride. I see Tiffi and Jenni are also here and my smile grows. This is a group ride and I can’t wait. I have never taken a ride with my girls. I want to enjoy every minute. Wayne walks to me with a helmet. I notice it’s not the one I wore when I rode with him. This one is pink with green trim and has “Momma” in a dark gray script. It’s so pretty and I love it.
“Let’s keep your head safe today… in style.” I love his thoughtfulness. He’s a keeper. It fits perfectly and I love the comfort. Jenni comes behind me and binds my hair in a braid and clips to help later with tangles. I’m deemed fit to ride and I turn to see who I’m riding with. I see both Greg and Kenneth parked beside each other talking. Only one has an extra seat and I don’t know the bikes. Who do I ride with?
Socket makes the corner on a beautiful trike. They used Tiffi’s car and it worked. It even has a backseat. He pulls up to the others and gets off. He walks to Wayne and tries to hand him keys, but I see Wayne point to Tiffi. She is going to love it. Now she can ride when she wants to. I hurry over with everyone else to look at it closer. It works like a car instead of a bike. It has a pedal clutch on the left and a brake on the right. The gas is on the handle bar and a stick shift is in the middle below the gas tank. The seat is like a race car seat with a seat belt. I love how safe she will be. The little seat in the back isn’t huge, but all three of the terrible trio can fit, and have, they are buckled up and ready for a ride.
Tiffi is having a private talk with Wayne and Socket. I see a happy smile so I assume she is pleased with what they did for her. When she starts squealing and bouncing everyone notices and laughs. She is such a happy person. I love that about her. She turns and hurries over to me throwing her arms around me and still bouncing. I can’t hold her still and we almost fall until Nick catches her. “Tiff, she’s still tender. Calm down before you hurt her.” Instantly she stops.
“I’m so sorry, Momma. Did I hurt you?” Her hands run over me and she looks for any marks she might have left.
“No, baby, I’m fine. I’m happy for you. Do you like what the guys did?”
“Oh yes. It’s wonderful. I just hope the new owner likes it.” Now I’m confused. I thought she was the new owner. With all the bouncing and happiness on her face what else could I think?
“Here, Momma” She places the keys in my hand and I can’t think what to say. I’m stunned without words. I’ve never been given something like this. “The owner of an MC needs her own ride.” Now the colors on the helmet make sense. They match the trike. I feel the tears running down my face and both Tiffi and Jenni search for tissues to clean me up. Hugs and kisses to both of them are not nearly enough. Chants of Ride. RIDE! RIDE! Get me moving.
The cheers and hollers are loud. I can’t believe this is mine. I always wanted to ride, but was afraid of falling off. This will drive like a simple standard car. With Wayne and Socket leading me over, I get acquainted with my new ride. They both squeeze in to the back and tell me how to move it around the parking lot. It’s really easy and I find it’s comfortable to drive. When they are both satisfied I have it we go back to the others. This is so cool! I even have a reverse to park like the guys do with the front wheel out. I don’t even bother getting off. I may never get off again.
Greg pulls up to the side of me and tells me we will ride in formation. Socket takes the lead and Greg waves me behind him. I see him follow me and stay at my side. Kenneth and Nick are behind. I love this. Wayne and Jenni bring up the end. I think I’m in for a ride of a lifetime and I have my family and friends with me.
Thanks for all of you riding along with me!
Epilogue
Wandering through the hundreds of people having a great time here at the Pen I have to thank my stars it all came together. With the help of all the guys, and the girls, today is a big success. Great food, plenty of choices for music, the bounce houses and slides for the kids, this was what I wanted whe
n I started the idea. Opening a wallet for a cause isn’t always easy. But make it fun, have great food and for us a special attraction, the money raised itself.
The bands only stop for a few minutes before another band starts up on a different side of the field. The kid’s area is filled with laughter and smiling faces. The smell of smoked and barbequed meat is floating in the air. This is everything I wanted and more. We have brought in thousands of dollars from the gate to help buy school supplies and tuition for any who need it. By the end of the day that should triple from the food sales. I think the biggest money maker so far today has to be the bikes. I never knew people would pay ten dollars to have a picture taken sitting on a motorcycle. And some even took a picture on my trike. I hope they don’t scratch the paint.
