Page 22 of Trip

Trip heard disbelief from some, along with Taps spitting out a drink with a loud, what the fuck. But Trip’s mind was spinning. He tuned out everything, but the fact that Pound fucking knew JJ was his and didn’t say shit?

“You knew my girl was here in Vegas, in our garage and you didn’t think to fucking tell me?” His voice rose without thought.

Granite corrected him. “Trip,” was all he said. It was the tone that spoke volumes. He knew an apology was warranted. No way he was allowed to talk to his veep with that level of disrespect, and his words were dripping with it.

“Sorry, veep. A little crazy about it.” He wanted to demand answers, but that would go over like a moped in an MC. Which oddly enough they kind of had, but AAA wasn’t a member, although he would be if Pound had anything to do with it.

Lucky for Trip, Pound was feeling generous. “I understand that. Women and crazy go hand in hand.”

Thunder’s voice boomed. Something about resembling that remark.

“I didn’t know when we booked it. You were busy, so I had Whiskey use his connections to check on everyone who would have access that day. Her name sounded familiar, so he dug a little further and Meri’s name came up as emergency contact. Called Meri and well, that’s how I found out.”

So that’s why Pound offered the Phantoms loyalty.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Not my story to tell. She changed her name. I assume she did so on purpose. Plus, Meri asked me not to say anything to either of you, and frankly, she scares the shit out of me.”

They valued their privacy and if Jess didn’t want to be Jess, none of the brothers would rat her out. Besides, he understood their fear of Meri. It wasn’t unwarranted.

It still stung.

“How is she, by the way, Meri and the kids, I mean?” Pound asked.

“Well, I haven’t seen her yet. She conveniently had unexpected work.”

“So, she set you up. Meddled?” Leave it to Priest to say what everyone else was thinking.

“Yeah, Priest. That she did. Set us both up. JJ didn’t know, either. But it all worked out and they’re supposed to be here tomorrow. It’ll be just like old times minus the cheap alcohol.” Silently he added, andbackstabbing assholes who could benefit from two hundred and thirty grains.

“So, you officially claiming her?”

Before he could answer, Taps piped in with, “Ew, what are we, from lower Alabama or something?”

A sound he recognized as Thunder or Pound smacking Taps in the back of the head followed.

“Not his sister, smart-ass, the smoking hot model.”

Trip growled through the phone.

“Just kidding, asshole. Congrats, by the way.”

“Thanks, Whiskey. Yeah, I’m claiming her.”

“Damn it,” Taps complained. “Always a bridesmaid.”

“Maybe if you didn’t creep everyone out with that donut shit, you could get a girl too.” Trip felt like he was there. He could see the entire scene and missed it. He really had a good life.

Granite shushed them again.

“Yeah, congrats. Does she know you’re claiming her? And not just that grunting possessive shit you all seemed so fond of? Did you explain it to her?”

“Not really, but I will.”

“You better. I’m not going through another adjustment period like we had with Andy. Get your shit together, tell Meri and the kids hey from us, and bring them all back for New Year’s.”

Granite said what he wanted and ended the call. No bye or warm and fuzzy shit, just end. That was his way, though. He cared, and they all knew it.

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