Page 16 of Prospect
"Jesus Christ," Grey mutters. "That's a fuck load of pressure to put on your kid."
I shrug. "I guess so. But I've always known I wouldn't be following in my dad's footsteps."
The room is silent for several beats while the guys chew on the new-found information I just delivered. It's Gabriel who speaks first. "What's the plan, Prez?"
Jake grins. "You know, New Orleans is not that far from Dallas. I was thinkin' our boys down south could pay Sam's dad a little visit; give him a taste of his own medicine." Jake turns to me. "As I told you before, Son, no motherfucker is going to dictate how I run my club. I'd bet my left nut William McGregor is bankin' on me thinkin' you aren't worth the trouble and release you from the club. The Kings back down to no one. If your dad thinks sending ATF to Polson is going to make me, you or my brother's cave to his threats…he is in for one hell of a wakeup call. Now I want you to get with Reid, and you two are going to get me as much information on this motherfucker as you can."
I return a shit eating grin of my own. "Yes, sir."
"I'm going to put in a call to Riggs; see if he and the boys are up for a party." With nothing left to be said, Jake slams the gavel ending church.
Chapter eight
Sofia
As I'm leaving for work, I spot an old pickup truck I'd never seen before sitting across the street in my side mirror as I back out of the garage. My attention stays fixed on the person sitting behind the wheel while the garage door closes. From the build of the person's body, I would say it's a man. He's wearing a black shirt, truckers' hat, and dark aviator glasses which mask most of his facial features. Before I fully back out of the driveway, the truck drives off. Maybe he happens to be a family member or a friend of the older couple who lives across the street. With that, I quickly dismiss my initial worries and forget about the guy altogether.
Eager to meet up with Amy for a little retail therapy, I head toward her house. Having an average day is a welcome distraction since the raid on the clubhouse happened two days ago. I'm not aware of all the details surrounding the clubs arrest either but knowing River, an attorney friend of Mila's was able to helped out with the charges against them has help ease my mind a bit. I was told everything will be okay and for me not to worry about anything. But I do worry. They are my family and Jake is like a dad to all of us. Not to mention he has two kids of his own and a wife at home. The chaos also put a damper on me and The King's women participating in the 5k charity run. I'm no athlete, but I was willing to give it my all from start to finish because the cause is near and dear to my heart. However, Reid lifted my spirits when he suggested us women organize our own charity event for New Hope House in the fall. In the end, all of the ladies thought it was a fantastic idea.
When I pull up in front of Amy's house, she's sitting on her front porch waiting for me. Rushing down the steps, she makes her way to my car and climbs inside. "I can't wait to enjoy a little pool time. But first bikini shopping." Amy reaches over turning the volume on the radio up. "So, I heard Sam was in a fight," she inquires slipping her sunglasses on.
The fight.
It seems like the entire town is talking about it. "It was nothing. Some drunk guy was looking for a fight," I shrug my shoulders.
"I heard Sam beat the shit out of the asshole," Amy remarks. I fall silent thinking back to the incident. Out of everything that happened that day the fight was the one event I'd rather not focus on. I think about our first kiss then all the kisses we have shared since and my cheeks begin to ache from the smile on my face.
"Okay. Spill. There's something you're not telling me. The smile on your face says there is far more to that days events you haven't shared with me." Amy fixates her eyes on me as she folds her arms across her chest.
"What?"
"Sof. I'm your best friend. I know when you're keeping something from me."
"Sam kissed me," I say trying to hide the giddiness in my voice.
"Shut up! You guys kissed? Oh my god, Sof. I'm so excited for you. Sam is a great guy. That totally explains the drunk love look you have on your face."
I can't argue with that.
Pulling into a parking spot in front of the department store Amy and I frequent any chance we get, the two of us grab our bags, sling them across our bodies and make our way inside. A bell dings over our heads the moment we pull open the door. I love everything about this place. Gypsy Soul Boutique is owned by a young woman from California. She opened her store here almost a year ago. I haven't seen a thing in here I don't like.
"Sofia and Amy." Clara looks up from the mannequin she is dressing. "I was wondering when you two would be stopping by."
"Yesterday was payday, and my money is burning a hole in my pocket. We need some new bathing suits." Amy spins the display of sunglasses.
"Well, I just got a shipment in yesterday from my best friend in L.A. I haven't unpacked anything yet, but I'll be more than happy to dig a few styles out from the back," Clara mentions as she wraps a brown leather belt around the mannequin cinching the loose-fitting white chiffon dress at the waist.
After spending an hour trying on bathing suits and a few other items, Amy and I head out to Bella and Logan's place.
"Do you think Logan would mind if Ben comes by and hangs with us?" Amy asks as I drive down the road leading to the house.
"I don't see why not." Rolling my car to a stop, I spot Logan under the hood of Bella's car. "He's right there. Why don't we ask him?" Tossing my keys in my purse, we exit the car and grab our shopping haul from the backseat.
"How's it going, baby girl?" Logan wipes his hands on a blue shop rag, as he strolls up to us. Bending he hugs me and kisses the top of my head. He smells like grease and gasoline. "Need a hand carrying anything?"
"Nope. This is it." I motion toward my friend Amy. "Amy wants to know if Ben can come hang out with us?" Amy stands there unmoving as she stares at a shirtless Logan. I nudge her ribs with my elbow to make sure she's still breathing and giggle when she manages to blink. "She seems to be hypnotized by your man muscles," I smile. My teasing provokes Amy enough to finally speak.
"It's not my fault the men in your family are hot." Amy's eyes widen. "Did I just say that out loud?" Her face turns a bright shade of red, and I try not to laugh. Logan doesn't hide his amusement.
