Page 24 of Empower

We only do custom work on Harley’s and occasionally modifications to trucks and jeeps plus we have a few other shops around town. That way we can earn some legit cash and it gives the guys time to make their gun runs.

While I was checking invoices in the office my dad came in, I guess now’s the time to mention the house.

“Hey Dad, I have something I need to tell you.” I had a smile on my face waiting for the reaction.

“What’s up, doll face?” He sighed before he said it; yeah, he knows what’s coming. He has called me doll face ever since he saw a picture when I was five. I had on a yellow sundress.

“I wanted to tell you that I’ve been looking at houses and I found….”

“Whoa. Hold the hell up,” he growled, “You went looking at houses and didn’t tell me? Am I hearing you right?” It isn’t often that he raises his voice to me.

Guess that’s why all the guys in the shop raised their eyebrows and peeked into the office.

“You heard me right.” I used my soft voice now.

“So, you’re going to move into a house that might have termite damage, might have mold damage, and might be in enemy territory, hell for all you know it might be on top of a graveyard. Maybe you have a pedophile living next door.” He was roaring at me now. Oh shit.

“Well…. I really like it, and it’s right down the street from our house so it’s not in enemy territory, it has been inspected by Mike Anders, the guy you use yourself. I put in an offer for it. I’m pretty sure the neighbors aren’t pedophile’s since it would be Bridget and her husband.” I bit my lip as I hoped he didn’t catch the offer part.

“I guess since it would be down the road it might be okay, but I still want to inspect it and check it out. We definitely got to see if any renovations need to be done so it’ll be perfect for you. We can….” Then he got this look on his face, he caught it. “What do you mean you put an offer in on it?” He was glaring at me now with his hands flat on the counter, his jaw was ticking.

“Well, the realtor said it was going to sell fast and I love the house. I didn’t see any renovations that I wanted to do and it’s my house Dad. You may have only raised me since I was eighteen but you’ve raised me into the person I am today. You always told me not to depend on anyone. Never let go of what you want and always fight. So, I’m being independent and buying a house with my own money.” He was shaking his head looking down.

Then without a word, he turned and started to walk towards the door. Normally everyone would scatter when they saw him coming however, they were a bit braver today.

After he opened the garage door he turned back “I’m buying the furniture, I’m buying the paint, and I’m paying to have your power cut on and arranging for lawn maintenance and whatever else the house needs.”

I started, “But Dad I…”

“No. I will not hear another word about this. It’s fucking final.” With that, he left while shaking his head.

I heard stubborn pig-headed daughter at least a dozen times for the rest of the day. All the guys were smiling, and the girls were high-fiving me. I so had to text Raine.

Me – So, he is paying for power to be cut on, all furniture, the paint… Oh and lawn maintenance I love him!

Raine – Gurl!!! Y can’t he b my daddy?

Me – Snooze u lose lol

Raine – Sure, rub it in!

I felt his presence before I heard his raspy voice, “What was all that about?”

Lifting my head to look at Storm I sighed, “Told him I put an offer in on a house.”

“Ah. That would do it.” He smirked.

Shaking my head at them and their caveman attitudes I smiled.

“Need me to go handle his ass? He may be your dad, but he’s my VP.”

Smiling a soft smile I shook my head, “No, it’s okay. I know he feels bad for not being in my life, and this is his way of making it up to me, but he’s already done that in spades.”

I looked into his diamond-colored eyes, I wasn’t sure what he was searching for, not until he nodded, turned on his booted foot, and walked out of the office.

Taking a deep breath, I looked at the guys in the garage who appeared to be working but all of them had their attention on me and everything that was said.

Most of the members of the MC had all been a part of the same platoon in the army.

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