by Erin Osborne
“We’ll look. Keep us in the loop and we’ll talk soon,” Renegade says as they head back to their bikes and we leave for ours.
On the way back to the clubhouse, I get a feeling deep in my gut that something’s not right. I’m not sure if it’s someone following us or something else entirely. All I know right now is that something big is coming and until we figure it out, I won’t be able to rest. Killer looks at me, and I can tell he senses that my alertness has increased. He speeds up in front of us to make sure no one is going to ambush us before we get to the highway.
I let the van get closer to my back tire as I continue to look around the road and at the sparse trees lining the road. Boy Scout hangs back to make sure no one is following us. About ten miles up the road Stryker pulls over, waiting for us. He pulls out in front of me and we stay bunched up the rest of the way back to the clubhouse. I guess the feeling that I’m getting has nothing to do with this trip. I’ll check on Jennifer as soon as we get back to the clubhouse and make sure that she’s okay.
Chapter Eighteen
Jennifer
SLIM CALLED ME into his office as soon as I woke up this morning. Kim came over early to watch Wade so I could go meet with him before heading to school. I have an afternoon class today otherwise I’d have to put this meeting off.
After getting ready for the day and making sure that I have everything I’ll need for class, I kiss my son goodbye and make my way to the clubhouse. Hitter lets me know that Slim’s in his office and to just knock on the door. Slowing my steps, I watch as two of the house bunnies stare me down. Damn, if looks could kill, I’d be six feet under where I stand.
I asked Trinity why they all seem to hate me so much more than the rest of the girls that have recently come here. She told me that it’s because they all want a piece of my men. The girls like it more when they’re ‘double stuffed’ as Trinity told me. Now that Wade and I are here, they don’t get that as much. Not many of the guys want to share when they’re fucking someone unless it’s a party night. Even then it’s not a regular occurrence.
“Come in,” Slim bellows after knocking on his door.
“Hi, Slim. Is everything okay?” I ask, walking in and shutting the door behind me.
“No, it’s not. You’ve been at Phantom for a few months now. Have you noticed anythin’ out of the ordinary?” he asks, leaning back in his chair while motioning me to sit opposite him.
“Not really. I mean, I’ve been covering a lot of shifts the last few weeks. I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be able to do that with school and Wade, but I’ve been trying to help out,” I answer, wondering what he’s talking about.
“Really? I didn’t know call offs have been that bad,” he responds, taking a minute to think before beginning again. “You don’t have that much longer with school. We’ll talk about what’s gonna happen as soon as that date gets closer. For now, I want to offer you a promotion at Phantom. You’ll be able to make your own hours as the manager of the place. Whino has personal shit goin’ on, and can’t be there the way he needs to be. We’ve talked, and he suggested you take his place. What do you say?”
I’m shocked. Never did I walk in here this morning thinking I’d be getting a promotion at work. “Yes! Thank you so much!” I say, letting my excitement show.
“You’re in charge of hirin’, firin’, and everythin’ that happens in that club. If you need help, let one of us know, and we’ll be there to have your back. Here’s what I want you to be on the look for. Besides you bringin’ call offs to my attention, there’s reason to believe that some of the employees are not only usin’ while on the clock but dealin’ in our club. I think some of the bartenders are skimmin’ money too, and I want them gone. Think you can handle the job?” he asks, letting me know that a lot of shit is going on I had no clue about it.
“I can. I’ll keep my promotion secret right now so I can get a sense of anything going on. In the next few weeks, I’ll have a meeting and let the ones go that I catch, and lay down my rules. By then, I’ll have an idea of who’s going to stay and who’s going to walk away,” I tell him, thinking this is the best way to handle the situation right now.
“That’s a damn good plan. I’ll have Whino make an appearance or two for now, and you let him know when you’re ready to let it be known that there’s been a change in management. When you have the meetin’ I want Wood and Killer there with you,” he says, turning his attention away from me and back to the computer in front of him.