I spy the girls across the way at the games. Just like the fair we offered it all. Making my way over I see they are trying hard to win a goldfish, whatever makes them happy.
“You having a good time?” I scared them and made them laugh.
“It’s a great day and I am having so much fun. Nick will be in the dunking booth soon and I plan on spending my paycheck to sink him.” Tiffi's excitement leads to her bouncing and makes those around us smile.
“Jenni, are you enjoying yourself?” I have to reach out and hold Tiffi’s arm to stop her. I can’t talk to her with the jumping.
“Yeah, Momma, I’m waiting on Wayne. He said he had a surprise for me today and I would find it here.”
“Well what did you find?”
“Nothing yet, but I keep looking.”
"No clues to help? That isn’t like Wayne. He loves to tease you with clues.”
“He said if I wasn’t careful it would fall out of the air and hit me on the head. How is that a clue?”
“Sounds like Wayne. Maybe you should check the balloon stand. Never know how a man’s brain works.” I watch her looking around and a smile appears on her face. I glance over and see Wayne standing next to the balloon station talking with a large man and a lady. The man has a cut, but it isn’t ours.
“Momma, that’s her, my friend Jolene from our trip. I can’t believe she is here.” With a quick and distracted hug, she's gone. It is such a nice sight to see. I watch as she hugs the girl and also the man. She is animated. I get lost watching the reunion and everything around me falls away. I love seeing my girl happy.
I could have stood there all day if it wasn’t for the huge gust of wind and the roar of Harleys making me deaf. I watch as the procession of bikes just keep coming through the gate. Tiffi’s mouth is hanging open and Greg, Match and Nick have joined us.
“Greg, do you know them.” His answer is cut off by multiple helicopters landing to the side of the Pen. What the ever-loving-hell is going on? I watch as a big man gets off a bike and makes his way towards the helicopters. They must know each other. No one else does. Another biker is talking to the Sheriff and then the Sheriff is pointing our way. I look back to the side and see kids getting out of the helicopter with a few women. That is one hell of an entrance.
“No, doll, I don’t.” Greg’s voice in my ear makes me jump. I forgot I'd asked him a question. I feel both him and Match surround me and Tiffi as the group walks closer with the Sheriff leading them. I don’t think we should be worried because who would ask a Sheriff anything, if they were up to something bad?
I watch with wonder and awe as Wayne slaps the back of a giant Indian and points our way. A few others speak to Wayne then three of them step towards us. Greg steps forward as the head of our group and we wait for the introductions.
“Ben James, Danny LaPonte, Cloud Blackhawk, I would like to introduce you to the owner of the Angels Mercy MC.” Eyebrows rise at his wording and I smirk as the one named James offers to shake hands with Greg. Tiffi laughs as Greg takes a step back and to the side so I am in the front.
“Hello and welcome to my home. Elizabeth Clayton, nice of you to join us today. You sure know how to make an entrance.” Slack jaws could be the word of the day as I shake his hand.
Danny kisses the back of my hand and his smile is bright. “I love it when a woman can say something and stun him speechless. Wayne sent an invitation and word got out about it. Hope you don’t mind the wives and kids.” Before I can answer I hear a young female voice calling for "Mr. Wayne". I turn and see a young girl driving a small convertible smart car across the field straight at us.
“Sorry that one is mine and she is determined to speak to Wayne.” I look to the voice and then look up and up some more. He is huge. I wave away his words as she bounces in a wheelchair from inside her little car.
“It’s obviously very important.” He has the prettiest eyes I’ve ever seen. His Indian features accent his bone structure to make him a beautiful male specimen. I can’t seem to stop staring. A bump from behind has me remembering my manners as I stumble over introducing the others.
“Please make yourselves at home and have a great time. Wayne and Jenni can show you around and help you with anything you need.” As I take a step back to compose myself I notice a couple of women watching me with a slight grin. Oh shoot me now and bury me out back. I just made a fool of myself over a married man.
“Momma, these are the women and children I told you about.” Oh thank my stars for Jenni. "This is Kate, Jess, Tess and C.J. Ladies this is my Momma, Elizabeth."
