Magnolia's Fall From Grace

by Zara Teleg

  “Oh my god, these are…holy crap.” I took another bite letting the airy fried dough melt in my mouth.

  “Told ya.” He tore off half a piece and shoved it in his mouth before tucking the large bag in the back.

  “I’m not a big coffee drinker, but this almost tastes like chocolate.”

  We drove back, and Alcide shared the story of how he had saved Lyle when he collapsed a few years ago. He was able to keep him stable until the ambulance got there and had been checking in on him over the years.

  The house awoke to the scent of Lyle’s coffee and beignets. Ana sat on my lap, coating me in sugar and crumbs as she greedily ate several before Catherine stole the dish from her.

  I was on a sugar and caffeine high by the time Alcide and I reached the church. The preacher was not quite what I was used to, but he was inspiring. I tried to pay attention, but I kept thinking I should pick up something to bring back to Vincent.

  When Alcide made his speech on cardiovascular health, he had everyone captivated. He had created a program that he’d been implementing in different communities that suffered from increased rates of heart conditions and diabetes. I handed out the packets he had made and took down information for people who wanted to take advantage of the upcoming clinic. It was such rewarding work, I just knew with every fiber of my being that this was what I needed to do—help those who cannot help themselves, teach, volunteer, make an actual difference in the world.

  Catherine, Paul, and I chatted the entire way back about my plans. They offered me a place to stay if I wanted to come back for the weekend program Alcide was running in the fall. It would be on a weekend, so I could leave from my Friday class at college and be here in a few hours. Maybe I could even find a way to see Vincent when I was in town. I could earn school credits for participating in the program, or add it to my medical school application.

  “Thanks for the ride back.” I gathered my things.

  “Bye, Maggie.” Anabelle waved the new doll Meme gave her.

  “Bye, sweet girl, you be good for your momma and daddy.” I gleefully made my way to the cabin when I heard cackling behind me.

  My stomach turned as Tara caught up with me.

  “Have fun on your trip with the doc?” Mischief laced her tone. “You missed a great party. Venom and Viper were having such a great time without your boring ass dragging them down.”

  My nails dug into my palms as the heat rose up my cheeks. I tried to ignore her, but she kept going. “Their dad, Voodoo, I think they call him, brought them some friends from home, and can they party. Those girls just can’t keep their clothes on.” She placed her arm around me as my steps grew heavier and I shook her off.

  “Maggie Grace, you, the Blessed Virgin, can’t be upset? You don’t think he will wait for you forever, do you? Men like them have needs.”

  “Shut up.” I stopped, facing the witch. “You don’t know anything about him.” I seethed, causing her to put her arms up and back away.

  “Touchy, are we?” She laughed before spinning on her heel and skipping away, knowing she got exactly what she wanted.

  Venom

  “Venom, let’s get the fuck out of here. I want to get to the clubhouse before Voodoo does.” Viper tapped on the dash, snapping me back from my annoyed mood.

  I didn’t want to go to the clubhouse. I wanted to follow the Jeep I saw Maggie getting into with Doctor Innocent.

  “What is your problem? You want me to drive?”

  I couldn’t tell Viper what was bothering me. He already thought I am pussy whipped. He really liked Maggie, respected her more than any girl, but he by no means felt that anyone should settle with one person, no matter how great they were. He didn’t understand. Shit, I wouldn’t have either, until Maggie. Somehow she changed everything. Now, hers were the only lips I wanted on mine, the only hand I wanted touching my skin. And I did not want any other man near her. I could see how the doc thought I was trash, not good enough for Magnolia Grace, but he was wrong.

  I started the engine and turned up the music so I could think without Viper’s constant chatter. Why was she in his Jeep? I thought she was going with Catherine and Paul.

  Sissy greeted us, waving her arm for us to hurry and park.

  “Why are you all decked out this early? And you have shoes on.” I was surprised. She had her burnt-orange hair in large curls. Her eyes were lined in thick black makeup. Shimmering white gloss coated her lips that had a half cigarette pressed between them as she swept the porch. She was careful with the broom as she moved the dirt off the edge, not to get them on her favorite purple Docs, which she had paired with ass-hanging-out cutoffs and a black Harley tank cropped just below her giant tits.

