Once again in my room, I decide to catch an episode or two of a show I’ve been watching until I get tired enough again to attempt sleep. I’m surprised I was able to get five hours in before the nightmare woke me up.
My phone alarm ringing wakes me up. I pick it up and see that somehow, miraculously, I slept for another five hours. With nearly a full night’s sleep for a change, I feel energized, so I get up, take a shower and shave, then get dressed before I head down for breakfast.
“Damn, brother, you look almost chipper,” Reese states as I stroll into the kitchen, Champ at my side. I walk over and pick up his bowl before I fix his breakfast. Once he’s squared away, I pour myself a cup of coffee and sit down across from Reese and Porter.
“Thinking I should’ve gotten a dog a lot sooner,” I admit. “I woke up from a nightmare, nothing unusual about that, and swear to Christ, where normally I would’ve been up the rest of the night, within thirty minutes or so, I fell back to sleep. Best night’s sleep I’ve gotten in a helluva long time.”
“I’m glad to hear it, Matt,” Reese replies. I can see the sincerity in his eyes and give him a chin lift in return. When Reese and Porter got out of the military, they formed the Black Tuxedos. Each man who I call brother has served in one capacity or another; most of us under Reese at some point. While he’s devoted to his wife and kids, he still carries a lot of weight on his shoulders worrying about the rest of us.
“You and me both. What has y’all here this morning?” I question.
“Corrie and Kirsten decided to make breakfast for everyone,” he says, grinning.
I glance around the kitchen but don’t see either woman. At my puzzled look, he starts to laugh so I ask, “And where are these mystery cooks? Did they finally get themselves cloaks of invisibility?”
“Naw, Corrie said we didn’t have the ingredients for what they wanted to make, so Garrison took them to the store.”
“That makes sense,” I murmur.
“You got plans today? We were thinking of doing a cookout later this afternoon,” he asks. “Since the girls were hitting up the store, we added to their list so there’ll be more than enough.”
“Told Mandie that I was going to come over and fix her deck. The damn thing is barely standing.”
“So, when you’re done, bring her and her kids around. Let her see how we are around here.”
I think about his words; if I want to pursue her and see where this attraction goes, she’s gonna have to get used to my world. What better way than to come to a family cookout? “Sounds like a plan. I’ll ask her when I get there and text you.”
“That works for me. Need more?” he questions, pointing to my coffee cup.
I glance at my now-empty cup and nod. “Yeah, brother. Thanks.”
Before long, Corrie, Kirsten and the prospect are back, and the kitchen starts to smell like cinnamon and bacon. “We’ll have French toast, eggs, and bacon soon,” Corrie states. “Oh, and orange juice. No clue why, but Kirsten is craving ice-cold orange juice.” I give Porter a look and grin when I see him staring at his old lady.
“Kirsten? You got something you need to tell me?” Porter questions, his eyes roaming up and down her body. Corrie grins as if she knows what’s going on as her hand rests on her small baby bump.
“I don’t think so, why?” she retorts, sipping on her glass that, sure enough, is filled to the rim with ice and orange juice.
He pointedly looks at her and she shrugs. “Don’t you remember how Corrie had cravings with JJ?” he asks. “I think it was frozen lemonades from Chic-fil-A?”
I start chuckling when Kirsten’s eyes go wide. “Holy shit, Porter! Do you think? I mean, we haven’t exactly done anything to prevent having a baby, but,” she stammers, completely at a loss for words. I feel a pang of longing hit me when Porter gets up and crosses the room to pull her into his arms. I don’t know what he says, but her face lights up and I watch as he wipes a lone tear that rolls down her cheek.
I want that.
I want that intimacy with someone.
No, strike that.
I want that with Mandie.