Making my way out of his office, I decide to grab a quick sandwich from the kitchen before heading to school. I didn’t have time to eat breakfast and I know I won’t make it through class on an empty stomach.
As I’m pulling everything I’ll need out of the fridge, I hear movement behind me. No one’s talked to me, so I ignore them and continue to do my own thing. The smile of Slim’s confidence in me is still firmly in place on my face until I turn and see the two house bunnies crowding in behind me.
“So, you think you’re hot shit don’t you?” the taller one asks.
She’s got long, bleach blonde hair that anyone can see is from a bottle. It’s not a very good dye job, and I’m sure she did it herself. There’s a layer of make-up caked on her face making her look older than she is and past the point of caring, though I’m sure she thinks she looks good. Her outfit looks like it was bought in the little girl’s section of a store as it barely covers any of her saggy body.
Looking up into her eyes, I see that they’re a silver color. There’s no life in them as she stares down at me from her height on six-inch heels. Her friend isn’t much better. She’s got stringy red hair that sits dull and lifeless along her back. I can see almost all of her bones with the bikini top and skirt that barely covers her ass. This girl’s make-up isn’t as caked on, but it’s still more than any of the prostitutes I used to work with ever wore. She’s petite, and I’m sure at one time she was really pretty. Now, both of these girls look like they’ve been ridden hard and put away wet. It’s not an attractive look.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I answer, continuing to make my sandwich and turning my back to them.
The one running her mouth grabs my arm and turns me back to face them. There’s an evil glint in her eyes as she runs her gaze from my toes to the top of my head. “You think you’re special because you’re in Wood and Boy Scout’s bed right now. Well, honey, it’s not gonna last. They came to Ginger and me last night after you went to bed. Told us all about how you used to spread your legs for any dick. Boy Scout said you’re so loose and used up that he’s surprised he can stay hard when you beg them to fuck you. You want to look down on us, but I’m sure that you’ve taken more cock than any one of us here,” the blonde says, making me flinch from the hit of her words.
“Yeah. I heard Wood telling Collette all about you and that snot-nosed brat of yours. They’re tired of you acting like a clingy bitch. Always needing to know where they are and when they’ll be back. Your son is nothing but a little bastard that is always up their asses or crying. Slim only gave you the job because they feel sorry for you. They all do. And the faster you make enough money to move out, you’ll be gone. They’re already fucking us so ‘bye bitch,” the redhead says, lacking any conviction behind her words.
If I had to guess, she’s just following the blond bitch’s lead. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt to know that they found out about my past.
Tears well up in my eyes as they both smirk. They know they hurt me and are happy about it. Well, they can kiss my fucking ass. “So, Wood and Boy Scout came here last night after I went to bed? That’s interesting because they were both fucking me all night long last night. Not to mention that I got woken up again this morning before they left. So, I’d like to know when they were here fucking you.
“As far as me spreading my legs for more men than you, I highly doubt that and it says something. Unlike you, I was forced to spread my legs. You have a choice and prove every fucki
ng day that you’re nothing more than a common whore. What? You think Wood and Boy Scout are gonna make one of you their ol’ lady? Is that the game you’re trying to play right now?” I ask, looking each one of them dead in the eye, my sandwich completely forgotten.
“If they want a used-up hag, then they can have you. See, I’m making something of myself. Can you say the same? I don’t care if they never make me an ol’ lady or if they leave me. I’ve been beaten down and broken for so long that I know I’m strong enough to stand on my own. I doubt either of you can say the same. And if you ever talk about my son again, I’ll kill you.”
Before either girl can say a word, I punch the redhead in the face and leave the kitchen. Everything in the clubhouse fades to black as I leave and get in the SUV. I sit and take a few deep breaths to calm down as the first tears spill down my cheeks.
Wood and Boy Scout are the only ones I’ve shared details of my past with. If these two know about it, they had to have overheard them talking or telling others in the club. My heart breaks because I honestly thought they were different. But, I can’t dwell on that right now. Now, I have to go to class. I’ll figure out what I’m going to do once I’m home. It won’t be until later because I have to go from class to work. Too bad I don’t see Stryker watching me before I leave the clubhouse and make my way to class.
