Ty and I finally have our lives together, and here is the other shoe. A perfectly manicured bombshell. It’s not that he’s cheated before, not on me at least, but I get the feeling he’s done it. To other girls. I don’t want to fall into that category.
“Oh you know, just thought I’d come visit.”
“That’s bull and you know it. What happened, Julie?”
“Well, I mean… I kinda lost my apartment back home.”
“Uh huh… what’s his name?” There’s always a guy, with her. I cross my arms, waiting for her response. Sometimes, there’s more than one.
“Oh, it wasn’t like that, Cami, come on. I’m not some slut.”
That determination isn’t really up to her. I love Julie, but she treats guys like garbage. Hopping from one to the next with no interest in their feelings. It’s pretty sad.
She sighs. “Fine, Louie. He was nice and all, but God, Cami, he wanted to get married and some shit. I can’t be held down by some loser. That’s not me.” And there it is—nice guys always finish last with Julie.
“So what’s your plan? Show up here to crash with me?”
“Yeah, if that’s ok.” She puts up her hands. “Just for a little while. I mean, I’ll get to spend some time with you guys. It’ll be great, a couple weeks to get me back on my feet.”
I shake my head, but I know I can’t say no—you don’t say no to family. “Fine.”
She’s all bubbly and excited as I text Ty.
My cousin Julie has to stay here for a little while. Sorry.
He doesn’t text me back, must be busy at work. He finally found a job that pays well and suits him. He’s an electrical apprentice with a big commercial business. It means he travels a lot with the company to jobs, but everything is taken care of. His food, hotel, everything. And he’s working twelve hour shifts so he can be home with us more.
Julie sits down as I make some tea. Luckily, Ella is at preschool, so we’re not interrupted. We chat about our lives for a while before I hear Ty’s truck pull up. She and I walk outside to greet him. I don’t want him feeling like she’s already taken over. Even though our living room looks like it. Her coat on one chair, purse on another, cell phone plugged into the wall. She has more stuff than our toddler.
“I take it you're Julie,” he says, stepping out of his truck, clearly trying to avert his eyes away from her chest.
“Yep, this is me,” she says with a giggle and tucks her hair behind her ear coyly.
Ty smiles and looks at me. “Umm… do you have stuff?”
“Yeah! It’s in my car.”
I watch intently as she bends over to pull out a box and a suitcase, which Ty takes from her.
“Well, we better get all this stuff inside,” he says, lugging it through our open door.
They walk in, and I stand there in the doorway with my arms crossed. Drawing in a slow breath, I shake my head and close the door behind me. No matter what I try to do, I can't shake the green-eyed monster within. The way they talk, shamelessly flirting with each other, pisses me off. It’s like I no longer exist.
“Cami? What's wrong?” Ty asks, coming up behind me and rubbing my shoulders.
“Nothing,” I reply, virtually through my teeth. He pulls me into him, hugging me tightly. I smile as his warmth encompasses me. After we have dinner together, I excuse myself to put Ella to bed. She already loves Julie, who’s read her about six stories and braided her hair. I try to let go of the nagging feeling that won’t leave me and have a good evening catching up with Julie, but soon, a terrible headache creeps up, and I use the excuse to head to bed. It’s already after midnight and I fully expect Ty to follow after me shortly. I fall asleep as soon as I crawl under the sheets.
Rolling over in bed, hours later, I realize I'm still alone. The coldness of his side of the bed jars me to full consciousness. Getting up to use the restroom, I hear laughter coming from the front of the house. My urge to pee is forgotten as I scamper down the hallway.
A terrible thought crosses my mind, “No,” I whisper to myself as I round the corner to the living room.
Ty and Julie are sitting on the couch, talking. The more I observe, the more I realize just how close they are. Ty is sitting there in his pajama pants, shirtless, while Julie is in shorts and a tank top that leaves nothing to the imagination. I clear my throat as I walk towards them and they both jump up.
“Sorry, I woke up and realized you weren't there. I thought something might be wrong, but clearly it's not,” I say turning to go back to bed.
I check on Ella before going back to my room, but she’s sleeping soundly, as if our family isn’t falling apart in the living room. I'm angry as I crawl back in bed. Every possible scenario plays out in my head while I lay there, staring into the darkness. The bedroom door creaks open and I turn over, facing the wall. Ty climbs into bed and snuggles up to me. Laying there limply, I make no effort to reciprocate. He kisses my temple and pulls me closer.
“Cam,” he whispers. I don't respond, because if I do, he’ll hear the hurt in my voice. “I love you,” he says and kisses my cheek.
Laying there in the darkness, I listen to the slow rhythm of his breathing before sleep finally finds me once again.
10
Jett
It takes me three days to gather the courage to go to the clubhouse. I need something in my life, and if Wilson says that this can be that something for me, I'm going to take advantage. I ride Lucy through the windy streets until finally, I end up in a shadier side of town where there are weeds springing up from between the asphalt. I pull up to a brick building with at least six bikes sitting out front called Brotherhood Bar and Billiards. The door’s wide open and there's a neon sign flashing in the front window telling me that they’re open. I doubt many people stop by here that aren’t part of the brotherhood—it doesn't seem like a place that you would just pop in for a drink. But that's not what I'm here for either. I'm here to find my place.
