Zoann said she’d cook a dish centered around Valentine’s Day for them to taste test. “I’ll make sure it’s an aphrodisiac,” she’d promised.
Once she’d hung up with Zoann, Meggie called the other women again and told them they could bring recipes or an actual dish like Zoann would. Now, as they all sat around the island in the kitchen, sipping mimosas and throwing out ideas for the ball, Meggie took notes.
“I’m not sure about a hall,” she said at Bunny’s suggestion. “At first, yeah. But it isn’t that important.”
“What’s a ball without a hall?” Kendall intoned, not unkindly, glancing at Meggie’s neck.
A turtleneck covered her bruises, and would continue to do so, until they faded. She didn’t want constant reminders of what had taken place. She and Kendall—Christopher and Johnnie—needed to move on from this incident.
“Kendall’s right,” Bunny offered, her gaze going to Meggie’s neck, too. “Isn’t that the whole reason you decided on a ball?”
She nodded.
“I think it’ll be fun,” Christopher’s youngest sister, Fee, said, with a dreamy smile. She was both Cash and Stretch’s girlfriend, and now had a baby by both. “I’ll be healed from Wynona’s birth right around that time.”
“I haven’t been to a ball in years, sugar,” Roxy stated.
Bailey smiled at her mother. “We can dress up and let tuxedos be optional.”
“Okay,” Meggie answered, her voice still hoarse and her throat still sore. “I’ll look into some places.” She made a note. “Wherever it’s held, I want a lot of roses for decorations.”
“Definitely,” Zoann agreed. “I know it’s for Valentine’s Day, but it’s also for your wedding anniversary. Are you going to renew your vows, Meggie?”
“I want to. That means Christopher would have to deal with Father Wilkins, though. That might complicate matters more than him wearing a tux.”
“The priest’s an honorary member of the club,” Zoann pointed out. “They’ve learned to tolerate each other.”
“Yeah,” Fee added. “I’m sure Christopher wouldn’t mind renewing your vows.”
“Ohhhh.” Kendall’s eyes lit up. “You two can write your own vows.” She slapped her forehead. “Oh my God, what am I talking about? I forgot who I’m dealing with. The blonde and the biker.”
Meggie glared in Kendall’s direction.
“Kendall, baby, if I have to find some tape to shut your fucking mouth, I will,” Roxy warned her. “We’re not here for your petty bullshit.”
“Why don’t we talk about the food?” Bailey suggested with nervous laughter. “That’s originally what the meeting was for. Menu preparation.”
“I think the food should be catered,” Fee piped in. “Think about it. We’ll have to get ourselves and our kids together.”
“Kids?” Kendall laughed. “Children won’t be allowed.”
“Aww,” Bailey said. “I had the perfect little dress for Harley.”
“Of course kids are allowed,” Meggie said. “They are a big part of our lives. I can’t imagine hiring babysitters for them.”
“I won’t allow my children to attend,” Kendall snapped. “They need to know their places.”
Irritation surged through Meggie, but she knew Kendall would dig her heels in if Meggie insisted.
“All the kids are going to be there except Rory, Matilda, and JJ, Kendall,” Bailey said. “Suppose Outlaw and Lucas want a father-daughter dance? Johnnie could have one too, if Matilda is there.”
“A father-daughter dance?” Pursing her lips, Kendall glanced away, then sighed. “Fine. But I’ll need Ella to have an invitation. I won’t be able to handle three children on my own.”
“That’s not a problem,” Meggie promised, her heart going out to Kendall in spite of everything. That didn’t mean she wasn’t angry with Kendall. But Meggie also knew how deeply Kendall had mourned the loss of her father, when she’d been just a child. That had affected her entire life. She understood how Kendall valued her identity as a career-woman. The fact that she didn’t care who she risked to get her way was what infuriated Meggie and made her want to shake some sense into Kendall. “You can invite whoever you’d like.”
“Thank you,” Kendall said primly. “I’ll inform her to start searching for a ball gown.”
“Who’s providing the music?” Bunny asked.
“I want to ask Sloane Mason if Phoenix Rising has that date open,” Meggie answered. “Hopefully, they do. Otherwise, we can get a DJ.”
“How about operatic music?” Kendall said.