I’m at Phantom, working my normal waitressing shift. Well, I’m pulling double duty since the bartender called out and no one would take her spot. It’s busy and I’m running around more than I ever have before. The only other waitress on the bottom floor, Trisha, refuses to work behind the bar on top of serving her tables. She won’t help me with my tables or anything.
I’ve asked Serena to help us out down here when she’s not busy in the VIP section, but she has yet to make an appearance, and I know that it’s early enough no one is up there right now. No one from the club is here and none of their friends have shown up. These two are just lazy fucks and I’ll be glad when they’re gone.
I’m behind the bar, serving drinks while pulling drinks for my tables when I feel Wood and Boy Scout. They’re behind the bar and taking orders while I continue to run around like crazy. I get a quick kiss on the cheek from Boy Scout before he goes to the opposite end of the bar where the customers have been waiting a long time for me to get there. I’ve spent more time apologizing tonight than actually doing my job it seems.
“Where’s your fuckin’ help?” Wood asks once I make my way back for more drinks.
“Not here. Trisha is only working her tables and Serena refuses to come down from VIP. I’m doing the best I can right now,” I answer with an attitude as the guys continue to sling drinks and fill my orders.
“See that, Spitfire. Just askin’ where everyone is,” he answers, filling my tray and handing out more drinks.
“I have none as usual. Thanks for the help, but I got it,” I answer, letting my inner bitch out to play as I recall the confrontation earlier today.
“Know you need the help. And know that shit went down today. Gonna talk later on,” he answers as Boy Scout stops next to him to listen to our conversation. “Ginger and Trin are on their way over to help out.”
“Great! Just what I need,” I say, picking up my tray and leaving before he can say anything else.
For the next few hours, I manage to avoid Ginger and the guys. They’ve left the bar and I can only assume have made their way back to the clubhouse or upstairs. None of the guys spend a lot of time on the lower level of Phantom when they’re here. Not unless they’re trying to pick up a customer they’ve laid eyes on. I usually love knowing that they’re here and if I need them, they don’t have to drive here. Tonight, I hate it. Especially with the side looks I continuously get from Ginger. Trinity can tell that something is going on and she’s pushed the redheaded bitch away from me more than once.
“Trin, I need a minute. I’ll be right back,” I say, making my way to the bathroom so I can relieve my bladder and take a minute to compose myself.
I’m covered in sweat and feel disgusting from all the running that I’ve been doing today. Before I can finish washing up my face and pull my hair back again, Ginger makes her way into the bathroom. Fuck my life! When is this twatwaffle gonna get a clue and leave me the hell alone?
“You better not say a word about our little talk earlier today. We’ll beat your ass and make sure that you get kicked out of the club for good,” she says, pushing me against the wall. “Collette is on her way here to make sure that you don’t talk.”
“Neither one of you scare me. I’ve faced a lot worse and I’m still standing. By the way, how many more layers of make-up did you have to cake on to make sure no one saw the bruise I’m sure you’re sporting right now?” I ask, pushing against her to the point that she falls on her ass. “Leave me the fuck alone.”
As I make my way back out to the floor, I see that Slim and the rest of the guys are walking in. He looks at me with a frown on his face as I scurry away to grab my tray before checking on my tables. Trinity smiles at me and hands me a bottle of water to drink from before I begin the never-ending trips around the room again. I smile at her and go to walk away as Collette steps in front of me. She refuses to let me pass and get back to work. It must be nice to not have to worry about actually doing anything to earn money.
“Leave me the hell alone, Collette. Just told your skanky sister the same thing. I’m over it and I’m trying to do a job. Unlike you,” I say, going to push my way past her.
“Bitch, you better watch yourself. You’re on fucking borrowed time and it’s not long before you have nothing. Less than nothing. One word from me is all it’ll take,” she says, trying to give me a warning as Trinity comes up behind me to help me.