I set my helmet on top of the handlebars, still feeling the low rumble of the bike underneath me before I shut her down and step off. I don't even get to the front door before Wilson walks out, extending a hand to me and clapping me on the back.
"Good to see you, man! I've told all the guys about you, and they’re looking forward to meeting you."
I take a deep breath before speaking. "I'm looking forward to meeting them too, but you're sure about this, right? About what they do here?"
Wilson nods his head. "You're going to fit right in, trust me."
We step over the threshold into the bar, and I can smell stale beer and something similar to sweat. I hope they don't actually serve food here, because I'd never be able to eat it. There's a mountainous man standing behind the bar and a group of guys about twice my age sitting at a table in front of it. They're silent as I enter.
"Everybody, this is Jett Stewart. Stewart, these are the guys. The elders of the brotherhood. They determine whether or not you get to stay," Wilson says, introducing me.
I make my way around the table, shaking hands and looking into the eyes of the men who fought wars before me. It's a humbling moment. Most of them have salt-and-pepper hair and graying beards. They came home and they survived, even making something of themselves. That gives me a chance. And hope.
"Sit down, son," one guy with a black vest on says. I look around the table and notice they all have black vests, everyone except the bartender, Wilson, and me.
"What is it that Wilson told you about us?"
I look into the older man's steely blue eyes. "Not much, honestly. Just that you provide a place for guys like me."
Another man speaks up. "A wanderer? Is that what you are, kid?"
I shrug. "I'm just looking for my place. I'd be happy with a nice, cozy life. A beer, some friends, and a woman who loves me." As the last words escape my lips, I think about Cami. About how I left her all those years ago. We wrote back and forth for a while, but then she stopped responding. Or maybe my letters got lost, I'
m not sure. But it's not like when I came home I immediately went chasing after her. It's not like I drove by her old childhood home only to realize she doesn't live there anymore.
No, I don't do those things. I know she's moved on. She has every right to. And maybe the brotherhood is my chance to move on, too.
"We’re not your average biker gang and we’re not a true MC either. This isn’t shit you see on TV."
The men around the table all nod in unison. "But we do things, things that other people don't want the responsibility of. We take care of our town. And we sure as hell take care of the Brothers that are in it."
I nod understandingly. They're telling me that I might get hurt doing whatever it is that they do here. They're telling me to once again put others before myself, just like in the military. I know how to do that. I can take one for the team. This might be a good option for me after all.
"I understand. So what do I have to do? How do I get in?"
One of the men puts his hands up in protest. "Now you slow down there, son. We have to vote. And not with you here. But once we vote, we’ll be in touch, give you some tasks to do. Wilson will take you under his wing, since he invited you. Show you the ropes. Keep you focused on the end goal of becoming a member. Of becoming a Brother." They all raise their glasses at the last word. Clearly being a Brother is an honor. I like the sound of that.
The first man who spoke, the one with the blue eyes, stands up, and the rest of the men stand to match him. I get that the interview, however short, is over. He shakes my hand and gives me a small smile. I stand as well and grip his hand tightly to let him know that I'm serious about this. I want in. I take that as my cue to leave, and Wilson follows me out front to Lucy. I climb on and kick her into life.
"That was fucking great, man!" Wilson says, looking at me excitedly.
"Did it? Couldn't really get a good read on the old guys."
Wilson leans closer to me. "Last time, they didn't even let the guy sit down. They must've gotten a good vibe from you, or maybe it's because I talked you up." He laughs.
"Well, thanks for that, man. Hopefully you only told them the good stuff."
"Oh, definitely just the good stuff. And I might've mentioned that one party in high school where I think you did body shots off of the entire girls’ soccer team. That was epic! Just the type of shit that we do around here to stay relaxed.”
I laugh as he hits me on the back, and he walks back towards the bar. I put on my helmet and I think about where to go next. Do I drive past her house one more time?
No. I think it's time to let her go.
I have to let her go.
11
Cami
The smell of bacon wakes me up, and I reach over, realizing Ty isn't there. “Damn it,” I mutter under my breath as I pull on a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt. I pull my hair up into a ponytail as I stomp down the hallway.
Julie is in the kitchen cooking, and Ty is sitting at the bar sipping his coffee. I kiss Ella on the head, and then I walk over to the coffee pot without so much as a word.
“Someone is a real grump without their coffee, aren't they?” Julie says, pointing the spatula at me.
I nod and roll my eyes as I climb on the bar stool beside Ty.
“So, Cam, I know this super private club downtown, I was hoping you would go with me,” she says.
“I don't know about that, I'm not really into the club scene. I’m a mom now, Jules,” I say.
As if on cue, Ella whines to go to the bathroom, and I send her, reminding her to wash her hands and flush. Glamorous mom life, party of one.
“I don't mind, go ahead, have fun. I’ll watch Ella for the night, no big deal,” Ty says, winking at Julie.
She hasn't changed a bit—she still gets excited at the smallest things. I just stare at Ty, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
“What?” he whispers.
