Page 9 of Thunder

She came out of the closet and tossed a turquoise off-the-shoulder, slashed up top at Andy. “That will be perfect with your skin-tight black jeans and my thigh-high boots. Oh, and I’ll do your makeup and Blast will be drooling.”

“Lexi?” Andy called as she shimmied into her jeans. “Thanks. For the prospective and for just being a true friend. But there’s no spark with Blast. I mean, he’s cute and all, but he just doesn’t do it for me.”

Lexi turned and propped her hands on her hips. Andy could see the words of protest forming on her lips as she removed her bra and put on the turquoise top Lexi had given her earlier.

“Calm your tits. Just because there is nothing there, that doesn’t mean I am not going into this open-minded. I’m going to mingle, make new friends, and have fun.”

“Don’t forget about the O.K. Corral. If you’re lucky, there could be a shootout.”And there are the finger guns.Such a weirdo.

“Gross. But you’ve made your point. I’ll take it under advisement.” Andy pulled on the boots while Lexi finished dressing. Each checked herself in the mirror as they exited the apartment. Andy turned back. “Bye, Fern. Be good while I’m gone.”

“Don’t wait up,” Lexi shouted over her shoulder as she climbed up into Andy’s truck.

Once on the road, Andy was actually starting to get slightly excited about finally cutting loose. It had been so long since she’d done so. She remembered how she oozed confidence.

Andy did whatever, and whoever she wanted. She was a lot like Lexi. That confidence was still there, but she’d changed after the knock to the noggin. Maybe it was just a crutch she used to not put herself out there. Either way, the more Lexi reminded her of who she used to be, the more she missed her.

I am going to make the most of tonight even if it kills me. The past is the past and I could’ve just been taking a dump.

“Anything I should know? Any Phantoms I should steer clear of?” Andy quizzed Lexi as they were pulling up at the gate.

“Not really. I mean, Bullseye has an ol’ lady and his eye doesn’t wander, that’s who this party is for, but the other men are all single and decent guys. Oh, and they’re vegan.”

“Wait, what? Bikers?”

“Well, most of them are plant-based, a few are vegan, and some eat meat. It’s not like they advertise it on their patch. If you pay attention, you’ll notice they have a separate grill for the guys who eat meat, and you won’t see it inside. But you’d have to be looking to really notice.”

Andy could respect that, but she also respected a juicy steak and a potato loaded with butter. Now she was going to obsess with trying to figure out who ate what.

“Let me rephrase the second part of my question since you totally distracted me. Which Phantoms have you slept with?” Lexi turned with a raised eyebrow and Andy clarified. “Not that anything is wrong with that, but you know, I don’t want to breach that layer of separation to our relationship.”

“If you’re looking for a saint, you won’t find one here. They have club girls here like any MC. Most of the strippers at Tails are pretty much open for business with patched members. As for me, I’ve only slept with one.”

Lexi rolled down the window and popped herself out of the passenger window. “Hey, Davis. Just me and my girl here. She’s cleared.”

“Hey, Lex.” Davis checked the list. “S’That Andy?” Lexi nodded. “Nice to meet you. Blast told us to expect you. Follow the trail to the left and park out there with the other cages.”

Lexi slid back into the car and they followed Davis’ directions. Once parked, Lexi jumped out as fast as her stripper heels allowed. Classic avoidance.

“Lexi, slow your roll. Who?” She stopped dead in her tracks and turned.

“I’ve only slept with—”

“Andy! You made it,” Blast called as he jogged their way.

Lexi smiled and disappeared inside.

When Blast reached Andy, he gave her a hug and pulled back. “Damn, you are smokin’.”

She blushed at the compliment.

“Thanks. How’s the ink?”

“I’ve hit the itchy phase, so right on track.”

“Good. I don’t need to harp on the instructions since you weren’t a virgin going in, but follow the rules.”

“Yes, ma’am. Let’s go inside and I’ll introduce you and give you the grand tour.”

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