“Fuck no!” Zoann boomed. “You’ll never ruin my night. Opera limpens Val’s dick and dries my pussy out.”
“Must you be so crass all the fucking time?” Kendall complained.
“If Val doesn’t complain, you damn sure have no place to say anything,” Zoann retorted.
“Val wouldn’t complain.” Kendall smirked. “The little man is afraid of you.”
Zoann opened her mouth to respond, but Roxy clapped her hands. “Enough!” she demanded, restoring instant order.
For a moment, they were all silent. Meggie took the opportunity to add balloons to her list as well as a reminder to contact Sloane ASAP.
“Can I tell you a little secret?” Kendall said on a loud whisper.
“You’re going to say it whether we agree or not,” Zoann told her, “so why bother to ask?”
Kendall scowled at Zoann, but then leaned forward, rested her arms on the counter, and smiled. “A few days ago, I told Johnnie he could fuck me in the ass.”
“Why?” Bunny asked with a frown. “Did you want something?”
“Of course not,” Kendall answered. “Johnnie and I have the type of relationship where I made the offer out of love. Because he loves and respects me, he turned me down.”
“You poor thing,” Fee said with a mischievous laugh. “There’s nothing like getting hammered in the ass and the pussy. When Stretch and Cash fuck me at the same time, I almost lose my mind from the ecstasy.”
“Roxy, has Knox ever wanted to fuck you in the ass?” Kendall asked.
“Kendall!” Bailey cried. “I’d prefer not to hear about what Knox and my mother do in bed.”
“You’re so anal, Bailey,” Kendall tittered. “If you don’t want to hear about Knox and your mom, what about you and Mortician? Did I ever tell you he wanted to sleep with me at one time, then he realized Johnnie was interested in me and backed away.”
Bailey choked, then plastered a smile on her face. “No, I’ve never heard this story.”
“He had to undress me...OW!” Kendall cried when Roxy twisted her ear.
“Shut your goddamn fucking mouth, girl,” she ordered. “Mortician’s your friend. Don’t try to fuck with his wife, my daughter.”
“I’m not trying to be mean,” Kendall said. “I’m making conversation. Girl talk.”
“This isn’t how you do it, stupid bitch,” Zoann growled.
“I have more brains than you’ll ever dream of having, Zoann,” Kendall said flatly.
Before things got out of hand, Meggie intervened. “Why don’t we start tasting the food, ladies?”
Zoann and Kendall both glowered at Meggie, who pretended not to notice as she ran down everything she thought they’d need for the ball. “A caterer. A decorator, photographer, and a cake. Invitations. Music. Champagne…” Her voice trailed off and she rested her chin in her hand. “This sounds like fun, but it seems so pretentious, doesn’t it? If we give something at the club, we can cook and the guys can drink beer and…it’ll be much more normal.”
“Why do you want normal?” Kendall asked with a shrug, her earlier aggravation completely gone. “You’re reaching a milestone. You should want to celebrate it big.”
“It amazes me, but I actually agree with Kendall,” Zoann said. “She’s right, baby. Besides, Christopher will understand.”
“Yeah, Meggie,” Fee said. “It’s all up to you. If you want the ball, then w
e all get to dress up like princesses for an evening with our Prince Charmings.”
Prince Charming. What an excellent way to describe her husband. He might not fit the image of a Disney-style knight-in-shining-armor, but Meggie preferred her sexy, black-haired, green-eyed biker any day over the accepted ideal of a nobleman.
Save a prince. Ride a biker.
“Okay, then we should meet here tomorrow evening and bring the guys in on the planning,” Meggie said, clearing her throat to cover her giggle. Including the guys as soon as possible would also help to draw their minds away from the incident, as Roxy, Meggie, and Kendall had discussed. She stood. “For now, let’s start tasting our dishes.”
“Me, first!” Kendall jumped from her seat and raced to the refrigerator, pulling out a tray, covered in clear plastic wrap. Bringing it over to the island, she uncovered it. “Voilà! Smoked salmon with caviar and mango.”
Zoann craned her neck from where she sat on the stool on the other side of the island. “I have to say. It looks pretty good.”
Actually, it was delicious, and they all agreed that would be on the menu. Although Kendall had another dish she wanted everyone to try out, Bunny asked if she could go next since Ryder, Ransom, and her son, Marcus, Jr., would be waking soon.
