Page 13 of Fifty

“I think we’re good,” Fifty’s deep voice replies, still friendly, but definitely not his typical demeanor.

“This looks really good,” the girl grins as she picks up her fork.

“Enjoy,” I say before turning and leaving them to eat.

I move back behind the counter and begin to busy myself with tedious tasks, trying to keep myself from watching them. Gloria steps out from the kitchen, setting a rack of clean glasses on the counter. I instantly reach in and start restocking the shelf. I’ve cleared out half of them when Gloria clears her throat.

“Why don’t you go ahead and take a little bathroom break,” she suggests. I look up just in time to see Fifty’s friend disappear into the bathroom.

I don’t say another word, I just slide out from behind the counter and within seconds I’m standing outside the bathroom door. Did Gloria really just suggest that I follow this poor girl into the bathroom? This feels completely crazy.

I slowly push the door open and take a hesitant step inside, letting it close behind me. Her eyes lift from the sink, catching me in the mirror, and I smile nervously in response. Her gaze drops back to the faucet as she turns the water off and reaches for the paper towels, meanwhile I’m standing here feeling like a fool.

“Uh…so, this is probably going to sound a little strange, but I was wondering, are you with that guy? I mean, like really with him?” I question feeling my face heat as the embarrassment fills me. Could this be anymore high school. I feel so fucking ridiculous.

“No,” she offers with an easy laugh. “He’s just a really good friend,” she adds.

Shit.

That really doesn’t clear up anything.Really good friend, could mean hook-up buddy or friend with benefits. I don’t want to appear desperate, but I was really hoping she’d give me more than that.

“It’s just, he’s been coming in here a lot recently, but he’s usually alone,” I try pushing for more without making it too obvious.

“He’s definitely single. But he runs with a bit of a rough crowd sometimes. They…uh… Well, to put it simply, they don’t always keep their company for very long if you get what I mean,” she offers and I cringe slightly. Although, I’ve met a few of the Savages and heard a few stories, so honestly, I’m not all that surprised.

“Yeah, I definitely know the type,” I tell her. “So, how did you end up friends?” I can’t stop the question from slipping out.

“It’s okay,” she says, catching my apologetic glance. I wanted to know his situation, but I didn’t mean to be so rude with my questions.

“I actually fell for his best friend,” she shrugs and I can’t help but giggle at her expression. That was the last thing I expected. “You know, we’re actually having a big party on New Year’s Eve. Do you know where Dawson’s garage is?” she asks and I nod. I haven’t been in town long, but I do remember driving by that place a few times.

“Right across the parking lot, there’s a clubhouse and bar. You should come, and if anyone questions you, just say I invited you. Oh, shit…my name’s Ayla, by the way,” she smiles softly.

Wow.

I mean, Shark has made vague requests, wanting me to come check out the parties, but this is a legit invite into the Savage’s clubhouse.

“I’m Jade,” I answer back. “That actually sounds like it might be fun, as long as you’re sure no one will mind,” I double check. I definitely don’t want to be a party crasher, especially on New Year’s Eve.

“Believe me, no one is going to object to you being there,” she motions slightly towards my body and I feel myself flush at the attention.

“Thank you. I’ll think about it,” I say, stepping to the side and into one of the stalls as she leaves the bathroom. My hand lifts to the wall, holding myself steady as my heart races in my chest. “Just breathe,” I whisper.

Eight

Fifty

The clubhouse is fucking buzzing tonight. It’s New Year’s Eve and I can already tell that it’s going to be epic. I spot Kane and Army standing at the bar, and move easily through the crowd to join them. Kane’s been keeping secrets, so this should be entertaining.

I had been shocked to find Ayla at Ryder and Cora’s place when I stopped there a couple days ago. She let me take her to breakfast and I got her to spill their secret. Apparently, he decided to make a run north for Christmas to win her back, but they haven’t told anyone. And he has no idea that I know.

“So, have you really been spending all your time at the gym?” I hear Army ask as I sidle up to the bar beside Kane.

“You fuckin’ know it. I gotta be ready to kick ass at the drop of a hat,” he offers a cocky response in typical Kane fashion.

“Any hot chicks there?” I question with an easy laugh.

“Fuckin’ A. Of course, there are, and I bet they’re all wearing tight-ass pants and bending over and shit,” Army answers for him.

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