Page 204 of Lost Lyrebird

CHAPTER 57

Birds of a feather…because flying through the winds of this world alone is no way to fly.

Lily stops short as she steps into the clubhouse and takes in the changes.The usual rowdy energy is dialed down, replaced by a more subdued crowd.For one, it’s clean—probably cleaner than she’s ever seen it.Two, it’s been aired out.A faint citrusy scent and the aroma of barbecue fill the lounge room.

After greeting those inside the clubhouse, we make our way out back.We’re immediately assaulted by the sound of boisterous voices, laughter, as well as the high-pitched squeals from kids chasing one another.Multiple conversations are happening throughout the area.Groups are congregated around the picnic tables, fire pits, and the old timers are keeping Cap company as he mans the grill.

“Are you sure my skirt’s not too short?”she asks, like there’s time to change into something else at this point.

My “Fuck, no,” earns me a scowl.

Her eyes dart from person to person.Probably too many unfamiliar faces to feel at home in a place she knows so well.Not the wild, reckless, free-for-all she’s used to.This is the side of the HOCs she’s not been privy to.The members and their families, children, and friends of the club.

On the drive here, Lily flipped her hair several times, checked her makeup twice, a clear giveaway that she’s nervous about how this will go.Still is.So I hold up my hand and offer it to her.She squeezes it tightly, and I return the gesture, letting her know that she can steal some of my strength to get through this if she needs it.I’m here to keep her grounded, guide her through this new version of this world she’s only ever seen the darkest sides of.She’s been through hell and back with me, but this, this is one of the reasons I pressed on, and I want her to be part of it.

Some of the old ladies are already eyeing her.Their expressions range from curiosity to subtle judgment.I hate it.But I have to let it play out.Or at least that was Cap’s advice.

Beyond the label of “clubpiece,” she has the added “stripper” title attached to her, and the women here who are threatened by her beauty and talent will use those to try to knock her down.

It’s not right, but nothing short of threatening those who fuck with her, will fix it.

These women aren’t for the faint of heart.They can be cruel and kind in equal measure, and they sure as shit have long-ass memories.She’ll have to fight for her place among them, but I’m confident she will with time.

Bethany comes to the rescue, her usual bluntness cutting through the tension as she exits the back door and approaches us.“Ugh, I hate these things,” she mutters.She’s carrying a casserole dish, a plastic-wrapped plate of cookies on top of it, and Medda, her baby girl, is propped on her hip.“I swear, it’s like a damn competition every time,” Bethany continues, her voice lowering conspiratorially.“What dish to bring, whether it’s good enough.What to wear.I can’t stand it.But if I opt out, then I’m in deep shit.Or highly depressed and in need of medication, according to Nick.Like I can’t fuckin’ win, you know?”

She dips her chin towards the cookies, “Those are for you.I figured I’d bring a backup dessert just in case Goose didn’t tell you how it works at these things.God forbid you don’t bring something.”

Lily gives her a hesitant smile and picks them up, her shoulders relaxing.“You’re a lifesaver.Thank you.”

“You were there when I needed it.”She gives Lily a meaningful, sad smile.“I’m just repaying the favor.”Bethany nudges her lightly with her elbow and whispers.“Nick’ll give you hell, but she does it to everyone new.So prepare yourself.It’s like some kind of hazing.Just keep your chin up, okay.Don’t let any of the shit they sling get to you.”

I glance over at Nick, Dozer’s mom, holding court near the fire pit.As if she’s aware we’re talking about her, her gaze comes up and scans the yard.When it lands on us, she gives Bethany a grim smile and then Lily a long, appraising once-over.When her gaze moves to me, she raises an eyebrow.I meet it unflinchingly, letting her know without words how firm I stand on this decision.That yes, this is it.She’s it for me.This is who I choose.

Nick watches Lily and Bethany.The corner of her mouth lifts.She nods back once in understanding as if to say,okay then,let the games begin.

She’ll test her and push her.Ultimately, she’s preparing Lily for the life she will lead and helping her establish her place here.She’ll give her a good dose of tough love and then protect the hell out of her.Nick just wants to make sure she’s worthy of this club, and that’s love in her own twisted way.

“Come on,” Bethany says, motioning toward the long tables set up where the food’s being placed.“Let’s set these down and then I’ll introduce you around.”

They weave through people to drop off the dishes.They head to the picnic tables where Dozer’s bubbly blonde sister, Taffy, is sitting with Kendra and Blair, Septic and Bodie’s old ladies.Taffy is talking a mile a minute with wild hand gestures.There’s a massive smile on her face.She beams further when Bethany and Lily arrive and immediately jumps up to snatch Medda from Bethany so she can tickle and coo at her.

Dozer steps up beside me and slaps my back.His large frame casts a huge shadow on the overgrown grass.“You ready for this?”

I rub my hand over my mouth and shake my head.“No, but yeah.Ready to ask the question, but not ready for, well, you know.”

Dozer chuckles heartily and smirks.“I bet.Well, I for one can’t fuckin’ wait to see it.”His gaze travels over the yard.When it lands on the women at the picnic table, the jovial expression drops from his face.His gaze flicks to mine.

The only thing I can think to say is, “Give it time.”

He clears his throat and looks away, “Yeah.Trying to.Not as easy as it sounds.”He rubs the back of his neck.“Wish there was some kind of button I could hit to fast forward time.”

“If you find one, let me know.I’d like to go back a decade and get a do-over.”

“Actually, yeah, that sounds better.Then we could find a way to never let go in the first place.”

I nod solemnly.Sadly, in life, there are no do-overs, only the present and future to look forward to.Which reminds me to appreciate the time I do have, however little of it that may be.

As the evening wears on and the sun and moon trade places in the sky, Lily’s ability to make connections one-on-one becomes more apparent.It’s not the same in a group.In those instances, she’ll pull the actress out.It’s almost as if she thinks she has a better chance of winning people over if she doesn’t let them see her true self.Then she watches them long enough to know who she wants to get to know.I think she’s taking the time to gauge who won’t take advantage of her vulnerability and kindness, and based on this, she chooses who to spend her time with.