Once everyone agreed, Bunny got two potholders and pulled a pan out of the warming drawer and sat it on top the unlit burners.
Kendall squinted, then drew closer to the stove, and gasped. “Corndogs? Are you fucking kidding me? I’m not eating that. My taste buds would commit mutiny. That’s not an aphrodisiac. That’s a trailer park kid’s food.”
Bunny huffed out a breath.
“It’s okay, Bunny,” Meggie said quickly, not wanting her friend to burst into tears, and seeing she was on the verge. “I like corndogs.”
“I rest my fucking case,” Kendall said through tight lips. “Blonde dummy and trailer trash.”
Tears slid down Bunny’s cheeks and her lips trembled.
“You should cry,” Kendall sneered.
“Kendall, shut up,” Meggie screeched. “Bunny’s pregnant and all you’re doing is hurting her feelings.”
“You’re having another baby?” Kendall asked with a frown, then broke out into peals of laughter. “Better you than me.”
“I’m going to the nursery,” Bunny responded and rushed away, forgetting her dish.
“Bunny, wait!” Meggie cried, starting after her friend.
“I’m fine,” Bunny said, pausing in the doorway. “Stay. Finish tasting the food. Kendall’s right, anyway. It was such short notice, I didn’t have time to find a good recipe. Corndogs are rather phallic looking.” She gulped. “I’m sorry.”
“You’re fine,” Meggie soothed. “I promise. I love corndogs. And you’re right. Corndogs are long and meaty. I’m always up for long and meaty.”
Bunny grinned through her tears.
“Ohhhhh, Meggie,” Fee and Bailey teased, pumping their fists in the air. “Woof, woof, woof.”
“I’m going to check on the kids,” Bunny said.
“Okay,” Meggie agreed. “As long as you’re okay.”
“I am,” she promised, and walked away.
“Oh my God! I can’t believe she’s pregnant again,” Kendall chirped the moment Bunny left. “I’d rather sew my pussy up than have more children.”
“You’re doing all your little unfertilized eggs a favor, Kendall,” Zoann said sweetly. “Us, too. You’ll finally fuck up enough to where either Johnnie will leave you or Christopher will kill you, because you won’t have a pregnancy to fall back on.”
Kendall started for Zoann, who, in turn, stood from her seat and got into battle stance.
“It’s my turn,” Fee blurted, hurrying to the refrigerator and pulling out a pitcher, while Roxy jerked Kendall back to her seat and Zoann returned to her.
Fee hummed an offkey, high-pitched tune that indicated her nervousness at the tension. If Roxy hadn’t been there, Kendall and Zoann would be rolling on the floor, pummeling each other.
Fee got glasses from the cabinet then poured everyone a bit of the drink she’d brought. “Drink up,” she said, when they all had their glasses filled.
Meggie frowned at the strong odor and looked suspiciously into her glass. “What is it?”
“Just drink, silly,” Fee said brightly, tasting her drink.
Meggie sniffed the contents of her glass again, picking up on the scent of molasses. It had the consistency and color of dark rum. “Is this hard liquor?”
“No,” Fee swore. “It’s wine. Just drink it.”
“Try it, Meggie.” Bailey drained her glass. “It’s good.”
Zoann took a small sip. “I have to agree.” She took a bigger gulp.
“Hmmm, it is good,” Kendall said. “What is it?” she asked, just as Meggie tasted hers.
“Cash’s mom and stepdad travel all over the world.” Fee finished her drink. “She said we had to try this and brought us some. It’s called Tezhi Sanbian Jiu.”
Meggie drank from her glass. The wine was delicious. “Ummmm, yum,” she said, draining her glass, too.
Fee went to the refrigerator, pulled out the bottle, and poured more into everyone’s glasses. Sold on the drink, Meggie held her glass out. Smiling, Fee pored a small amount in.
“What is it?” Meggie asked again.
“Tezhi Sanbian Jiu,” Fee answered with a grin.
“You already said that, baby,” Roxy pointed out. “Is that the brand name or the drink name? What’s in it?”
“Oh, um…” Fee made a moue of her mouth then waved her hand. “It’s Three Penis Wine.”