“I have to admit I'm surprised that you’re ok with this,” I reply with suspicion in my tone.
Ty picks up on it quickly and rolls his eyes. “There's nothing to be suspicious about,” he says, his tone soft. “I figured you two would like to catch up and have a little fun. Besides, Ella and I haven’t had a night alone in I can’t remember how long.”
Bars and clubs are not my idea of fun. I'm more of a relax at home with a good movie and pizza kind of girl.
“I'll think about it,” I finally say, looking back and forth between the two of them.
Julie frowns at me and gives me puppy dog eyes.
“That doesn't work on me,” I reply, taking a sip of my coffee.
“Well… I'll just have to bug the ever living shit out of you until you agree then,” she replies with a huge grin, raising her eyebrows at me.
I laugh, knowing she means it—that's how persistent this woman is. In my freshman year of high school, she convinced me to sneak out and walk almost five miles to her house so we could have a secret slumber party. I did it, only to find out it was a make out party. I got the grounding of my life for that, but it was worth it to play spin the bottle with Michael Smith. I would have gotten away with it if he knew how to kiss, but his braces cut my lip.
“Besides, it’s not a regular club, invite only. I think you’ll like the scene more than you care to admit.” She eyes me devilishly.
“I'll consider it, but right now, I've got to get ready for work,” I say, heading to the bathroom to start my day.
I take my time getting ready. I wait until the last possible moment before heading out, leery of leaving these two alone with each other. I drop Ella off at preschool and have to give her a quick kiss goodbye. I wasted too much time procrastinating, and now I have to take the back roads to work, but I make it on time. Barely.
Maia helped me get a job as medical transcriptionist at the hospital after I finished my degree as an administrative assistant. I am so lucky she was sleeping with the head of human resources at the time. Ella gets to go to preschool and I finally have some adult time, and the money is pretty good. Maia thinks I’ll be able to run my own department one day, just like her.
I’m sitting at my desk charting when Maia stops by. “Hey you. Wanna grab some dinner with me tonight?”
I glance up at her, caught off guard. I haven’t ever gone out after work with any of the other employees, much less my boss. “I’d love to, but I can’t tonight. I have company in town,” I say.
“Family?” She asks.
“Yes, my cousin actually, she’s kind of a mess. Long story.”
“Well you just take care of yourself now,” Maia says in her sweet southern drawl.
“Yeah, I’ll try.”
I sigh as she nods slightly and turns to walk away. I try to focus back on the chart in front of me. After what feels like an eternity, I look up at the clock, realizing it's after six. Shit, I’m late for Ella. The preschool is going to charge me again. I grab my bag and rush out of the hospital, leaving my papers behind.
12
Cami
Two Days Later
Julie meets me at the door, and then follows me around the house like a lost puppy dog, begging for a treat.
“Oh come on, Cami.” She collapses onto my bed, groaning. “It's going to be fun,” The enthusiasm in her voice makes me roll my eyes.
“No,” I say. She bats her eyelashes at me, and I can't help but laugh. Giving in, I shake my head.
“Fine, but I have to text Ty and let him know so he picks up Ella. God, he’s going to have to give her a bath, she’s a terror in the tub.” I stalk off into the bathroom to clean up. I put on jeans and a cute top, brush through my hair, and grab my shoes before walking into the bedroom.
Julie’s face is priceless. “I know that is not what you plan to wear, right?” she asks.
“What's wrong with my clothes?” I ask. “I thought this looked pretty damn good.” Julie rolls her eyes at me and practically drags me over to the closet.
“Hmmmmm…” she says, sifting through my wardrobe.
“This! This is the one!” she squeals.
The thin satin sheath slides down my skin as I put it on. The intricate lace comes up around my neck in a halter fashion, while the hemline sits at my upper thigh. The plunging neckline emphasizes my breasts, and the open back is cut clear down to my lower back.
I step out of the bathroom and she whistles at me. Feeling the blush as it covers my cheeks, I giggle as I look at myself in the full-length mirror. My silky, long legs look amazing against the black fabric, and the silver jewelry I add is the perfect accent.
“Now that, my dear cousin, is proper attire for the club. Time to talk shoes,” she says, waggling her eyebrows.
She sits down in the middle of my closet and rummages through my shoes. Coming out with a pair of strappy silver heels, she smiles. I groan loudly, knowing I'm a wreck in heels.
“Put them on,” she commands, and sits on the bed. I give her the dirtiest look I can manage and she just laughs. “Strut your stuff,” she says with a grin, “you better get used to them. We’re going to be out for a while.”
I draw in a deep breath and take a few careful steps, looking completely awkward. She jumps up, trying to contain her laughter.
“Here, let me show you,” she says, demonstrating the right way to walk in heels. I still have no faith in my ability to pull this off, but I am willing to admit that the heels make my long legs look even sexier. I feel excitement bubble within. It’s been ages since I’ve gone out anywhere like this. The last time, Ty ended up getting smashed and fighting with some dude at the club and then getting kicked out. Naturally, I left with him.
We pull up to a dingy looking bar just after 10pm.
Virgin's Dirty Boss Page 36