Page 104 of Unveiled Wounds

“You okay?” Grace asked me. “We can leave.”

“I didn’t know we were coming here, and this isn’t the fun trip I imagined. Grizz is afraid I’m going to crash it. The sales guy bypassed me. Oh, and while it’s fun to fuck in the tub, I’d like to make love once in a while—in a bed.” I stomped my foot, knowing full well if I could get away with it, I’d have a meltdown.

“Ah, that’s the problem.” Grace laughed at me, wrapping her arm around my shoulder and pulling me towards her body. “Are you sure there’s no extra space to make Pumpkin her own room?”

“Nope. How would have to move, and the only available room is near Zook. I wouldn’t want a room near you. No, thank you.”

“I’m sorry. The neighborhood won’t be ready for a while, and you need space. I can talk to Sabre about switching rooms,” Grace sighed.

Grizz and I had talked about buying a starter house, but neither one of us had wanted to leave the clubhouse. “No. I’ll figure it out. Blow up beds are waterproof, but Slip N’ Slides are not fun when you hit the sink base cabinets. Pool float won’t work either, before you suggest it. Grizz’s too big, and the tub is too small.”

Grace shot me a look, but I didn’t mind. It sounded crazy, but being creative with quickies wasn’t working at the moment.

We continued to walk down the line of bikes, arm-in-arm, stopping every now and again. There were blues, greens, and every paint color in between, but I saw nothing that grabbed my attention.

“Hello, ladies.” We’d been so focused on the bike in front of us, we hadn’t seen another salesman coming. He was an older man, with gray hair and a warm smile. “Which one of you is looking for a bike?”

“How did you know?” Grace chuckled, holding my arm a little tighter.

“The new guy ran out as soon as he saw you pull in.” The man ran a hand through his short-cropped hair. “I’ve been doing this a long time. Your men are a part of the local club, which means they probably already have bikes they love. My sleuthing skills have never been wrong.”

“Me. I want a bike.” I held my hand up, like I was being selected to win a prize.

“Okay, so you’re in the right section. Keep looking, and when you find one you like, we’ll try it out.” There was a picnic table towards the front of the dealership, and he sat, waiting for us.

Grace and I continued up and down the rows. I didn’t feel rushed or awkward, and I appreciated the older salesman’s style.

“This is it,” I said, stopping in front of a hot pink bike with red and yellow flames.

“Try it out,” Grace encouraged.

The older salesman came over and helped me adjust the seat. Swinging my leg over, I settled my feet flat on the ground. I could easily balance the bike, and when I grabbed the handlebars, my posture was correct.

It was a perfect fit.

***

Grace dragged me towards the parking lot as Grizz completed the purchase. Sabre was at his side.

“Shh, just listen. There’s a clearing north of the clubhouse. They used to take girls there, so Grizz will know where it’s at. Don’t come home until the pissiness is gone.” Grace held my cheeks in her hands.

“You trying to get me laid?” I mirrored her, grasping her cheeks in my hands.

“Well, enough to take the edge off for a few days. When we get back to the clubhouse, I’ll take Pumpkin home with me. She’ll be safe, so no need to rush back.”

Tears sprang to my eyes, and I threw myself into Grace’s arms. “You’re the best sister ever.”

She laughed. “I don’t want any details.”

“Any details of what, mama?” The men had caught the tail end of our conversation. We were innocent, but we both tried to bluff our way out, which only raised their suspicions. Grace stuttered and stammered, not making sense, and when Sabre shot her a look, her cheeks went red.

“When you’re not looking, we’re moving into your room.” I covered for her quickly. I smiled widely, and that was where I fucked up. No one was buying this, including my sister, who had initially started it.

“The fuck you are,” he laughed, slinging his arm around Grace’s shoulders.

“You asked.” I rolled my eyes at him, stuck playing this out.

We spent a few more minutes in the lot before Grace made some excuse about leaving JR too long, and they left. I held in my laugh until they were pulling onto the main road.

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