As Fee spoke, more of the beverage hit Meggie’s tongue, and the slight molasses taste turned bitter…gross. She choked, then coughed, jumping from her seat and rushing to the sink.
The drink exploded from Kendall’s mouth in a large spray.
“Oh my God!” Zoann cried. “I’m going to fuck you up, Ophelia!”
“I’m drinking three dicks?” Roxy asked in horror. “Whose? What…Fuck, what the fuck am I saying? You’re giving me Three Dick Wine, girl? What’s wrong with you?”
“It’s Three Penis Wine,” Fee said with a sniff. “And you’re being very disrespectful. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine for male virility and vitality.”
“Do I look like I have a cock?” Roxy demanded. “Last time I checked I had a pussy.”
“Omigod, Fee!” Meggie cried, after rinsing her mouth out.
Kendall snorted. “Oh, please, Meggie. You can’t be upset drinking pricks, as much as your husbands stays in your mouth.”
Meggie narrowed her eyes.
“Ignore her,” Roxy ordered, then turned to Fee. “What three dicks am I drinking, anyway?”
Fee huffed out a breath. “You liked it before I said what it was!”
“Ophelia,” Zoann gritted.
“Fine. It’s deer, seal, and Cantonese dog penises.”
“I’m drinking dog penis?” Bailey gasped. “Don’t they have to be, like, dead, for their dicks to be made into wine?”
“Let me see this fucking bottle.” Snatching the bottle from Fee, Roxy squinted, attempting to use one eye to see inside the bottle. “Shit, this isn’t working.” Getting a glass, she poured out what was left of the contents. “Okay, so there’s no pickled pricks. Just how is this shit made?”
“There won’t be pickled cock,” Fee said with a sniff. “You’re thinking of the medicinal drinks where snakes or baby mice or whatever ferments. This is made from powdered dick.”
Roxy gave her an under-eyed look. “What the fuck does that mean?”
Fee shrugged. “I guess the penises are dried then made into a powder.”
“I need to fuck you up for bringing this,” Zoann bit out.
“You just happened to have this at your house?” Kendall asked sarcastically.
“Yes, I swear.” Fee stepped closer to Roxy, out of Zoann’s reach. “Meggie said it was for Valentine’s day and it n
eeded to be an aphrodisiac.”
“Um, yeah,” Meggie agreed, “but, no. We don’t need that much of an aphrodisiac.”
“Cash likes it,” Fee pointed out. “Can’t we have some on hand for him?”
“Okay, I tell you what,” Meggie started. “We’ll have it on hand, so if he wants it, it’ll be there.” Reluctantly, she added Three Penis Wine to the menu. “Next.”
“I have to get home soon, so I’ll go next.” Zoann grinned. “Although it was my idea to do the tasting, it still presented me with a challenge, so I went online to find something different.”
Going to the refrigerator, she pulled out a glass pan. Meggie couldn’t see exactly what the dish contained, so she patiently waited until Zoann warmed the food in the microwave, then used potholders to bring it to the island. She got little dessert plates and served everyone a portion.
No one made a move to take a plate; instead, they all stared at the black noodles, topped with chives and lobster meat, and sprinkles of orange custard.
“I’m not putting that into my mouth until you tell me exactly what it is,” Kendall announced.
“It’s squid ink noodles with uni and lobster meat.”
“Uni?” Meggie echoed.
Kendall frowned. “Are you sure that’s right? I’ve never heard of it, and I eat all types of delicacies.”
“You’ve never heard of sense either, but it exists,” Zoann said with a glower.
“I’ve seen uni on some cooking shows,” Roxy said, shaking her head in disapproval. “That’s sea urchin balls.”
“No, Mama,” Bailey protested, holding up her smart phone. “Uni is the roe.”
Kendall followed Bailey’s idea and went to her phone. A moment later, she turned it toward everyone. “I’m afraid Roxy’s right, Bailey. It’s sea urchin gonads. In effect, balls.”
No one responded.
“Right?” she added with uncertainty.
“Gonads are testicles or ovaries,” Zoann reminded them.
“Give me some,” Meggie said. “I’ll try it.”
“Thank you, baby.” Zoann prepared a small plate for Meggie, then handed it to her.
Death Dwellers Motorcycle Club:: Fifteen Bad Boy Biker Books Page 441