Mandie
I’m a nervous wreck as I flutter around my house, picking up and straightening before Matt arrives. Get a grip, girl, he’s planning to work outside, not see the inside of your house! I can’t help it though; the lessons I learned from Mama T mean that my house needs to be spotless whenever company comes over, even if they will be outside. I hear Aria cough and cringe. This time of the year is so hard on her with her asthma. It’s one of the reasons I quit smoking several years ago. Well, that and it was too expensive, and I’d rather be able to feed my babies than waste money burning cigarettes.
“You feel okay, sweetie?” I ask as I make my way to her.
“Hurts, Mommy,” she replies, pointing to her chest. I pick her up, uncaring that she’s capable of walking, and head into the bathroom. Once in there, I start the shower, hoping a steam session will help. I’m out of the medicine for her nebulizer; otherwise, I’d give her a breathing treatment.
“Wait right here, Aria,” I instruct, pointing to the rug in front of the bathtub. “Mommy needs to get something.” I rush into my room and grab the pulse oximeter that one nurse gave me the last time we went so I could keep an eye on things at home. Once I’m back in the bathroom, I slip it on her finger and watch the numbers. As long as she’s over eighty-five, we should be okay and not have to run to the hospital. Seeing that it’s ninety-two makes my heart slow back to normal. “Okay, we’re going to sit in here for a little bit and see if that helps.”
“I don’t like dis, Mommy.”
“I know, sweetie. I’m sorry.” I guess I need to call her doctor and see if she’ll call in some albuterol for the nebulizer. Thank God I have money tucked back now, although with both kids on Medicaid, most of the time their prescriptions are pretty cheap. Still, I remember quite a few times when I turned in aluminum cans to get enough money to cover that and those memories are what fuel me, on the days I’m exhausted, to keep on going so I can make a better life for all of us.
Twenty minutes later, I have her changed and lying on the couch watching her favorite show while I get Beau up and changed. When a knock comes on the door, I put him on a blanket in front of the couch with some toys and go answer it. “Hey, Matt,” I say as I open the door wider.
“Hope I’m not too early,” he replies.
“Not at all. I was just getting the kids settled in.” He glances at the two kids and I see a look of concern cross his face.
“Is she okay?” he asks, pointing to Aria.
“Her asthma is flaring up.”
“Do you need to take her to get checked? I can drive if you want me to.”
“I think we’re okay right now. Just did a steam session.”
“Does she have medicine to take?”
“She’s out of the stuff for her nebulizer right now. I have to call her doctor on Monday.”
“Are they not open today?” he questions.
I glance at the clock hanging on the living room wall. “I can try to call, but they don’t work on Sundays. Regardless, they have an after-hours number and her history is well-known, so it’s worth a shot to call. Do you need anything from me to get started?”
“Not at all, just wanted to let you know I was here.”
I smile up at him, grateful that his protective nature has him wanting to do this for me. “Let me know if you do; I made some tea and also have lemonade.”
“I’ll probably hit you up for some of that in a little while,” he states.
I watch him go back down the stairs and over to his truck. He starts pulling stuff out and I notice a dog lying by the tree I have in my front yard. “Is he yours?” I ask, standing in the doorway.
“Yeah, just got him a few days ago. His name is Champ; he’s a service dog. Supposed to help me with my PTSD.” My heart breaks for him. I think I likely have it to some extent after what Alistair did, but I’m sure
it’s nothing compared to what he endured being in the military. Not that he’s told me he served, but I’ve seen the dog tags underneath his T-shirt a few times and I’d be remiss if I hadn’t noticed his awesome tattoo. It’s just like the others that the men in the Black Tuxedos sport, so that tells me that they likely served at the same time, or close enough.
I hear Aria cough and turn to tend to my daughter. Grabbing my phone, I say a silent prayer of thanks that Matt’s generosity has given me the minutes I need to make the call to her doctor. Once I reach a nurse and explain the situation, she advises that she’ll call in an inhaler as well as more medicine for her nebulizer. I breathe a sigh of relief; she can go downhill so quickly that it’s scary.
“Mommy is going to call Olive to see if she’ll go and pick up your medicine, okay, sweetie?” I ask.
