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Xanthe

I don’t think I need to. No one is going to come after me. Not like I’m an old lady.

Ora

Maybe we just want you here.

Lore

I know someone who does.

Ora

WHO?

Xanthe

Yeah, who?

I look up at Lore. “One of the men has a thing for Xanthe?”

Lore leans back and crosses his arms behind his head. “I believe so. But I’m not saying anything. We have to let this play out, I think.”

I type out a quick message and hit send.

Lu

Yes, I spent the night with him. We didn’t go all the way. Now I’m cooking you lunch, Ora!

Sliding my phone back into my pocket, I get started on cooking. With so many people in the clubhouse, it’s basically like catering. Haze brings me my drink, kisses me, and sits next to Lore with his notebook and pen in his hand. Writing songs. He never went anywhere without a notebook.

At Ora’s and Lore’s request, once the spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, and salad are ready, I call everyone in.

Ora comes back from her doctor’s appointment and gives me a warm hug. “Thank you, it smells so good.”

“Sorry I missed breakfast,” I say, clearing my throat.

She laughs and winks at me. “I’m not. I want all the details. And you don’t need to fuss over me, Lu. I appreciate it, but I’m a big girl, and I can manage.”

“Well, I’m not pregnant and don’t have a job to go to. The catering has died down a little now that the wedding season is over. So please, put me to work.” I grin, about to grab a plate, when Haze says, “This is yours, Luella.”

He plates my food and places it in front of me. “Do you want another drink?”

I nod slowly. “Yes, please.”

Ora and I share a look.

Haze is trying.

He is all in.

Now I need to decide if I do the same.

HAZE

My leather boots hit the gravel when I slide off my Harley. I spent hours recording new songs, the words just flowing. My muse is back, and I feel more alive than ever. She opens her door in a cute nightdress, one I’ve seen her wear before with a picture of Sailor Moon on the material. She looks fucking adorable.

“Haze,” she murmurs, opening the door wider. “I wasn’t sure what time you were going to be done.”