Page 61 of Coty

Helping Ember and the ladies in the McLeod family prepare breakfast is actually fun. For one, you never know what Jack’s grandmother is going to say. Nana was already with Granddad when he started the club. She’s seen a lot of crazy stuff. The stories of the things she’s done are even crazier. Some of those incidents are why she’s in charge of the club bunnies. She put a few in their place back in her younger days. They don’t get anything over on her now, either.

“So.” Lily leans over the prep counter across from me and wiggles her whole body. “You and Rodeo. We needallthe details.”

Ember lays one hand on my back and slaps the other on the counter in front of Lily. “No, my future Queen. We do not. They’re finally together. Let’s just celebrate that. I don’t want to hear what my brother does naked.”

“You’re no fun,” Lily pouts.

Ember glances over her shoulder. “Mace, you wanna hear what Jack does between the sheets?”

Maci shudders. “No. Absolutely not, especially not with my Mom and Grandmother here.”

“Well, if he’s like his father, I’ll have more grandkids soon.” Nanny doesn’t look away from the pancakes.

“Mom,” Naturally, Maci’s appalled.

“Runs in the family,” Nana adds. I knew that was coming.

“Nana, not helping, “ Maci scolds. “You’re all creeping me out. Change the subject.”

“She’s right.” Nanny waves a finger between Lily and me. “You two can have a girls' night and discuss those things.”

“Sounds good to me.” Lily grins like a Cheshire cat. She wants details she’s not getting.

Voices come from the Den. All the guys, except for Cloudy Daze and the prospects, went to church today.

“Sounds like we’ve got hungry men coming.” Nana grabs plates from the cabinet.

I peek through the door that goes behind the bar. All the members stand behind Mack as a group, staring toward the front doors.

“That can’t be good,” I say.

The others take turns peeking over my shoulder.

“Not good at all.” Nanny goes back to the stove.

“Nope. Last time, Mom got arrested,” Maci says.

“What?” I spin around and let the door close. “When did Nanny get arrested?” As far as I know, Evelyn McLeod has never been arrested.

“Monday morning, while you were on your way to Knoxville,” Nana replies.

“Lil Mama was arrested, too,” Ember adds.

Now, that I can see. It’s surprising the woman doesn’t have a rap sheet a mile long. She’s always threatening to stab someone or to‘shove her boot where the sun doesn’t shine.’I give my head a little shake. That’s not a thought I want to keep in my head.

“Why?” My eyes meet Nanny’s. The sadness in hers causes my heart to sink. It’s because of the candlelight vigil. I’m sure of it.

Lily pats my arm as she walks by. “Let’s just say the Rhodes family isn’t happy.

The door to the Den opens, and Worley walks in. “Hey, ladies. Hate to interrupt, but will you all join us?”

“Exactly how it started on Monday.” Nana flips the stove burners off.

We silently follow Worley Bird to the common room. Nana goes to Granddad, who’s on his favorite barstool next to Pops. Nanny slowly walks to Mack. This has to be scary for her after being arrested like this five days ago. Mack eases her slightly behind him. Nanny wraps her arms around his waist.

Jack lays a hand on his mother’s back. Lily slides under his right arm. Coty holds his out for me. I quickly take the comfort and protection he’s offering and wrap my arms around his waist. Ember and Maci stand next to us, holding each other. I don’t like this.

“Okay, Sheriff. We’re all here,” Mack says.

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