Page 55 of Shar: A Woman Alone

Watching the goings on in therec room, I see and feel a totally different atmosphere than when I firstarrived. It has more of a family feel to it than it did have, and I think muchof that has to do with Lira’s presence, and also the way the whores have beenmoved down in the pecking order.

Josie accepting her promotionto kitchen assistant, and then assistant cook, was the first indication thatchange was coming. Having Wendy and Clarice shown the door certainly made therest sit up and take notice. Syn slid quietly into the night without a word toanyone, and that was a blessing. Never in the spotlight herself, it soon becameapparent that she was behind all the troubles the whores had. She handed outthe ammunition and someone else used it.

Lizzie and Sandy are stillhere and servicing the brothers as and when. They look a lot more likegirlfriends now, though, rather than whores. The ridiculous clothing has gone.They shower daily, so look and smell clean. They have spoken with Shrapnel andhe takes them once a month for health check-ups. Something that never botheredanyone before but is certainly on the agenda now.

The clubhouse itself has acleaner feel to it, too. It’s as though the whole Rogue Legions MC has pulleditself up by the bootstraps and become more respectful of itself. I like tothink I had a part in that.

“Penny for them?”

“Damn you to hell, Crack. Youshouldn’t go sneaking up on people like that. You’ll give someone a heartattack.” I play punch him on the arm, though to be honest, if I gave it all Ihad, it wouldn’t probably amount to much more to him.

“You got nothing to worryabout in that respect. You ain’t got a heart that I could find.” Putting hisarm around my shoulders, he pulls me in and kisses the top of my head.

“Is that what you think,Crack? I thought you were going to be the one. I knew Sharp was interested, butmy money was always on you being my forever man. That damn kiss blew all mydreams clean out of the water. House, garden, white picket fence, kids, dogs,the whole nine yards all went poof with one measly kiss.” I look up at him andI think I see the same thing in his eyes.

“I know, Sis. I always hadthe hots for you from the first time I saw you. That kiss was the coldest darnshower I’ve ever had in my life. All my ardor lost its ard, if you get mydrift.”

“Crack! What the fuck! What athing to say to a lady that just poured her heart out.” Looking at him withfeigned shock and disgust, I say, “I imagine that’s a bro comment right there.”

“You’ve done a lot for thisclub, Shar. It’s a pity that you haven’t found your niche because I think youcould do so much more. It isn’t just me that’s going to miss you.”

“If Zara had been older, I’dhave asked her if she wanted to go with me.”

“I’m sure Gunner would haveloved that idea. I wasn’t thinking of Zara so much as Sharp. He never showedany interest in anyone until you came along. We could have come to blows ifboth of those kisses had caused sparks, you know.”

“You compared notes?” Ishould have guessed that, I think to myself. “Well, Sharp seems to have movedon quick enough, don’t you think?”

“I don’t follow. Spill thebeans, Lil Sis. What do you know that I don’t?” Crack sits up straighter andlooks at me quizzically.

“You can’t have missed howmuch attention he pays whenever Taylor is around? He’s like a dog in heat. Iwouldn’t be surprised to walk in one day and see him humping her leg!” Thevision in my head has me laughing out loud.

“Oh girl, you are so far offthe mark you’re shooting at a different range. Watch this space, Sis, and beprepared to be amazed.” Crack laughs too, and I get the impression that’s allI’m going to be told.

“It’s going to be a busy daytomorrow, so I’m turning in. G’night, Crack. Don’t be late in the morning.” Igrin at him, because he is the first one to rise damn near every morning.

“Good night, Shar. Sleepwell.” Crack kisses my head once again and then releases me from his arm aroundmy shoulders. Once I’m in my room, I shed my clothes as quick as I can and whenmy head hits the pillow, I’m asleep.

Up at the crack of dawn, I’mshowered and into a set of clothes that I don’t mind ditching if they getspoiled while working. Grabbing the travel mug that I’ve been using for mynight time drink, I head to the kitchen to get some coffee. As I approach, thereare a lot of hushed voices and whispering going on.

Rounding the kitchen door,I’m amazed when I see almost the whole MC clamoring for coffee.

“Shar. Give.” I hear fromamongst the melee, but I can’t see where it came from. A hand suddenly grabs mymug and pulls me with it toward the coffee machine.

“Snore! When did you becomeso forceful and dominant?” I splutter when I realize who has a hold on me.

“I’m being coached on how tobe more of a gentleman ‘with attitude,’ rather than just an ‘old-fashioned’gentleman. I’m not currently at liberty to divulge more than that.” He looksvery pleased with himself, I have to say. In fact, if he were a woman, I’d sayhe had that glow of pregnancy about him.

Finding a table in the recroom, I marvel at all the bodies that have appeared at this early hour on aSunday. Not a sign of a hangover anywhere, so I’ll have to say well done andthank you to Joel for that.

Once everyone has tanked upon caffeine, they start flowing from the clubhouse. Dashing out to the front, Imake sure they all stay together. I want everyone to leave in one go, not lotsof groups revving up and disturbing the town. As soon as Sharp is happy thateveryone that should be present is, he starts his hog and rolls out of thecompound.

Sitting in my SUV watchingthem leave, they make a magnificent sight. Honking brings me back to earth andI see Cord gesturing for me to get moving. They’ve left a gap in the center forme. I feel like royalty being escorted to some function or other.

The journey to the diner issomething I don’t think I’ll ever forget. There was no rushing about, no littlegroups forming on their own. It was a cavalcade in all its glory from start tofinish. Even watching everyone parking was like watching a ballet, withengines!

The diner is already lit upfor business, and walking inside I see Lira in the kitchen with Sourdough. Theyboth look over and wave, but are soon engrossed in whatever they are busy with.

As I’m obviously notrequired, I make my way back outside where the two pickups have arrived and arebeing swamped as people grab paint and brushes, ready to make a start.

---