  “Stop looking at me like that. And where’s Maggie?” She blew back a red curl that had fallen in her face.

  “She had other plans,” I grumbled.

  “And he’s grumpy,” Viper added, leaping up the porch’s steps, grabbing Sissy’s waist, and spinning her before leaving a sloppy kiss on her lips.

  “What the fuck, Viper? Keep your lips on your ladies. I don’t want your cooties.” She wiped her mouth and pushed him hard enough that he stumbled back.

  “Now, are you two going to help or what?” She nodded to where Mongo was carrying out giant coolers under the trees.

  We had the place ready for Voodoo’s arrival in under two hours. Voodoo didn’t often visit other chapters, so Sienna was excited to see him.

  We sat outside, passing around a joint to listen to music, when the beeping sounds caught our attention.

  Voodoo’s restored vintage Harley Softail screamed as it led the pack through the gate and up the driveway. There was no doubt on that bike that he was anything but the Prez. His black hair was tied in a long ponytail, and his black sunglasses covered his eyes. A cigarette was pressed between his lips as he slid into the lot. Bikes filed in, followed by a big Chevy van that came to a stop behind them.

  The demeanor of the entire place changed when Voodoo dismounted. All eyes were on him. We all stood, giving him the respect he deserved. A skull and bones hung tightly from a leather strap around his neck above his silver Cajun Kings medallion. His leather vest was covered in patches, the most important of which said “President.” The Cajun King’s emblem was proudly displayed on his back and matched the tattoo that spread over his bicep. Nerves rolled off all of us as Sienna stepped out in front. Voodoo’s face was stern behind his glasses, then a crack of a smile appeared on his face as Sienna covered her mouth and tears filled her eyes. I knew she’d always loved him. She had no reason to, in my opinion. He treated her and Sissy well, gave her a place to live and kept her safe, but she earned every bit of her keep. He crooked his finger to her, and she took off down the stairs. Sienna’s arms went around his waist, and her cheek pressed against his chest. He didn’t return the embrace but told her in a low, deep voice, “It’s good to see you too.”

  Sienna peeled herself away, wiping under her eyes as she called Sissy forward. “Sissy, it’s been a long time, but you remember Voodoo?”

  “Of course.” Sissy gave him a wicked grin.

  “You sure have grown.” Voodoo’s glasses slid down his nose, looking at the girl who was now a woman.

  “Hey, Venom.” I turned my head to see the others who had come for the trip. Trisha smiled, holding her hand above her forehead, shielding the sun as she looked at me. She blew a giant bubble before sucking her gum back between her bright-pink lips.

  “Hey.” I gave her an index finger salute. For a moment, I was glad Maggie was not here. I had spent many nights with Trish’s pink lips around me before I had her screaming my name.

  Vicious and a few of the others carried bags in as Sienna set out a feast for them.

  Drinks, food, music, horseshoes, and conversation filled the day. By 8 p.m., I was sunburnt and sipping on a rum and Coke, watching the sun sink in the sky. The girls all made attempts to hang on me, but none of them had the same appeal they used to hold. All day, I
wondered what Maggie was doing. Was she safe? Was she having a better time without me?

  I walked off with my drink, finding the spot where I had watched the sunset with her before.

  “Mind if I join you?” I stiffened as my father’s voice called out.

  “Hey.” I sat on a cinderblock and lit a smoke, offering the pack to him.

  He slid the white stick out, lighting it before the questions came. “Why are you out here by yourself?” He took a long drag. I just shrugged my shoulders. “I didn’t haul those bitches down here for you to ignore them. It’s not the pretty little blonde I hear you have been spending all your time with, is it?”

  His words caught me off guard. I began to cough. Who the fuck told him?

  “Nah.” I waved him off like she was nothing. Guilt punched my gut just for thinking that. “I drank a lot. I’m tired. It’s been a long day.” I tried to play it off.

