Page 21 of Shar: A Woman Alone

Looking over to Bank waitingfor Sharp’s response. “Yeah, she’s doing a damn fine job in the kitchen, sogive her free rein to get what she needs. Oh, and ask her to make some more ofthose cookies she did yesterday.”

“Will do, Pres,” Bank laughsas he gives me a slight nod of recognition before closing the door.

“Okay. I’ll speak to Gunner.You two form a financial plan so we can see all the figures on a rough scalebefore we decide on what to do about this salon. I don’t think the place willsell out from under us when it’s been standing empty for so long.”

“No, I don’t think so either.I also think I’ll be able to get the price knocked down quite a bit because therealtor was very eager to show us around and looked disappointed when I toldhim we wanted to think about it.” I give Zara’s hand a squeeze of encouragement.

“I’ll speak to you laterabout the apartment renovation too, Shar. Cord told me it is a good place butneeds to be stripped down to bare bones.”

“Yes, it does, but it wouldbe a good place for a manager to live. Or perhaps keep for the brothers to staywhen they are working the night.” I think it would be an ideal option for thebrothers as it’s not in town, and they do their evening's work, then have toride back here.

“Okay, I’ll speak to Bankabout finances, then I’ll take a ride over and look at both places. I’d likesome idea of what this is going to cost before I put it to a vote with thebrothers.” Sharp leans back in his seat.

“Thanks, Uncle Sharp.” Zarajumps from her seat, kisses Sharp on his cheek, and near enough skips out ofthe office. I look at Sharp and he gives me a shit-eating grin, at which Ifrown, then hightail it out of there.

“Thanks, Shar. I think thingswill work out. But, I’ll look at figures and let you have them. Then, if I’mwrong, you can show me where I’ve gone wrong. I have to learn and learn fast ifI want this to work.” Zara is growing up, and fast. I give her a hug, as Ican’t hold back the pride I’m feeling for her.

“Off you go, and when youhave it all done, let me know.” I watch her walk eagerly away, and I head tothe kitchen.

“Stop. Don’t touch those,” Ihear as I walk into the kitchen, just in time to see Trip grab a handful ofcookies from a plate and rush past me, grinning like a fool, I might add.

“Oh dear, are they playingyou up?” I ask, but I’m smiling as I do so.

“Honestly, they are likekids. You would think grown men would have seen cookies before.” Lira issmiling as she responds, mind you.

“At least they like yourcooking.” We giggle between us and talk about what she has been making. Then Iask, “Are you happy to stay working here at the clubhouse? No trouble with theclub women?”

“I like it. I am left todecide what to make each day, and I do prep for the day I’m not here. I haveone day a week free, but I make sure the men here have meals they can heat up.I have to say they are all gone when I come back, so they must be using them.”Lira has such a soft smile, and she is someone I could make into a closefriend. If I was staying, that is.

“I’m really happy it’s workedout for you and for the club. As long as the women don’t cause you trouble!” Inoticed she hasn’t said if they were giving her hassle.

“No, everything is okay.”

I’m not sure I believe thatmainly, as she was hesitant in her response. But I’m not going to push her, asshe’ll tell me if things get bad. Well, I hope she will.

“Can you get me the trash canI left outside the back door please, Shar?” Lira asks, covered in flour I mightadd while making more cookies.

Grabbing the can, I lift itinside as I hear a nasty voice. “How can you cost the club so much money? Youare making all this stupid cookie and cake stuff…”

Oh, I know who this is andI’ve had enough of her. I storm into the kitchen, throw the can near Wendy’sfeet, which has her jumping back out of harm's way. “Shut your mouth. Who doyou think you are to tell Lira what she can or cannot make? You the Pres?”

“She’s spending money theclub can’t afford.” Wendy tries to continue her rant, but I step up so close toher that she takes a large step back.

“SHARP!” I shout loudly,which has the kitchen door fly open and Trip burst inside.

“What’s wrong?” Trip asks,looking around for any danger.

“I need Sharp because thisbitch thinks she can tell Lira what to cook. She is also saying the club has nomoney to buy food. Well, that’s basically what she’s saying. You can watch thecamera feed to see what’s gone on,” I snap.

Sharp walks into the kitchenwith Brawl and Crack behind him. “What’s going on?” He asks as he looks fromone of us to another.

I step towards him, keepingmy back to Wendy. “You sort her out Sharp or I will, and Meat taught me how toget rid of bodies.”

I leave the kitchen aftergiving Lira a pat on the shoulder and whisper that everything will be okay. Ihead for my room where I am going to relax in the quiet for a while.

Sitting on my bedcross-legged and checking my text messages, I smile when I see one from Axel.

Axel:Mia has transferred the title to the SUV into your name. Enjoy it with RagingBarons MC’s compliments.

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