“Okay, Mommy.” She looks sleepy so I cover her with the quilt that’s on the back of the couch, then call Olive, who promises to go and get the prescriptions when they’re ready and bring them by. With that all sorted, I head into the kitchen to start working on lunch. Since Matt is fixing my deck, I plan to feed him as well. It’s the least I can do. I decide on barbeque sandwiches, since I made a roast in the crockpot the other night. Pulling out the container of leftovers, I shred the meat then add barbeque sauce before putting it in a pan and turning the stove on low to simmer in the sauce. Thanks to the generosity of a stranger, I have options at my fingertips, so I pull out some potatoes and quickly peel them then get them cut up for homemade fries.
Once everything is ready, I make a plate for Matt, pour a glass of tea and carefully carry it to the front door. When I get the door opened, I’m blown away at how much he’s managed to accomplish in such a short time. “This looks awesome,” I declare, looking around. He has expanded my deck and is currently working on covering it which means I won’t get soaked anymore when it rains and I’m trying to get the kids inside.
“Thanks,” he replies. I hand him the plate with the sandwiches and fries, as well as his tea and a bottle of ketchup. “What’s this?”
“Thought you might be hungry, so I made you barbeque sandwiches and some fries,” I say.
“If they taste half as good as they smell, I’m in for a treat,” he states, grinning at me.
“Well, Aria is wearing a lot of hers but she’s little so probably not a good judge.” His chuckles have me smiling.
“Were you able to reach the doctor?”
“Yeah I was and they called in the stuff for her nebulizer, as well as an inhaler. Olive is going to pick it up for me and bring it out.”
“That’s good. If you think she’s feeling up to it, we’re having a cookout later at the clubhouse. I’d like to take you and the kids.” I think about his offer. I’d like to get to know everyone outside of when I see them at work.
“She should be, but I can always drive separately just in case.”
“I’ve got you, Mandie. If she starts feeling bad, I’ll bring y’all back home.”
“Thank you, Matt. I’ll uh let you get back to work. Do I need to bring anything for the cookout?”
“Just you and the kids. Corrie and Kirsten bought out the store and I’m sure that they’ll have everything sorted.”
I nod even though I’ll go inside and make something for dessert. Mama T taught me to always bring something whenever I was invited to someone’s house. I know I can put together a cake or some cookies at least. “Let me know if you want more tea. In fact, just feel free to come inside and grab it since I might be tied up with the kids.”
“Will do.”
When Olive arrives, I get Aria set up with a breathing treatment which seems to help her further. She still looks a bit peaked, but I think as long as she takes it easy, we should be able to go with Matt to the cookout with his club. I’m looking forward to being around other adults. I know I work in a restaurant, but those interactions are superficial at best. I need more adult friends; Olive is great, but she’s still only a teenager and has no real understanding about what being an adult with responsibilities is all about.
“So, you’re going to their clubhouse?” Olive questions as she helps me make cookies. They’re the recipe that Mama T taught me years ago; double chocolate chunk, and surprisingly, I had all the ingredients.
“Yeah. Ollie, he told me last night at work that he’s interested in me,” I whisper so he doesn’t hear me. Granted, he’s outside and the door and windows are all closed, but I’m not taking any chances.
“Why wouldn’t he be? You’re freaking awesome, Mandie,” she declares.
“Because I’m a single mom with two kids. That kind of stuff just doesn’t happen,” I insist.
“Why the hell not? You deserve to be happy just as much as the next person, girl. Now, what else do you need to do to get ready?”
I glance down at myself and grimace. I’m a sweaty, hot mess thanks to the cleaning I did earlier and Aria’s sweat session in the bathroom. “I need a shower,” I admit.
“Then go grab one. I’ll keep an eye on the kids.”
“Ollie, it’s your off day,” I protest.
“So? Can’t a friend help another friend out from time to time?” she retorts. “You’re only a few years older than me, Mandie, and you’re my best friend. I know I don’t know all the ways of the world, but that’s okay. I can watch and learn.”