  “Good. I don’t want you getting so wrapped up in innocent pussy that you forget why you’re here.”

  Innocent pussy? I clenched my fists and could feel the blood pumping through them. But I couldn’t say a word. If I did, I would be admitting he was right.

  “No distractions.” I exhaled the remaining smoke and flicked the butt to the ground stomping it with my boot.

  “I heard you talked to the old man.”

  “I did. He wants everything in writing, and he wants to show it to his lawyer.”

  “A fucking lawyer?” he growled.

  “He doesn’t trust his own fucking son.” Then his nearly black eyes met mine.

  “Fine. I’ll draw up the proposal, and you will bring it to him.”

  “Yes, sir,” I agreed.

  “And, Venom, next Saturday, bring her to the barbeque. I want to meet her.” He slapped my back harder than necessary. “And that’s an order.” He said nothing else as he walked back to the group.

  An order. I held my breath for a long moment. It was certainly not something I could get out of. Maybe I could find a way to keep it a short visit, just get Maggie in and out.

  The party celebrating Voodoo’s return was still in full swing. People kept piling into the clubhouse—bikers, locals, and even the group from the mission that had been here for parties before. I saw the Tara trio hanging onto some guys that had come to town. I just sat watching the fire, overthinking my life.

  Sissy ignored everyone as she talked to Lex, one of our members who was a total player and probably too old for her. I’d love to warn her off, but the girl had a mind of her own. She held up a bottle in my direction when she caught my gaze.

  By eleven, couples were pairing off, and others were straight-up getting it on out in the open. Thank God I didn’t have Maggie here tonight.

  “Where are you headed all by yourself? Trish flung her arm over my shoulder. Her words were tainted with fumes of alcohol.

  “Bed, alone.” I tried to shrug off her arm without being rude.

  “Well, that’s no fun. We’ve had fun before, many times if I remember correctly.” Her hand slithered down my chest and over my jeans. “I’ve missed those eyes.”

  “Not tonight.” I gently removed her hands from my body.

  “You are rejecting these?” She ripped her tank top over her head and shook her tits. And as perfect as they were, I was not interested.

  “Sorry, girl, it’s not happening.”

  With a heavy huff, she growled, “What, have you turned to liking boys since you got here? You’ve never resisted me before.”

  “I said not interested tonight, and you better watch who you’re talking to, or you’ll be out of your classy job of taking care of members.”

  “Trish.” Viper, who was making out with Ginger and headed to his room, must have heard me. “Venom’s being an asshole. Come join us.” He shook a small vial of white powder.

  “I’m in.” She sauntered over to him and Ginger and kissed them both.

  How the hell was I going to keep this shit from touching Maggie, especially if she had to come to the barbeque? When Voodoo gave an order, it was non-negotiable. How could he and my Paw-paw be so different?

  Ever since Paw-paw brought up my mother, I had been thinking of her. I pulled out one of the rare pictures I had of us. It was taken when I was about six, just before she left. Her long black hair was a mix of curls and braids. Our faces were pressed together, both our violet eyes vibrant in the sun. My mother was so full of life. Sissy reminded me of her in a way—my mother hated shoes and conformity. Her gypsy blood made her wild, and she loved us enough for the both of them; what Voodoo held back, Esmeralda gave in spades. The whiskey had caught up with me. I lay back on my bed, not bothering to change, and stared at that photo and lost myself wondering where she was and if she thought of us too.

  I woke up the next day with cottonmouth and found my mother’s picture still on my chest when I sat up. I was thrilled to see Voodoo had had two of the prospects drive our bikes down. With a throbbing head, I sat on my bike. God, I missed riding her. Turning the key, I reveled in the sounds she made—the engine’s thrumming, the deep gurgle before I revved the throttle, kicking her into gear.