“Hello, and welcome. Please excuse my bad manners.”
“Don’t even stress about it. We see it all the time, at least you kept your hands to yourself and didn’t proposition him.” Kate laughs while she says it, but I have a feeling she puts up with a lot of touchy feely women. It takes a strong marriage to have that trust.
“Jenni, why don’t you show them around and let them freshen up before they get started on the fun. Now I know why you cleaned the North Wing.”
“Ladies, if you need anything at all while you’re here, feel free to find me or send someone after it. My home is yours for your stay.” I do the perfect hostess bit while I fight the blush trying to climb my cheeks. I need to find something that needs my attention. Trying to walk away doesn’t get me far. Match wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me under his arm.
“Elizabeth, these are the BadAss Brotherhood from up North and The Princes of Prophecy are the sons of the members. They have something for you.” He is talking low into my ear so we aren’t overheard. I look around and see that while I was busy drooling and digging a hole for myself, a lot of large men have gathered before us. Good gravy that is a lot of man meat. No wonder they are all married, women would be stupid to walk away from all that. I hear a booming laugh come from the side and see another tall Indian identical to Cloud with a mini me beside him. I smile, but have no clue what they find amusing.
“Momma?” Wayne catches my attention and I almost want to hide. I don’t know these men. I notice lot of hand gestures and soon I see most take a step back. It’s like they know I’m nervous around them. How odd.
“Yes, Wayne, I’m here. Just trying to be seen over all the shoulders.” I hear the laughter and relax. Match moves me in front of him and his hand on my back is a comfort.
“Momma, President James and his namesake President Ben would like to talk to you.” I walk towards them and instantly miss the hand on me. I move to Wayne’s side for comfort.
“Miss Elizabeth, we would like to make a donation to your fundraiser. We like how you help your community and want to give a little.”
This young man is the spitting image of the other two Indians. “They sure make them pretty in the North. Thank you, every little bit helps.” I feel Wayne lean on my shoulder and bury his head in my neck. Both the men have big smiles on their faces. Wayne’s body is shaking from laughter and I notice a commotion behind me.
“Momma, you said that out loud” Tiffi’s words have me turning a bright red and I fall into Wayne.
“Oh, I am so sorry. I have better manners, but I seem to have lost them when you pulled in. Please excuse me.” I try to walk
away, but Wayne won’t let me go.
“Thank you, ma’am, for the compliment, I like your straight out talk. Don’t hide.” He hollers “Tiny” and I see a bear of a man walking up. He is pierced and covered in tattoos.
Then I notice a tampon in his front pocket. Should I ask? Probably not. Am I going to? Yup!
“Do you always help your wife out by carrying her tampons?” I watch as his head snaps to me quickly and there is no smile on his face. This man can make a person cower with just a look. I'm shocked when he leans his head back and a full on belly laugh comes out of him. His whole body is involved in his laughter. He hands me some envelopes from inside his cut and grabs me off my feet for a full body hug. Oh geesh, he is huge. As he sets me down, I wobble and Kenneth is right there to catch me.
“She’s like Jess and Kate, keep her safe.” He steps back and disappears into the group. I didn’t get my answer and I feel deprived. Young Ben leans forward and whispers.
“He throws them at whiney men.” I see the smirk growing on his face and the twinkle in his eye.
“Oh, good to know” I have no words. "Please go enjoy your selves, your rooms are ready if you need them and Wayne can help you secure your bikes whenever you need. The kitchen is open all day if you don’t like what we have out here. Just enjoy!” I get nods and chin lifts from them all as Wayne goes with them. I can relax into Kenneth and die of embarrassment now.
“You did fine, Doll. Let it go.” Somehow I think I can believe that. I probably didn’t make that big of a fool of myself for them to remember. “Come on, let’s go have some fun. It’s time to relax and just enjoy life.”
That’s exactly the thing to do. Let the small shit go, live life to the fullest, and always keep moving forward. You’ll step in puddles some days and others a pile of shit. Just shake it off and keep going. Took me forever to learn that. It’s time to live happy.
Mercy's Angels: Elizabeth Page 14