“Fine, fine. I’ll go shower and get myself ready. I have no clue what to wear though.”
“Thinking jeans and a shirt will work.” Her sassy reply has me grinning back because I’ve got plenty of both.
5
Matt
“Let me tell her I’m running to get cleaned up and will be back, Champ,” I tell the dog as I put the rest of my tools away. The only thing left is to get the deck stained and weather-protected with some polyurethane, but it’s supposed to rain for the next few days, so it’ll have to wait. He woofs at me before jumping into the truck to hang his head out the window.
I walk back up the stairs and knock, my eyes roaming her yard to see if there’s anything I forgot. “Hey, Matt. Oh! You’re finished!” Her voice is almost breathless as she speaks and I temporarily forget why I knocked to begin with, such is her effect on me.
“Other than getting it stained and protected from the weather, but it’s gonna rain, so that has to wait. I’ll be back in about thirty minutes or so, just need to grab a shower and get cleaned up. Just wanted to give you a heads-up.”
“We’ll be ready when you get back,” she promises.
Without thinking, I run my index finger down her cheek. Her skin is so fucking soft it’s maddening. When I feel the unmistakable tightening of my cock behind my jeans, I want to throw my fist in the air. Since she came into my life, I’ve had twinges, of course, but knowing that she’s the cause tells me that the fucking psychologist was correct. For whatever reason, Jessa’s bitchiness caused me to have my issue. “I’ll see y’all shortly,” I reply before turning around to head back to my truck. It won’t do for her to see what she does to me, at least not yet.
It took less time than I expected to get to the clubhouse, showered, changed and be on my way back to her place. When I arrive, I walk over to her car and get the two car seats from the back and install them in my truck, making a mental note to buy some so that we don’t have to switch them out constantly. Her car is fine, but it’s too small for a man of my size. Once I’m sure that the seats are secure, I head up the stairs and knock. Her flushed face greets me, and I memorize each small detail; the deep blue of her eyes, the length of her lashes, the tiny freckles that cross her nose. “Hey, sweetheart, y’all ready?”
“Yes, I just need to grab Beau’s diaper bag and the cookies. Aria? Come on, sweetie,” she calls out. I hear tiny feet running down the hall and watch as Aria skids to a stop in front of me.
“I’m weady, Mr. Matt,” she exclaims. She’s holding a doll that’s almost half her size and a small purse is slung over her shoulder. I don’t think I’ve ever
seen anything cuter in my damn life.
“Let’s get your brother then so your mom can get the cookies, okay?” I ask.
“Him’s over there,” she states, pointing to the swing that’s in the corner. I walk over to the swing and bring it to a stop and watch in amazement as his gaze shifts to me. Instead of hollering, he raises his arms up so I pick him up and settle him against me.
“He’s kinda heavy,” I say, causing Mandie to giggle.
“He’s my chunky monkey, aren’t you, pumpkin?” she coos. Beau babbles at his mother and I chuckle at the normalcy of the situation. “Okay, I think I have everything.”
“Then let’s get this party started,” I decree, following her out the door once I’ve made sure it’s locked behind me. I manage to make it to the passenger side door and get it open before she reaches it, then shift Beau so that I can give her a hand up.
“Up, pwease,” Aria instructs.
“Give him a minute, pumpkin, and let him get Beau settled,” Mandie states.
I grin at the tone she uses because the little girl’s face falls and she starts to pout. “You think you can help me get him in?” I ask her, leaning down.
“I can twy!” she asserts. Chuckling, I open the back door and with one arm, get her into her seat before I go to the other side and get Beau strapped in. I double-check Aria’s buckles, not surprised that she has done it herself. She seems relatively independent and something inside breaks that this little girl has had to learn that at such a young age. Not that I fault Mandie; far from it. I know she’s doing the best she can with the hand she’s been dealt. Only, she has a new dealer in town now.
Matt - The Black Tuxedos MC Page 5