  I drove onto the long country roads along the bayou. I had never felt so lost and so found at the same time. It had only been two days since I had seen Maggie, and I missed her. I wanted to admit to her how I felt, but I had to admit it to myself first. I knew the minute I was repulsed by a touch other than hers. I was falling in love with Maggie Grace. Fuck, I was in love with her, and that scared the shit out of me. I never thought I’d want to give my heart to someone. Shit, I didn’t even think I had a heart to give.

  I drove aimlessly, taking gulps of the sticky air and letting go of the images that were invading my thoughts—my mother, Paw-paw, Voodoo, the parties, the blood I had spilled, all the things that made me unworthy of Maggie. But there was no way I was letting her go, at least not yet. Summer was dwindling, but that just made me more committed to spending all the time I could with her before this dream was over.

  Chapter 14

  Magnolia

  “Maggie, you’re back? Hey, wait.” Vincent was quickly catching up to me, grabbing at my wrist as I ignored him.

  “Hey.” He pulled me to a stop. I closed my eyes, not wanting to talk to him. My imagination had run wild, and the thought of him with another girl made me want to vomit.

  “What’s wrong with you? What did I do?” he asked innocently.

  I could not bring my eyes to meet his. I just shot daggers into the ground. “Nothing.” My gaze didn’t move from the ground.

  “Nothing? Then why won’t you look at me?” He picked up both my hands, holding them in his as he slouched, attempting to get me to look at him.

  “I said I’m fine.”

  “I don’t know what’s happening here, but I was hoping to take you for a motorcycle ride. Voodoo had a few brothers and their girls ride our bikes down here for us.”

  “Don’t you already have a girl from home you want to take for a ride? Maybe someone from your party?” I finally forced my eyes to meet his. He seemed taken aback.

  He took my hand and led me into the woods, where no one could see or hear us. I stumbled along with him even though I didn’t want to.

  “Party? How do you—” He shook his head. “That little bitch. What did she tell you?”

  “Nothing. No more than you just did by asking that.” I pulled my hand from his. “Vincent, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be mad. You aren’t my boyfriend, and I shouldn’t have expected—”

  “Not your boyfriend?” His hands landed on my hips before he drew me in, pressing my chest against his. “I’m not your boyfriend?” His fingers moved to my chin, lifting it to make me look at him again. “So, this means nothing to you?” He lowered his mouth to mine. His kiss was tender at first, then became claiming as all my resolve fell from me like autumn leaves.

  I returned the kiss with raw passion. His energy was dominating as his arms closed around my back. Breaking the kiss, h
e buried his face in my neck, lifting me off the ground and squeezing me to him.

  “You don’t get it…” he whispered in my ear.

  “I’m sorry, Vincent. You have every right to do what you want. I shouldn’t have thought—”

  “Maggie, it’s you. You’re all I want. I was miserable at the party because you weren’t there. All I could think of was where you were and what you were doing. Whatever she told you was a lie. I wasn’t with anyone else.” His hands dug into my hair as he cradled my head, his thumbs resting on my cheeks as he kept his eyes locked on mine.

  “Maggie, I don’t know what to say other than I’ve never felt anything like this before and…I don’t want it to end.”

  I closed my eyes and opened them to meet those violet irises that were waiting for my response. My body was practically shaking as my heart did a dance. I chose not to answer him with words. Instead, I brought my lips to his, eyes wide open, and released all the emotion that had been built up in me in that one kiss. I couldn’t deny that everything in me wanted him. My fight was over. I was ready to give in to the lust, love, and passion he evoked in me.

  “I…I…I feel the same way.” My body trembled as I admitted the truth. I wanted him, all of him. My heart knew and now my words confirmed it.

  “You do?” His bad-boy grin stretched across his face. He took my hand and kissed it. “Maggie, I’m going to make our last few weeks of summer a time you will remember your whole life.” His hand now cupped my cheek.

  “Don’t say that. I don’t want to think about it.” I placed my hand over his. “Let’s just pretend we have no time limit and take each day as it comes. I don’t want to spend our last weeks constantly thinking of the end.”

  “Then, we won’t. We’ll just make every moment count,” he said, and I rested my head on his chest and circled my arms around his waist.