I walk away from them. Collette knows my worst fear is being alone again and she’s going to push every single one of my buttons until it happens. Then I’ll have to figure out a lot more than I do right now. I’ll do it though. Being around the club has proven to me that there are good people out there. They may come in the form of a one percent motorcycle club, but there’s someone willing to give others a chance.
I don’t want to leave the friends that I’m making here, or rip my son away to the unknown, but I will if that’s what it comes down to. I’m stronger now, and I can do anything I set my mind to. At this point, the only reason I’d wait is to finish my degree so that I don’t have to start all over again. That’s not a big deal though.
The next few hours go by uneventfully. I take care of my tables, help out behind the bar when I can. It didn’t take Ginger long to make her way upstairs with the guys leaving Trinity alone. I’m not going to make her work it by herself, and no one else is stepping in. So, I go back to working the floor and the bar. I don’t have enough time for a break or to worry about where Wood and Boy Scout are. It’s refreshing to not think about anything other than keeping the drink orders straight and making sure that everyone is happy.
Before I know it, I hear the bell for last call. Everyone scrambles to the bar. I quickly check on my tables and see that most of them are empty now. Making my way to the bar, I see that Wood has joined Trinity and is working one end while she works the other. I stop in the middle and help get the customers their drinks so that we can close down the bar for the night. Then it will be a matter of cleaning up the rest of the club and getting prepped for tomorrow night.
“Wood, Jennifer, and Trinity come upstairs as soon as you’re done. Alex and Zach are takin’ over. There’s a situation that needs to be taken care of,” Slim says, walking away from the bar before we can answer him.
The three of us make our way to the VIP section. I’m walking in front of Trinity so I don’t have to be next to Wood right now. Is it childish? Maybe. But I’m hurt and I don’t want to be anywhere near him or Boy Scout. Not when I feel betrayed and like they’ve let me down. As soon as we enter the back of the VIP area, I see that everyone, including the house bunnies, are here sitting at different tables. Slim
tells Serena to leave and head downstairs for right now. Clayton and Ian, two more Prospects of the club, will be closing this section.
“I don’t know what all happened today, but it seems that Stryker witnessed somethin’ that should never happen in my house. Stryker, why don’t you fill everyone in,” Slim says, looking directly at me as Stryker stands up and begins to talk.
“I went in to get somethin’ to eat. Overheard Collette and Ginger talkin’ shit to someone. They seem to know an awful lot of personal information about Jennifer. Tellin’ her how Wood and Boy Scout are tired of her shit and told them all about her past while they were fuckin’ them last night. Even heard them sayin’ how you’re gettin’ tired of your girl and her son. Called him a snot-nosed brat, I believe. Anyway, after your girl gave it right back to them, she punched that bitch Ginger in the face and left. I followed her and watched as she let a few tears go and left. She’s been holdin’ that shit in all day and then came here to be swamped,” he says, making my face turn red at the humiliation of everyone now knowing about the confrontation.
“Slim, got something to add to that,” Trinity speaks up as I begin to shake my head in her direction. “When you guys got here, Collette stopped Jennifer from going back to work after using the restroom. Ginger also followed her there. I’m not sure what was said, but I know something was.”
“That right, Jennifer?” Slim questions me.
“Yes. They each told me that I better not say a word about what happened. Not trying to be a rat, so can we please drop this? It’s not worth it. I know where they stand and I’m here to do my job and that’s it,” I say, not wanting to be the center of attention any longer.
Chapter Nineteen
Boy Scout
WOOD AND I stand here and listen to what’s being said. I can’t believe the shit these two bitches are trying to pull right now. Glancing over at Jennifer, I notice that she won’t even look in our direction. The only thing I see covering her face is devastation and betrayal. She thinks we told someone else, if not those two bitches, about her past. I get that this shit looks bad considering that Wood and I were the only two that know it. Not even Kim has gotten the story out of her. We would never fucking betray our girl like that.