Page 22 of Size Queen

8

Damon

Icalled a meeting for Thursday afternoon for the Rolling Heads. Everyone was already at the shop waiting for me before I’ve even left the house. I feel tired, but it’s completely worth it.

Since Monday night, Noelle and I have been texting each other almost nonstop. We both were waiting for the other to text the other first, but finally I just went for it and texted her after I’d closed up shop that night. A lot of it was casual small talk, but it felt great to hear from her.

It was also nice to wake up not knowing what wonders might be waiting for me on the phone. On Tuesday morning, she texted me a picture of herself naked in the shower—water rushing down her delicious, nude body—as a way of greeting me for the day. With that being the first picture message I ever received from her, I was instantly curious about her standards. I was anxious for more pictures to come.

Our flirtatious, provocative texting continued all the way to now. She was waiting for my response to a suggestive text about exploring the back of my shop again… unfortunately for our sex life, my work life is calling.

I roll in to the parking lot. There, in my spot, is Kace—smoking a cigarette and chilling—waiting for me to arrive. We nod to each other.

“What’s the word?” I ask as I park my bike.

“Some shit’s brewing with the Hell-Snakes,” he says.

“Yeah, no shit,” I reply. “Tell me something that isn’t obvious.”

“It isn’t just about the Hell-Snakes anymore,” Kace informs me. “It isn’t just about our club rivals; it’s about our business rivals. We know for certain now: the Snakes are trying to take our customers away from the shop here, too.”

“How do we know for sure?”

“A lot of bikers go to the same spots in Miami, bro,” he points out. “They get in their ear over at some of the bars and places to shoot the shit. Before you know it, they’re spreading rumors. Never had one bad word said about us before these fuckers rolled in. Now, they’re smearing us and steering away the competition.”

“And this is a certainty?”

“I witnessed it in person,” he says. “You’re more recognizable than I am, Damon. I can blend in better. No one’s going to misbehave when the Head Roller is around. People respect you.”

“True. So, they’rereallytrying to move in on our territory. In every sense of the meaning.”

“The longer we stay quiet, the further they’re going to push the boundaries. Just because we went to a few of their spots downtown doesn’t mean they know we’re serious. We may need to send a message.”

“I’m angry about their shitty business tactics, but I can’t just respond with violence,” I say. “Our fathers have had claim to this part of Miami for years. Now, it’s ours, and if anything,wepush the boundaries. No one’s taking over us.”

“Hey, save some of the inspiring talk for the fellas during the meeting.”

“Good point,” I concede. “How to respond…”

“I say we tell them to back the fuck off, simple as that,” says Kace. “If they don’t, they’re going to have a problem.”

“Yeah, this isn’t okay.” I try to imagine what a takeover from a rival gang might look like. “We need to teach them how things work around here.”

“How do you want to approach it?”

“After our meeting here, I’ll go talk to Tom Wright at the Hell-Snakes’ lodge,” I declare. “I’ll go alone so it won’t be confrontational in nature and we can relax.”

“Fuck that shit,” Kace retorts. “You ain’t going anywhere near Wright without backup.”

“Tom and I aren’t on bad terms,” I defend. “There’s tension, and we both know it doesn’t feel right. One of us has to take the initiative, and I don’t want there to be any bloodshed.”

“So, me or anyone else going with you is going to incite violence?” Kace asks in an offended tone.

“I just want everyone to be relaxed,” I stress. “I think we’ll all have cooler heads if it’s just me. I’m going with my instincts here.”

Kace doesn’t like it, and he looks like he’s going to persist. Instead, he bites his tongue.

“I’ll be able to get a good look around their compound, also,” I point out. “I’ll get a feel for what they’re all about. Count their numbers—their bikes, their weapons, their fighters—all of them.”